How to Install Apple Software
If you have traditionally used a PC for your computing needs, you may find yourself confused by the process of installing software on a Mac. Fortunately, Apple does most of the installation work for you, including the decompression of the software and the appropriate file sorting. With that in mind, you only need to click the correct icons and authorize the installer to do its work. Your Mac will take care of the rest.
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Instructions
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Double click the software icon to decompress it. If you downloaded your software from the Internet, it will appear in its compressed format, as a .zip file, a .sit file or as an Apple Disk Image (.dmg). If you double click it, the software will decompress automatically and appear as a folder or installer icon. If your software comes from a CD or DVD, just insert it into your hard drive and double click the CD image on your desktop.
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Double click the installer. It will appear in your software's main folder on the desktop, and feature the name of the software as well as a tiny image. For example, if you downloaded a CD-burning program, you might see the words "CD Burner 2.0" along with an animated image of a CD.
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Begin installing your software. Your installer will appear as a pop-up window with a series of on-screen instructions, usually beginning with a Terms of Service agreement that you must check off.
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Enter your Mac admin information. When you reach the page of the installer that contains the "Install" option, you will see a pop-up window asking you to enter your Apple username and password. Enter this information and click "Continue."
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Click the "Install" button.
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Restart your computer if necessary. In some instances, like when installing new Mac OS software, you will need to restart your computer in order to complete the installation process. Your installer will tell you if you need to restart, and will include a "Restart" button on a pop-up menu. Simply click the button and your computer will restart with your new software fully installed.
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Tips & Warnings
With some newer software, you may not see an installer at all, but simply a folder with a software icon inside. To install this type of software, just click the software icon with your mouse and drag it into your "Applications" folder, which appears on your main hard drive. The installation will occur automatically.
