What is a Windows App?
When Microsoft released Windows 8 in 2012, it made many significant changes to how users interacted with the operating system when compared with previous versions of Windows. One of the most significant changes that occurred was the addition of “Windows Apps”, which users launch from an entirely new interface, unrelated to common “desktop” interface with which most people have familiarity. There is a lot of confusion over the nature of both Windows Apps and the “Modern” interface that users launch them from, even almost two years after the initial release of Windows 8.
Windows Apps are not the same as software programs that users open from their desktops. Programs that people launch from the desktop interface are usually compatible with numerous versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Users can also receive regular desktop programs from many different sources. People commonly use install disks for store-bought software or download programs from different websites across the Internet before installing them to their desktop. However, Windows Apps do not share these characteristics with Windows desktop programs.
What is a Windows App?
People cannot purchase Windows Apps on a disk or simply download them from any website. Users must download all Windows Apps from the Windows App Store, which is accessible from any Windows 8 computer. When purchased from the Windows App Store, Windows Apps immediately download and install on a user’s PC automatically. People can then access any Windows App they download from the “Modern” Windows interface, also sometimes referred to as the new Windows “Start Menu”. In the newer Windows 8.1, people can access this interface by clicking the Start button in the bottom left corner of their desktop screens. Users with an older version of Windows 8 can access the interface by pressing the Windows Key on their keyboards or by using the Windows “Charms” Bar on the right side of the screen. In addition, most Windows 8 computers boot directly into the Modern interface on boot-up. Users who still have trouble trying to access the Modern interface on Windows 8 should find a computer support company to help them navigate the operating system. Whenever someone wants to open or use a Windows App, he or she needs to leave the familiar desktop interface and click on the Windows App in the Modern interface instead.
There are several other differences between how Windows Apps and Windows desktop programs operate. Microsoft designed Windows 8 Apps to emulate the experiences people have with apps on mobile devices like Apple’s iPhone and numerous Android devices. Therefore, users cannot resize Windows Apps in separate windows to view multiple programs at the same time as they can with desktop programs. Users can instead “snap” Windows Apps side-by-side to view two different apps at once. Microsoft also designed Windows Apps with a touch interface in mind, as many new Windows 8 devices use touchscreens, including all Windows 8 tablets. Meanwhile, most desktop programs work best with the standard keyboard-and-mouse control scheme. One clear advantage that Windows Apps have over desktop programs is that users can download them as many times as they want from the Windows App Store. Even if someone’s computer is broken beyond repair, that person can still download all of their Windows Apps easily from the Windows App Store, while tracking down and reinstalling desktop programs is more of a hassle.
So what should people try to use more—desktop programs or Windows Apps? The answer depends on a user’s personal use preferences and the device that he or she owns. If you work with a Windows 8 tablet, Windows Apps will likely be easier to use with touch controls, but if you work on a non-touch Windows 8 device, desktop programs might suit your needs better. All users of Windows 8 have access to both interfaces, so trying out both options may also be a good idea. Any users who have trouble with getting either their traditional desktop programs or their Windows Apps to work should contact a Windows tech support provider for assistance.
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
Media Relations
pr@rescuecom.com
1-315-882-1100
Filed under: technology