How to Install and uninstall software in Mac OS X

Factsheet:

Moving from Windows to Mac OS X requires learning new habits: even if the two systems operate globally in the same way, certain procedures differ dramatically, especially in regard to the installation and uninstallation of software. The approach is not complicated but requires some clarification, especially as several scenarios may occur depending on the software downloaded: decompress archive, disk image to mount in the Finder or installation file "classic" to Windows. These methods also involve multiple uninstall procedures that can involve the use of third party software.

Install a APP format software

The main form of distributing a Mac is the disk image format DMG containing application format. APP. The installation of such software is very simple but can be confusing for a neophyte user who does not know what to do with this file. The answer is simple: this file, represented by the icon of the application is not a shortcut but contains the application, you simply drop in the Applications folder in the Finder.

1. Double click the disk image, which has the effect of unpack and mount.
2. Open the disk image that appears as a white disk on the desktop or in the list of devices Finder (in the left sidebar). Its content is displayed in a new window.
3. Copy the application icon in your Applications folder. Some software is a shortcut to this folder in the disk image. If this is not the case, open a new Finder window (Command + N) or made up the sidebar by clicking the button at the top right of the window.

Install a PKG format software

If the DMG containing an application directly available is generally more widespread, many programs are distributed in the form of an installation file. PKG (which may also be included in an image DMG). The operation is quite similar to that found in Windows, simply double click on the icon to begin the process and validate the successive stages. Facilities file PKG are very standardized and generally spend the same steps:

• Accept the license: the procedure is conducted in the usual way, a page displays the license and a pop-up appears to accept or refuse.
• The choice of location: the window displays the available locations. Or those that do not contain enough space for installation or are formatted in a file system incompatible (example: the partition BootCamp) are accompanied by a red pictogram.
• The end of the installation is indicated by a sound similar to the end of an import iTunes and a green icon. The process of the end of installation may take a few minutes.

Uninstall software manually

Uninstalling an application, in some cases may be limited to removing the software, often entirely contained in the package that you have placed in the Applications folder. Just throw the application icon to the trash. However, there may be traces of the application in other cases and this method is not very clean.

The applications installed by a PKG can sometimes be removed by another file PKG in the disk image. It is also possible that the same installation tool includes a optiion to uninstall. This method is rather confusing, because it implies, if you did more, re-download the software from the publisher's site to access the file uninstall!

Uninstall software with AppCleaner

As we have seen, uninstall software simply by removing the package. APP can leave traces in other cases. To avoid tedious search of these files, you can use a third-party application like AppCleaner which is responsible for the find and delete them automatically.

1. Download AppCleaner from the link given.
2. Run the installation program.

The interface AppCleaner offers several possibilities. The first, proposed by default, can uninstall an application by drag and drop.

1. Open the Applications folder in the Finder.
2. Perform a drag and drop the application you want to uninstall in the area for this purpose.
3. AppCleaner displays the files in connection with this application. Check those you want to delete and click OK.

The second method can remove multiple applications to uninstall mass.

Click the Applications icon in the toolbar of AppCleaner.
The software displays the list of applications in the Applications folder on your Mac. Check those you want to uninstall.
AppCleaner displays the files in connection with these applications. Check those you want to delete and click OK.

AppCleaner can also uninstall the Dashboard widgets (Widgets icon) and plugins and applications that are installed in the System Preferences panel (icon Others). The approach is the same as for the removal of multiple applications.

Nothing to say, if it was not perfect! The interface is intuitive and very careful. Erase all programs, widgets, and other strictly child's play :-)

And if not, use Appdelete, which works fine under Leopard 10.5.2. I use it since the beginning of existence of Leopard.