Robert Conner asked me to define the various words for different types of programs.
Tech proliferates words like flies proliferate eggs. And they can be just as hard to track.Here's a quick refresher on common terms for the larger program categories:
Application: A program that turns your computer into a specific tool, such as a word processor, photo editor, or browser. Generally, people buy computers so they can run applications. (They also buy computers for play, but I figure you don't need a definition of the word game.)
Utility: A program that either protects the computer or makes it faster, more reliable, or easier to use. No one buys computers to run utilities; there's no point to them unless you already own a computer.
Suite: A collection of applications or utilities sold for a single price, and hopefully with a single user interface. These include both application suites (Microsoft Office), and utility suites (Norton Internet Security).
Add-in, Add-on, Plug-in, Extension: Four terms for what are effectively the same thing--a program that runs inside of, and augments, another program (usually an application). You probably have a few add-ins running in your browser (Flash, for instance, or one or more toolbars), and perhaps some in Office or a photo editor.
App: A program written for a mobile operating system like iOS or Android. Despite the name, apps aren't necessarily applications. Some are games, utilities, or suites.
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