How to Install and Find Applications on a MacOS
Finding applications and file organization are a few challenges that new users might face when using a Mac for the first time. On a Mac, applications are not typically stored in the same location as on other operating systems, and new users might have trouble finding where their applications are installed.
How to install a new Application on MacOS
The new version of macOS, the operating system that powers Mac computers, comes with a selection of pre-installed applications that are ready for use right out of the box. However, as you begin to use your Mac more and your needs change, you may find that you need to install additional applications to meet your specific requirements. For example, if you start a new job that requires you to use a specific software application, you may need to install that application on your Mac in order to use it. Similarly, if you start a new hobby or activity that requires a specific application, you may need to install that application in order to use it on your Mac. In general, you may find that you need to install new applications on your Mac as your usage patterns and needs evolve over time.
Install a new application on a Mac using the Mac App Store
Open the Mac App Store: The Mac App Store is an online marketplace for Mac applications, and it is included with macOS. To open the Mac App Store, click on the App Store icon in the Dock or search for "App Store" using Spotlight.
Search for the application: Once the Mac App Store is open, you can search for the application you want to install by using the search field at the top of the window. Type in the name of the application and press "Enter" to see a list of results.
Select the application: From the list of search results, click on the application you want to install. This will open the product page for the application, which will show you more information about the application, including its features, ratings, and reviews.
Click "Get" or "Buy": If the application is free, click on the "Get" button to begin the installation process. If the application is not free, click on the "Buy" button and follow the prompts to purchase the application.
Enter your Apple ID: If you have not already signed in to the Mac App Store, you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free.
Wait for the installation to complete: The installation process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on the size of the application and the speed of your computer.
Launch the application: Once the installation is complete, you should be able to launch the application by clicking on its icon in the Dock or by searching for it using Spotlight.
By installing applications through the Mac App Store, you can be confident that the applications are of high quality and have been vetted by Apple for security and stability. The Mac App Store also makes it easy to find and install new applications, as well as keep your installed applications up to date with the latest versions.
Installing Applications on a Mac from Third-Party Sources
While the Mac App Store is the recommended way to find and install new applications on a Mac, it is also possible to install applications from other sources, such as the website of the application developer or a third-party app store. Here is how to install a new application on a Mac from a third-party source:
1. Download the installation file
The first step is to download the installation file for the application you want to install. This file is usually in the form of a ".dmg" or ".pkg" file, and it can be downloaded from the website of the application or from the Mac App Store.
2. Open the installation file
Once the download is complete, the installation file should automatically open. If it doesn't, you can find the file in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to open it.
3. Follow the prompts
The installation process will vary depending on the application, but most installations will involve a series of prompts that you will need to follow. These may include accepting a license agreement, choosing an installation location, and entering your password to confirm the installation.
4. Wait for the installation to complete
The installation process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on the size of the application and the speed of your computer.
5. Launch the application
Once the installation is complete, you should be able to launch the application by clicking on its icon in the Dock or by searching for it using Spotlight.
Note: It's important to note that you should only install applications from trusted sources to protect your computer from malware and other security threats. You should also be cautious when installing applications that are not from the Mac App Store, as they may not be as thoroughly vetted as App Store apps.
How to Locate Applications on your MacOS
There are a few different ways to find and access your applications on your MacOS:
The Dock: The Dock is a strip of icons that is located at the bottom of the screen, and it includes the icons for your most frequently used applications. You can click on the icon of an application in the Dock to launch it.
The Applications folder: The Applications folder contains all of the applications that are installed on your Mac. To access the Applications folder, click on the Finder icon in the Dock, and then click on "Applications" in the left sidebar. You can also use the "Go" menu in the top menu bar and select "Applications" to access the Applications folder.
The Launchpad: The Launchpad is a full-screen view of all of the applications that are installed on your Mac, and it is similar to the home screen of an iPhone or iPad. To access the Launchpad, click on the Launchpad icon in the Dock, or use the "F4" key on your keyboard.
Search: You can use the search feature in the top right corner of the screen to search for a specific application by name. Just click on the search icon and type in the name of the application.
Spotlight: Spotlight is a search feature that is built into macOS, and it allows you to search for files, applications, and other items on your Mac. To use Spotlight, click on the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the screen or use the "Command" + "Space" keyboard shortcut. Then, type in the name of the application you are looking for.
