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How to install Mac apps from third-party app stores Once you’ve installed your apps, you can delete the DMG, ZIP, or PKG files, but you may want to keep them, if the apps are large, and your bandwidth is limited, in case you need to reinstall the apps, or install them on another Mac. (This is automated you essentially click a few times to allow the PKG to do its thing.) PKG files are installation packages that contain scripts to direct installation, and files to be installed. These lead you through a multi-step installation process, and tend to be used for apps and utilities that require additional components, system services, and/or files to be placed elsewhere on your computer. (Some will offer to move themselves when opened from the wrong location.) In part, this keeps things tidy, but some apps won’t run unless they’re in that folder. Again, drag the app to your Applications folder before opening it.
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ZIP files (and, very occasionally, RARs) are archives that tend to contain just an app.
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When you’re done, unmount the DMG by clicking the eject icon next to its name in the Finder sidebar, or by Ctrl-clicking inside the DMG’s window and selecting Eject. A folder shortcut may be provided to make this easier. Most, though, simply contain a copy of the app.ĭo not run the app from inside the DMG – instead drag it to your Applications folder. DMGs may contain an installer that itself must be opened, after which point you follow on-screen instructions. When you double click a DMG file, a Finder window opens. Unless you’ve changed your browser’s settings, downloaded installers will be sent to ~/Downloads, and they come in a variety of forms:ĭMG files are mountable disk images. Ideally, download from developer websites ( like Intego’s) and not from app listing websites. If you decide to download app installers from the Internet, only do so from reputable sources. Reasoning varies from a lack of deep system access for utilities to app creators wanting the ability to immediately issue updates rather than having them await Mac App Store review. How to install Mac apps downloaded from third-party websitesĪpple imposes limitations on developers, meaning some cannot – or choose not to – release their apps on the Mac App Store.
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In System Preferences > Software Update, you can choose to have App Store updates installed automatically. The App Store is also a great way to centralize your app updates.
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You’ll need to confirm payment by entering your Apple ID/password.Īpple reviews every Mac App Store app (and update) prior to release, minimizing the likelihood of problems. In-app purchases are indicated next to the Get button, if there are any. When signed in with your Apple ID, you can download apps: click Get and then install app for a free app, or one with in-app purchases, or click the price label for a paid one. Select App Store from the Apple menu and the Mac App Store will open. It has its pros and cons, but for ease of use, it gets the highest rating. The Mac App Store is one of the best ways to get and install apps on your Mac. How to install apps from the Mac App Store In this article, we’ll show you the various ways you can install apps on Mac, and tell you about the warnings you may encounter. However, it can sometimes be confusing – installation methods are varied, and you’ll occasionally see scary warnings.
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Installing new apps on your Mac should be straightforward. How To + Software & Apps How to Install Applications on Your Mac
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