Tech-Ease: Files and Sharing Questions and Answers

Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.

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How do I install programs on my computer?

Before you can use a program, you must first install it on your computer. Most commercial programs come packaged in a CD or DVD and will automatically launch an installer program when you insert this media on your computer. If the installer does not automatically launch, open the CD or DVD by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. Once you have the CD or DVD open, you can click on the installer program to launch a wizard that will guide you through the installation process. The steps involved in installing a new program will vary depending on the program you are installing.

The process for installing programs you have downloaded may be a little bit different. Most Mac programs can be downloaded as disk image files (which end with the .dmg extension). When you double-click on the downloaded disk image file, it will be mounted as a drive which will be visible on your desktop as well as any Finder windows you open. Once the disk image file is mounted as a drive, you can view its contents using the Finder just as you would any other drive or folder.

Image File, Mounted Image

Most Mac programs can be installed by dragging an icon from the disk image file into the Applications folder (this will copy the program into the Applications folder). In some cases, the disk image file may contain an installer program that you must launch to install the program.

Once your program is installed, you can eject the disk image file by clicking on the eject icon next to its name in a Finder window. From the desktop, you can eject a disk image file by dragging it to the Trash icon in the Dock (the Trash icon will change to an eject icon as you drag). You can delete the .dmg file once you are finished installing your program if you want to save disk space.

Additional Websites

Mac 101: The Grand Tour

Mac OS X Hints

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X

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Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
How do I install programs on my computer? Before you can use a program, you must first install it on your computer. Most commercial programs come packaged in a CD or DVD and will automatically launch an installer program when you insert this media on your computer. If the installer does not automatically launch, open the CD or DVD by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. Once you have the CD or DVD open, you can click on the installer program to launch a wizard that will guide you through the installation process. The steps involved in installing a new program will vary depending on the program you are installing. The process for installing programs you have downloaded may be a little bit different. Most Mac programs can be downloaded as disk image files (which end with the .dmg extension). When you double-click on the downloaded disk image file, it will be mounted as a drive which will be visible on your desktop as well as any Finder windows you open. Once the disk image file is mounted as a drive, you can view its contents using the Finder just as you would any other drive or folder. Most Mac programs can be installed by dragging an icon from the disk image file into the Applications folder (this will copy the program into the Applications folder). In some cases, the disk image file may contain an installer program that you must launch to install the program. Once your program is installed, you can eject the disk image file by clicking on the eject icon next to its name in a Finder window. From the desktop, you can eject a disk image file by dragging it to the Trash icon in the Dock (the Trash icon will change to an eject icon as you drag). You can delete the .dmg file once you are finished installing your program if you want to save disk space.			Additional Websites Mac 101: The Grand Tour Mac OS X Hints University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X
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Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.