Deleting programs?

[blakefire]

How do i remove programs from the harddrive?

 

[calaverasgrande]

usually you want to use the programs uninstaller, if it has one. Otherwise you may have to take a trip to the "library" folder and investigate what the program left behind in terms of startup items, preference panes, caches etc.

 

[tjb1]

I use AppCleaner to remove mine, but some you need to manually track down and remove.

 

[nick9191]

It's normally a case of going to the Applications folder and dragging the item to the trash. Simple.

There's rarely an uninstaller for most Mac applications.

 

[blakefire]

Thanks guys, I just came from a PC so I usually run a un-installer.

 

[QuarterSwede]

It's normally a case of going to the Applications folder and dragging the item to the trash. Simple.

Right. If there is anything left over it's usually just a plist file (settings XML) that's tiny.

 

[GGJstudios]

How to fully delete apps on Mac OS X

 

[ECUpirate44]

Heres a guide!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOCIG9vP2wA

 

[calaverasgrande]

Right. If there is anything left over it's usually just a plist file (settings XML) that's tiny.

Thats true of some apps. But Adobe CS3-CS5 for instance sprinkle stuff in almost every conceivable place in the library folder.
But yeah, for smaller apps, not including audio or video content authoring apps, that is generally true.
OTOH some companies like MAudio, dont put anything in the app folder at all when you install the driver for their USB keyboards. There is just a little guy they put in the midi folder in the library. So you are left scratching your head, did it go?

 

[shyam09]

arg... got appzapper.. wish i knew about app cleaner... sigh oh well...

i suggest appzapper if u want to spend cash (my mistake) but app cleaner looks fine (i am guessing it is like appzapper except freeware)

 

[GGJstudios]

arg... got appzapper.. wish i knew about app cleaner... sigh oh well...

i suggest appzapper if u want to spend cash (my mistake) but app cleaner looks fine (i am guessing it is like appzapper except freeware)

Neither one is very effective. None of the app removal programs are thorough. The manual method (link in post #7) is far more effective.

I just tested a few of these, using Skype.app as the file to be deleted.

AppZapper found 4 items
AppCleaner found 6 items
AppDelete found 9 items
EasyFind found 16 items
Finder found 17 items