How To Set Hangouts As Default Messaging App

Photograph Courtesy: Future Publishing/Getty Images

If y'all have a new phone, tablet or computer, you're probably looking to download some new apps to brand the virtually of your new technology. Short for "application," apps let you do everything from listening to music to syncing your phone to your car to playing games.

With and then many apps to choose from, however, it tin exist a bit daunting if you don't know how to download them. Fortunately, downloading apps tin be quick, simple and piece of cake regardless of the kind of applied science you lot're using. Read on to learn about how and where to download apps.

How Downloading Apps Works

When you download a file on the cyberspace, whether from a store or elsewhere, a file hosted on an online server is copied onto your computer. If you've ever been online, either on a telephone or calculator, y'all've likely already downloaded files on many occasions. Apps are no different — they're simply specific kinds of files you download from the net.

Photo Courtesy: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Apps are typically gear up as executable (.exe) files, although apps meant for Apple devices often come as either APP (.app) or DMG (.dmg) files. Sometimes (especially when it's meant for computers), an app is compressed into a ZIP file (.zilch or .zipx) to save space. To practise this, y'all may need another program, such every bit WinZip or 7-Naught, to open it, although you may also exist able to open it by left- or right-clicking if your device came with the power to open ZIP files.

In many cases, however, downloading an app is equally simple as clicking a button on an app's page. As long as in that location'south enough space left on your device, the app will likely be prepare for use once it's washed downloading.

Apps From Google Play

Android is an operating organization used for phones, tablets and more. Odds are that if your phone isn't an iPhone, it's probably an Android device — brands include Samsung, Huawei, LG, Motorola, ZTE and many more. To download apps for an Android device, you lot can either visit the Android website or use the Google Play app. (It'southward oftentimes pre-installed on phones and tablets, so you may already have it.) Exist aware that you'll likely be prompted to sign in with your Google account or create one if you haven't already.

Photo Courtesy: SOPA Images/Getty Images

Open the Google Play store on your device and and so search for the specific name of the app or any broader category that might interest you. Click on the app result to learn more about it. If the app is free, it should begin to download; if not, you'll be prompted to pay for information technology. Either way, once the file is downloaded, you're good to become.

Downloading Windows Apps

Microsoft hosts apps on its website, which you tin can access via whatsoever device with a web browser. You can use the site to download apps for tablets, computers, phones, Xbox consoles, virtual reality sets and more, so it'due south important to bank check the organisation requirements on each app'southward page to ensure that the app is compatible with your device.

Select whichever complimentary or paid app you're interested in to encounter a brief description of the app. If yous cull a paid app, y'all'll be prompted to enter your credit card information or a gift bill of fare to complete your order.

Using the Apple App Store

The Apple App Store hosts apps designed for iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices. As with Google Play, it'due south often pre-installed on phones. Similar other app stores, it lets yous filter apps by category, including featured apps, newest apps, popular apps, themed categories and more. Choose the app you want and follow the onscreen directions to download it to your device. Yous'll need to log in or create an business relationship complete the purchase.