Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

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What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Watch the video below to learn more about applications.

Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.

Desktop applications

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

  • Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

    Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

  • Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

    Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

  • Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

    Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

  • Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Mobile apps

Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile apps.

Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

  • Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
  • Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.
  • Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

Installing new applications

Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in, such as a web browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install new apps to add more functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software on Your Windows PC, Installing Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn more.

Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

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Updated: 07/06/2021 by Computer Hope

Program may refer to any of the following:

1. As a verb, to program a computer is the writing of instructions, statements, or commands that instruct the computer how to process data. There are several programming languages used to program a computer.

  • How to create a computer program.
  • Full list of computer programming terms.

Is a program that allows users to a specific task on the computer this will give instructions to the computer on what to do and how do you do it?

2. As a noun, a program, also called an application or software, is a set of instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result. For example, Microsoft Word is a word processing program that allows users to create and write documents. A browser, such as the one you are using to view this page, is a program.

When Apple introduced the iPhone, they popularized the term "app," but an app (application) and program are the same thing. Today, most people think of an "app" as an application on an Apple computer, smartphone, or tablet. A program is thought of as something that runs on a computer (e.g., a Windows computer).

Tip

With all the different ways companies and people use these terms, it's best to think of an application, app, and program as the same thing. See our app page for further information on mobile apps.

Programs vs. scripts

When a program is created, it's compiled into a language that the computer can understand. Once compiled, the program does not need any other programs to run as long as the computer has the required operating system and platform. A script is not compiled and needs an interpreter to translate the script into something the computer understands. Without an interpreter, the script cannot run on the computer. However, once installed, a script can run on any platform without needing to be re-written. See our script term for further information and the pros and cons of scripts.

Commands vs. programs

A command is an instruction that is given to a program or operating system to perform an action. See our command page for further information.

What type of files are program files?

A program file must be an executable file and for software programs running Microsoft Windows end with a file extension of .EXE, .COM, or .PIF. Executing these files runs the program and allows it to be used on the computer. On an Apple Macintosh computer, a program ends with .APP.

Examples of computer programs

There are millions of different programs available for computers, phones, and other devices today. Below are a few examples and the related program category.

Tip

If you visit the program category page, you can see other examples of programs of that category.

  • See our software page for information on software that is considered a program and software that is a different category.

What is the purpose of a program?

Without application software (programs), your computer would be able to operate with the operating system (system software), but would not be capable of doing anything else. A program gives the computer and user the ability to perform specific tasks. For example, to browse the Internet, you would install a browser on the computer. A browser is a program that instructs the computer how to visit, display, and navigate a web page. Without a browser program, the computer would not be able to browse the Internet.

What are the basic functions of a program?

The functions of a program vary depending on the type of program. For example, the function of a browser program is to browse the Internet. The function of a word processor is to create, view, and edit documents. A program is usually designed to perform a specific task (function), and only that task. In other words, a word processor program can create a document, but it cannot be used to browse the Internet.

Tip

See our program examples for a list of different types of programs and program categories.

Note

Today, with cloud computing and online services, it may be confusing to know how to define a service, such as Google Docs. Google Docs is a word processor, but it primarily runs through the browser and therefore is considered a web-based application, not a program.

Are game programs?

Yes, games are programs, but may be labeled as "games" and not "programs," to distinguish them as designed for leisure rather than productivity. As a category of programs, games have subcategories of their own, such as FPS, MMO, and RPG. For example, Quake is an "FPS game."

Is Microsoft Windows a program?

No. All versions of Microsoft Windows are considered an operating system and not a program.

What was the first program?

The first software program that was held in electronic memory was credited to and written by Tom Kilburn. The program calculated the highest factor of the integer 218 = 262,144, and was successfully executed on June 21, 1948, at the University of Manchester, England. The computer was called the SSEM (Small Scale Experimental Machine), otherwise known as the "Manchester Baby.". This event is widely celebrated as the birth of software.

3. Program is the Swedish translation for the Windows Program Files folder.

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