A3 | Apps & Programs

Here you will learn about apps and programs, and what you should consider when using them.

• 1. What are apps and programs?

  An operating system alone isn’t very useful. To surf the internet, write emails, or watch presentations, we need to install the appropriate programs first.

  With smartphones and tablets, programs normally take the form of apps (app is the short form of application). This term is also used for desktop PCs and notebooks, but the word “program” is more common. A program always refers to software with a specific function.

  Got it!

• 2. Where can I find apps and programs?

  When you buy a new device, there are usually a few pre-installed apps and programs that you can use for the most important tasks. Most devices have a pre-installed browser that allows you to surf the internet.

  If you would like to download more applications, it’s best to first take a look at the in-house store for your device. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS each have their own individual app store, which is essentially a kind of virtual store with apps and programs. Some apps cost money, but there are also many others that you can download for free.

  Microsoft Store

  For users of a Windows desktop or laptop, the appropriate store is called the Microsoft Store, which you’ll recognize by its shopping bag icon. You may see the icon on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen or on the desktop/home screen. If not, you can just type “Microsoft Store” or “Store” in the bottom left search bar to access the store.

  Mac App Store

  If you have an Apple desktop PC (iMac) or laptop (MacBook), the “Mac App Store” is the right place for you. It has an icon with an “A” symbol, and can be found through the Finder under “Applications,” or at the bottom of the screen on the virtual desktop.

  App Store

  If you’re looking for apps for your iPhone or iPad, the App Store is the place to go. You can also find the icon for the App Store (a white “A” on a blue background) on the home page of your mobile phone or tablet. If not, you may either have to swipe left, or find the app within one of the folders.

  Google Play Store

  Android users need to visit the “Google Play Store” to find new apps. Don’t let the name fool you: there are games here, but all the other apps for the Android operating system as well. The Play Store can be found among the icons on one of the first pages of your phone or tablet. Sometimes it can also be stored in a folder with other Google apps.

  Got it!

• 3. What are app permissions?

  We have the ability to specify what an app on our smartphone or tablet is allowed to do, and what it is not allowed to do. When you use an app or a specific feature of an app for the first time, the app requests you to provide the required permissions. This is a useful security mechanism, and is designed to ensure that no app does things that you don’t want it to do. Before granting permission, you should always ask yourself whether the app needs the information or access in order to perform its job.

  

  When you are asked to grant permissions, you usually have the choice between “Decline” and “Allow.” Sometimes you also have the option to grant permission only while using the app. This is usually the best decision, since it ensures that the app can perform its required function, but is not active in the background and without your knowledge while not in use.

  Got it!

• 4. How can I change app permissions for a second time?

  Have you changed your mind and want to revoke certain permissions from an app, or allow it to do more than you originally thought? No problem.

  Adjusting permissions on Android

  1. First, go to Settings, which usually has an icon with a gear symbol.
  2. Now tap Apps & Permissions. Here you can find all your installed apps, and allow or revoke permissions.
  3. There is often an option to tap directly on “App Permissions” while in your settings, and navigate from there to the respective entries such as camera or location.

  Adjusting permissions on an Apple device

  1. First, open your Settings, which is usually denoted with a gear icon.
  2. You can find the permissions in the “Privacy” menu, which provides a list of smartphone functions that apps currently have access to.
  3. When you tap on each function, you’ll see a list of apps that currently have access to the function, and can adjust the permissions accordingly.

  Got it!

• 5. What do I have to consider with permissions?

  Here’s a small list of things you can keep in mind when granting permissions:

  Rely on trusted apps and programs

  Only install programs on your computer that seem trustworthy. On your smartphone, you should also only install apps from your App Store.

  Be critical of permission requests

  You don’t have to agree to everything, and can grant or revoke permissions on an individual basis.

  Look at reviews

  Read other users’ reviews and comments. If the average rating is poor, the app has very few ratings or downloads, or if the comments are mostly negative, you should choose another app.

  Pay attention to costs

  Before downloading, also consider what costs you will incur. Not all apps are free.

  Got it!