The Definitive Guide to Installing Downloaded Mac Apps

Macs make many things easy to do right out of the box and they come preloaded with a lot of great software.  However, you may want an application that is not included with your Mac.  You then have the option of buying and installing a program from a CD or downloading from the good ol' internet.  Today we will cover the journey of a program from the internet to your Mac's Dock.

Some new users are understandably confused when it comes to installing downloaded applications.  Many people run the program from the downloaded disk image every time they want to run the application.  This can lead to problems because once the mounted disk image (your new program) is ejected, you will no longer be able to access that application.  It is similar to having to insert a CD every time you want to listen to a song versus copying it over to your hard drive.

There are two basic ways to install a downloaded application. For both, the program can be packaged in several different file types. Some common ones include Disk Image(.dmg), Package(.pkg), Zip compressed(.zip), and Stuffit compressed(.sit).  Mac OS X can handle the first three file types without any additional software. The .sit compressed file type will need a program called Stuffit Expander available free online.

Once the file has downloaded to the location specified by the web browser, usually the desktop by default, it will show up as an icon with a picture of a hard drive on it.  Double click the icon and the disk image will mount and open a new window.  A disk image is similar to loading a CD in a CD drive. 

In the first option, this window includes the application and as well as any "read me" files which may include any installation instructions or last minute changes to the program. For these programs that simply show the program icon, you drag the program icon over to the Applications folder in the Sidebar or in another open window. Sometimes smart developers even include a shortcut to your Applications folder right in the window, such as the Firefox example. This may take a few seconds as the program moves over to its new home.

In the second option, the downloaded applications will come with an installer program (e.g.  iTunes). It looks like a box with some yellow cubes in it. The installer program is very similar to the way programs are installed on a PC.  Double clicking the package icon will install all components of the downloaded program. This process is done for more complex programs which need to store files in different places.

The next step will help reduce clutter on your desktop.  Drag the disk image and original downloaded file to the trash.  The mounted disk image will eject just like a CD.  That's it – You're done!  Now the program is installed in the Applications folder and ready to use.

Now, if you want to add the new application icon to the Dock, find it in the Applications folder and drag it down to the dock for quick access.

Did this guide help you understand what to do with downloaded programs? Share your opinions and tips in the Comments section below.

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