An app is a software program developed to perform a certain specific function other than one normally associated with the operation of a computer, usually to be used directly by end users. Examples of apps include games, phones, photo editing software, weather reports and more. The collective word app literally refers to any software together with various files associated with its operation. Usually, the apps in a Windows PC operating system are built into the operating system while shared apps can also be installed on a Windows PC by installing the corresponding software. These shared apps, however, may not be entirely free as there may be spyware or other unwanted software downloaded along with them.
One must note that although the term app has become commonly used with regard to software intended for use on a personal computer, the meaning of the term has been broader especially in the world of mobile technology. For instance, an app is a cross-platform game developed for mobile devices intended to run on a variety of different mobile operating systems. In addition, an app can also be a web browser complete with plugins for different web browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox. It can also be a set of interactive games created for use in handhelds like the iPhone and the iPad.
In order to describe support for apps in Windows, one must first identify the typical scenarios under which apps will normally run. For instance, a Windows PC user will never need to run the app as a virtual Windows administrator so it will not be available unless specifically called out as such. Similarly, no programmatic control will be available unless the app actually needs to be controlled by the system. Therefore, there would be no support for third party monitoring of Internet activity, storage of data or remotely controlling the app. Apps and software that are intended for use with Windows PCs and for which you want a more complete user experience should be listed in an app gallery.
