How to Install Programs in Mac OS X
For PC users making the switch to Macintosh computers, installing a new program can be confusing. The confusion exists because in Mac OS X most applications (the Mac equivalent of programs) must be manually placed into the appropriate folder to be considered installed.
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Instructions
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Installing an Application on an Apple Operating System
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1
Boot up your computer, and choose Mac OS X if your hard drive is partitioned with a Windows side as well as a Mac side. If not, turn on the computer and it will automatically load the Mac operating system.
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2
Access the Internet and download the application you wish to install. Be sure to download it to the desktop, because you will need to drag-and-drop the file into the destination folder. In order to drag-and-drop a file, first position the mouse over the file to be dragged, click and hold the mouse button, move the file onto the destination folder and release the mouse button.
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3
Open the "Finder" application (pictured), which is located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
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4
Click "Applications" within the list of destinations under the "Places" heading on the left of the window.
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5
Drag-and-drop the file you downloaded into the "Applications" folder. The program is now installed.
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6
Drag-and-drop the file once more onto the system dock (the row of icons lining the bottom of the screen) for easy access to the program.
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7
Click the program on the system dock to open and use it.
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Tips & Warnings
Never download a file from a suspicious website; whenever possible, download directly from the program author's website.
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