Chrome

What is the difference between an app and an extension?

Apps are basically websites. They run within Chrome's browser using things like javascript and HTML, and they may not even require any downloads. Sometimes they may need to install a small component on your local machine; but that will only make a difference when you're using that particular Web app.

An example of an app would be Google Maps, which runs within the browser and doesn't require you to download anything.

By contrast, an extension affects something global on your browser. For instance, an extension may add the ability to save items to your Google Drive. When you install the extension, that feature is available on every single site you visit, not just a specific page. Another example is the Chromecast extension "Google Cast," which allows you to broadcast your browser tabs to your white board.

How can I hide some of my extensions in the toolbar?

You can remove the icons from the main Chrome browser bar by right-clicking on the extension icon (If using a Chromebook, you can select it and then press down with two fingers on your touchpad , or press on the icon on the screen with a finger) and selecting "Hide in Chrome menu" from the drop-down list. When you click the Chrome menu icon, you’ll see the extension button at the top of the menu.