How-do-I... Find and use popular apps?

'App' is short for 'application' - which is another name for a computer program. Normally, when people talk about apps they are referring to programs that run on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablet computers, but there are apps for PCs and laptops too. Learn about some of our members' favourite apps.

Create a Google Account

If you have an Android device you need a Google account to access Google's Play Store to download and update Apps. It is also a user account that provides access to Google-owned services such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. 

Google Earth

Google Earth is a free program from Google that allows you to "fly" over a virtual globe and view the Earth through high-resolution graphics and satellite images, allowing users to see cities and houses at various angles.

Swype

Swype is a virtual keyboard for Android and Apple touchscreen smartphones and tablets. Rather than tapping in each key the user enters words by sliding a finger or stylus from the first letter of a word to its last letter, lifting only between words.