How do I drag downloaded programs to the Application's Folder?

[Hooksta]

I have downloaded two programs "Skype" and printer driver software and no matter how many times I click and drag to the applications folder (as my instructions tell me to do) the programs remain on the top right hand of my desktop. I have tried using "Help" and even surfed some of the Apple tutorials...by all counts I have found I am doing it correctly but its not working.

Help!

 

[yellow]

[Moved to Mac OS X SubForum]

 

[spinnerlys]

What you probably see is the still mounted Disk Image (DMG) you downloaded. The drag and drop process is not a move process when you use mounted volumes.

Have you taken a look at the Applications folder to see if the copied (not moved) application is already in there?

If so, eject the DMG and it will vanish from your Desktop.


Also have a look at the following links, as the information presented there might be helpful in your future endeavours into Mac OS X and could clear up initial confusion and may even prevent harm to your system or your files.

Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts

Mac Beginner's Guide

Finding Mac Software

List of Mac Software

Another list of applications by


And another list of software by


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[Stetrain]

I am guessing that the programs you downloaded came as .dmg files.

In this case, opening the file you downloaded will cause the .dmg file to mount like a disk (just like plugging in a USB drive). It will show up on your desktop as a drive.

Click the drive to open it and you'll get a window with the actual application file (.app file), usually this is the file with the actual program icon. This is the file that you should drag to your applications folder.

You can then right click on the .dmg drive on your desktop and unmount it, or just drag it to the trash.

 

[Hooksta]

I am guessing that the programs you downloaded came as .dmg files.

In this case, opening the file you downloaded will cause the .dmg file to mount like a disk (just like plugging in a USB drive). It will show up on your desktop as a drive.

Click the drive to open it and you'll get a window with the actual application file (.app file), usually this is the file with the actual program icon. This is the file that you should drag to your applications folder.

You can then right click on the .dmg drive on your desktop and unmount it, or just drag it to the trash.

Got it! Thanks.

Skype wouldn't let me eject it because it said the MBP was using it. I couldn't find where to log out at all and it was frustrating me. Finally I found it in the top left by the "Apple" symbol and "Quit Skype." After quiting Skype I was able to eject it. Also I did see (and successfully move) Skype to the Application folder per your directions! Thanks!!!!

 

[-aggie-]

I am guessing that the programs you downloaded came as .dmg files.

In this case, opening the file you downloaded will cause the .dmg file to mount like a disk (just like plugging in a USB drive). It will show up on your desktop as a drive.

Click the drive to open it and you'll get a window with the actual application file (.app file), usually this is the file with the actual program icon. This is the file that you should drag to your applications folder.

You can then right click on the .dmg drive on your desktop and unmount it, or just drag it to the trash.

Also, a lot of programs will show the app and the applications folder in the drive that you open and all you have to do is drag the app to that applications icon (unless you wanted to drag it to a folder in the applications folder, like utilities).