If you use a Windows or Macintosh computer, you can buy software in a store, over the Internet, or through the mail. No matter how you get a program, you can install it on your computer. The iPad is different. You can’t buy iPad software from anyplace other than through Apple’s App Store.

The reason for this is security. When you install programs from any source, there’s always the chance of malicious software (aka malware) sneaking on to your computer and infecting it. By distributing iPad software (more commonly known as applications or just apps), Apple can inspect all apps to make sure they don’t do anything sneaky like capture your password and send it to some hacker in another part of the world.

In this chapter you’ll learn how to install (and uninstall) apps on your iPad.