If you are a new Mac and iPhone user, you may not be aware of the hundreds of thousands of applications available for Apple devices. In my humble opinion, the best way to maximize the investment you make in a piece of Apple hardware is to load it up with applications that will make your life easier and more productive, and that might provide you a little fun and entertainment.

The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the basic ways to browse and download apps for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod touch. If you are an experienced user of Apple devices, you might want to pass this article along to beginners who might be bugging you about where to find the best and most popular apps for their Apple device(s).

Mac Computers

For Mac computers and laptops, Apple has set up an App Store portal that you can access on your Mac if it is running OS X Lion or Mountain Lion. Even if you don't know which operating system you're running, the App Store application can be found in the Dock on your Mac, or in the application's folder.

getting started with mac apps

What's great about the App Store is that all the applications have been approved by Apple, and all the programs you download are permanently added to your account.

getting started with iphone apps

So if you accidentally trash an application you downloaded from the App Store or if buy a new Mac computer, you can re-download the applications in your account at no extra charge. In addition, when developers release updates for their applications, you can add these updates from the App Store, also at no extra cost.

getting started with iphone apps

There are thousands of apps in the App Store, so one way to browse the content is through choosing categories of interests, including Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Photography, Social Networking, and Video.

getting started with iphone apps

For the Mac App Store, you will need an Apple account that includes your credit or debit card. If you have not set up such an account, you will be asked to do so when you first try to download a free or paid application from the Store.

Read my article about how to get started using the Mac App Store, and also my 8 tips for getting the most out of the Store. I highly recommend that when you're considering purchasing paid applications that in addition to reading the customer reviews and ratings, you should also visit the developer's website to view demo videos and get other information about the application you're planning to purchase.

Most developers also provide a trial download of their applications, which means if you decide to purchase their app, you can make a payment directly to the developer, or downloaded it, if available, from the App Store.

getting started with iphone application

As you have probably noticed by now, MakeUseOf also regularly publishes reviews and how-to's of both Mac and PC applications. Visit our Best Mac Apps page to browse the broad categories of recommendations and reviews about applications that fit your needs.

iPhone and Other iOS Apps

Mac applications can't be downloaded and run on the iPhone or iPad because they use a different operating system called iOS. However, Apple and third-party developers do make versions of the applications for both the Mac and Apple's mobile devices. For example, there is a version of the Safari web browser for the Mac and and slightly different one for iOS devices, though they both very much the same.

The only place you can download an iOS app is from the iTunes App Store. You cannot purchase iOS apps directly from third-party developers. You can visit, browse, and download apps from the App Store by tapping on the App Store app installed by default on your iOS device, or through the iTunes application on your Mac.

getting started with iphone application

Similar to the Mac version, the App Store introduces you to the featured and newsworthy apps, as well as a dozen categories of applications, and Top Charts app that you can browse based on your interests and needs.

getting started with iphone application

The iOS App Store will also notify you of updates you have downloaded to your iOS device. It's a good idea to pay attention to the updates because they often include bug fixes and new app features that you will want to take advantage of.

getting started with mac apps

As with the Mac App Store, you will also need an Apple account that includes your credit or debit card. The password you use for your Apple account can be used both in the Mac App Store and the iOS App Store.

You cannot download trial versions iOS applications, but many developers either provide their applications for free, or provide Lite versions, which include an app's basic features. Developers also release free ad-supported apps. Though most apps only cost five bucks or less, take some time to read the customer reviews and ratings to get an idea about the pros and cons of the app before you purchase. I also recommend that you visit a developer's site to view app demos and get other information.

If you're a beginning Mac or iOS user, let us know what questions you have about finding and downloading applications. We also invite you to regularly check out our site for daily reviews and how-tos of free and modestly priced applications that you can download.