3 Ways to Install Software on a Mac
Introduction:
MacOS offers users an easy and secure way to install software on their systems. The platform provides multiple methods to accommodate different users and their preferences. In this article, we’ll discuss three ways of installing software on a Mac.
1. Mac App Store:
The Mac App Store is Apple’s official platform for downloading apps and software. It provides users with vetted applications, ensuring safe installations. To install software through the Mac App Store, follow these steps:
a. Click on the Launchpad icon or search for “App Store” in Spotlight.
b. Browse or use the search bar to find the application you want to install.
c. Select the application and click on the “Get” button (or the price listed if it’s a paid app).
d. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
e. The app will be downloaded and installed automatically.
2. Installing from DMG files:
Disc Image files, or DMGs, are commonly used to distribute applications outside of the Mac App Store. To install software from a DMG file, follow these steps:
a. Download the DMG file from the developer’s website or a trusted source.
b. Locate and double-click on the downloaded DMG file in Finder.
c. A new window will open showing you the contents of the disc image.
d. Drag and drop the application icon into your Applications folder (found in Finder).
e. After copying, eject the disc image by dragging it to Trash or selecting “Eject” from its context menu.
3. Installing using Terminal:
Advanced users often prefer using Terminal for various tasks, including installing software packages via Homebrew or other package managers.
First, ensure that you have Homebrew installed on your system by following its installation guide: https://brew.sh
To install a software package via Homebrew, follow these steps:
a. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight or locate it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder).
b. Search for the desired software package on Homebrew’s official website: https://formulae.brew.sh
c. Copy the terminal command provided on the software’s Homebrew page.
d. Paste the command into Terminal and press Enter to start the installation process.
Conclusion:
Mac users have multiple options for installing software on their systems, each catering to different preferences and use cases. The Mac App Store ensures secure downloads and easy management of applications, while installing from DMG files or using Terminal offers flexibility and control over your installations. Choose the method that best suits your needs and always ensure you’re downloading software from trustworthy sources.