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stringtheorist

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 1, 2008
244
0
I've just switched over to iMac (previously a PC user). I've noticed there appears to be no add/remove applications facility. I've just been sending software files I don't want to the Trash. Is this actually removing the programs from my system? If not, how do I do this?
 
Yes, just trash the file. Sometimes there are support files (preferences and such), but with spotlight, you can find them and throw them out as well.
Very rarely does an application need an uninstaller.
 
First, welcome to the Mac world.

As for your question, just make sure you drag the application file from your application folder to the trash. Dragging the dock icon to trash just removes it from dock.

Yes I know it is kinda useless to remark this, but he was a Windows user so you never know.

Regards
Fatum
 
Leopard's Spotlight no longer shows results from the Application Support folder as well as the Preferences folder, two areas where the majority of mac apps create files/folders. Also don't forget to check the HD's Library folder.
 
Wow. That's all I need to do? This was such a headache in Windows, I assumed there must be more to it. Thanks everyone. :cool:
 
Clarification for recent switchers about application removal.

If you go to the Applications folder you’ll see a bunch of applications - - files with a .app extension.
If you highlight one of these apps and select “More info…” it looks like an executable file.
If you double click one of these, say FileTrasher.app, then FileTrasher opens.

FileTrasher.app IS NOT an executable; it IS a folder that contains the executable and most, if not all, of the needed support files. Thus, putting FileTrasher.app in the Trash does a pretty good job of uninstallation.

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It would be a big help for us newbies if a more knowledgeable OS X expert could give use the rules that applications follow concerning leaving files outside of their own folder.
 
Leopard's Spotlight no longer shows results from the Application Support folder as well as the Preferences folder, two areas where the majority of mac apps create files/folders. Also don't forget to check the HD's Library folder.

You just need to tell Spotlight to search system files by using the advanced options.
 
I like using AppZapper to uninstall apps. I've also used AppDelete which works pretty well too and there's another one called App Cleaner.
 
Please tell me how! In Spotlight's System Prefs, none of the items I can check have anything to do with specific files/folders.

open a Finder window & search for the app's name in the search bar, press the plus button, change "Kind" to "Other…" & a window blind will pop down, search for "system" and click "in menu" for "System files", press OK and then set it to "include" and your done! (easier than its sounds).

i.e. to uninstall AppZapper (ironic) delete these files. Hint: look in the Path Bar to see if these files are from an AppZapper directory. you can add the Path Bar from the View menu.

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