Signal Spring 2021 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 5 Why Are Some Apps Free and Others Paid? When you download an app, you might be prompted to pay for it first. Or you might not. The reason for this variety is that each developer selects its own business model from these options: • In-app purchases. You can use the app for free, but it will prompt you to make purchases for additional features. • Pay to remove ads. You can use the app for free, but you’ll see ads. Pay- ment makes the ads go away. • Tiered payment structure. You get access to additional features with each upgrade. • Subscription model. You must pay for access to the app on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. • Pay for every download. You must pay to use the app. Whether you decide to pay for an app or not just depends on which features you want, such as access to certain lev- els in a game or an ad-free experience. The good news is that even paid apps typically cost $5 or less. If you’re fairly new to apps, prepare to learn the basics about this tremendous resource for discovery, convenience, and fun. Apps 101 Class is About to Begin What is an app? An app is a small software program, or application, that enables you to perform a limited set of tasks. Apps can be found on computers, tablets, smartphones, smart- watches, and even your TV. They also appear on every operating system (OS), including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. Some apps, like Spotify , run across multiple devices and OS. Where do I get apps? Many apps come preinstalled on devices. For instance, Android is Google’s OS, so devices that run it typically have Google apps (such as Google Maps, Google Docs, and Gmail) preinstalled. When you get a new device, you can uninstall apps you don’t want and install new ones. To find and download new apps, you sim- ply visit the appropriate app store based on your operating system (such as the Play Store for Android). What things can apps do? The short answer to that question is “practically anything.” Apps perform an astoundingly wide variety of functions, leading to a phrase that was popular when they first appeared: “There’s an app for that!” You can find apps to help you keep track of appointments, to-dos, or birth- days; track or manage your money; tell you where your kids are at any given moment; provide ideas on what to cook or what to wear; streamline your shopping process; improve your communication; play games during free time; and support your health goals. The list goes on and on. Now that you’ve studied the app essentials, keep reading to pick up more advanced information and tips. Then practice what you’ve learned by downloading and using a new app or two. QUICK TIP: Try GrubHub to get food delivered right to your home or work—or to your hotel when you travel. FREE PAID