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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Installing an Application

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.

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.

3. 
   Finder

   Open the "Finder" application (pictured), which is located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.

4. Click "Applications" within the list of destinations under the "Places" heading on the left of the window.

5. Drag-and-drop the file you downloaded into the "Applications" folder. The program is now installed.

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.

7. Click the program on the system dock to open and use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Never download a file from a suspicious website; whenever possible, download directly from the program author's website.