There are many interesting programs ready to use on your Mac, but you need to install another program and you have no idea how to do it? This article explains the three main ways in which applications can be installed. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the type of file to install
If you have a.dmg file you have a disk image. If it ends with.zip then you have a compressed file. If it ends with.pkg you have a package file instead. There are other ways to package applications, but these are the most common.
Step 2. Unzip, mount or run the specified file
The following methods show you how to proceed depending on the file you have available.
Step 3. Drag the app you extracted to the Applications folder
Method 1 of 3: Disc Image
The disk image has the.dmg extension and can be loaded as a removable disk.
Step 1. By double clicking on the disk image, you should mount the image and open a new window to explore its contents
Step 2. A disc will appear with the content you are interested in
Search through files to find the application.
Method 2 of 3: Compressed File
Step 1. Unzip the file
If you have a file ending in.zip, simply double-click on it and the OSX Operating System will automatically decompress it to a new folder.
Step 2. Open the new folder to find the application
Method 3 of 3: Package File
If an application needs to make changes to the system in order to start (adding fonts, preference panels, services, help modules, etc.), it could be distributed as a package file with the.pkg extension.
Step 1. Double click on the package
This will launch the application installation wizard. The installation wizard will perform all the necessary steps to successfully install the application. Once the procedure is finished, you will be able to find the application in the Applications folder, ready to run.
Advice
- Sometimes, although not very often, you may already have the application file directly. Just move it to the Applications folder and it will install.
- You must have administrative rights to install programs in the Applications folder. Otherwise you can create a new folder in your home directory and install applications there.
- You can install applications in other folders, but Spotlight can't index them.
- If you have problems, refer to the official website of the software you want to install for more information on the procedure to follow.
- Sometimes it is necessary to read the manual. If you find a 'readme' file, read it.
- If you install applications on the dock (desktop), both the computer and the application will open and run slower.
