Installing Apps Confusion?

[FrankieTDouglas]

1)It is the Apple ideal - and a good user design principle - to design a process in such a way that THE USER NEEDS NO MANUAL. Such processes exist - Apple does it all the time. I even described in scenario 1 how it could be achieved. So excuses about READ ME files being there for inexperienced users don't work - it is a FAILURE by Apple standards, by design principles and by a concrete example I showed where you don't need it.

Oh, come on. Read me files come with anything and everything. A calculator, a pack of AA batteries, etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc. Now, how often do you need to read any of those things? They're just there for anyone who perhaps has never encountered modern technology as advanced as something such as a flashlight.

But if you've spent 14 months with a Mac and still can't figure out how to install an application, that is in no way a user interface error. That IS a user error.

And you're blistering, self-maintained ignorance in every post just reinforces that you don't even WANT to know how to do this. You're just being an ass.

 

[FFTT]

I keep reading recommendations to drag the .dmg to trash.

For someone like me on dial-up, throwing away a downloaded installer
is not a good idea.


I think you should clarify the difference between the "opened" disc image
that looks like a white hard drive and the downloaded .dmg that is generally silver ( like a smaller version of your desktop HD icon)

Once you have completed the installation,
you can eject the "opened" white disc image by dragging it to trash, but........

I generally save the actual downloaded " silver " .dmg to my backup storage folder in the event I need to re-install that particular application again.

I also make a habit of creating a Text Edit file to record the appropriate
serial number or activation code that works with that particular .dmg installer.

To keep the installer .dmg ( or compressed Stuffit version ) handy
I generally create an Installer sub folder for that application.

Let's say for example, you download Tiger Cache Cleaner from VersionTracker
You install the application and pay for your shareware authorization code.

You then create a storage sub-folder titled TigerCacheCleanerInstaller
then drag the installer .dmg and the saved Text Edit file with your
authorization code into the sub folder.
Something like TCC SN#1234-4567-8910 and maybe the version number.

You now have a complete installer ready to go if you need to restore
that application on your system.

I generally save these installers to a desktop temporary STORAGE folder
until the contents of my desktop STORAGE folder needs to be burned to CD or filed away.

I also do the same with any .pkg installers and make a completely separate
subfolder for OS update .pkgs
You'll find copies of all your OS update .pkgs in your HDVolume/Library/Packages. Folder

In the event of a major hard drive failure, I can then grab my backup OS UPDATES CD and bring my system completely up to date from a fresh OS install if necessary.

You may not want to clog up valuable hard drive space saving every single
installer, but it can't hurt to save them for back-up in needed.

 

[FFTT]

BTW,

The majority of Apple and direct Apple partner applications come in the form of a full installer .pkg (package)

Generally these installers include an installer assistant that is reasonably
self explanitory.

Many of the 3rd party and shareware applications also include a full installer, but equally many use the drag install to Applications method.

As long as you know that ALL your Applications/aka Programs belong in your Applications Folder, it's quite easy.

The most common error I read about, is knowing that once you open an application that you will use often, that you need to control click the
application icon in your dock and select KEEP IN DOCK.
Thus giving you your shortcut.

If the application icon disappears from your dock when you close the application, just re-open it from your Applications folder and this time
set it to KEEP IN DOCK.

If you want to remove an unwanted or rarely used icon from your dock,
simply drag it upwards till it disappears in a puff of smoke.

This stuff may be different from Windows, but once you get the hang of it, it's great!

 

[lucas]

Look it's really not controversial - if large numbers of people complain, then it's a problem with the design, not the people, and it says nothing about the IQ or computer savvy of those who find it unintuitive.

we'll when a large number of people complain I'm sure apple with take note. I've consistantly seen more older novice computer users completely afraid of installing software on windows. what you claim is easy is still daunting if you dont know what your doing. the real test of usability is how quickly one can adapt, and os x wins on consistancy points.

Here's an example for those who say "it's simple!" and don't understand why it OBJECTIVELY is not.

Here's an example for you of why thats broken.
you want to use a program on a few files (format conversion for exam) then disregard it. tell me which is easier

scenario 1: download setup.zip, extract, find where you extracted, run setup.exe, click through meaningless EULA, tell it where you want to program, click next 5-6 more times carefully looking for checkboxes that will leave you with ad/spyware. find shortcut (desktop? no, startmenu? which ****ing folder is it?) run program, do conversions. navigate to control panel (this alone is enough to scare off a new user), run add/remove, find the program in the list, run its unintsaller, click next a few times and hope everything is gone

scenario 2: download dmg, open it (the disk image opens it volume automatically when mounted). run app, do conversions. quit app, eject image.

OMG powerusers rejoice, simpler AND more powerful.

But scenario 2... I still don't know what am I supposed to do with this drive. Is it really intuitive? So now, a user must FIGURE OUT to click the drive (scenario 1, no "figuring" - the process is transparent).

i know you _think_ youre making a point, but ill reverse it and you think about how dumb it sounds
But scenario 1(your scenario 1 btw)... i still dont know what im supposed to do with this zip file. it extracted somewhere, the default... but now what? is it installed now? can i use it yet?

whats that you say? everyone knows about zip files? no, you know through years of conditioning.

IT
IS
NOT
INTUITIVE!

CAPSLOCK
DOESN'T
MAKE
YOU
RIGHT!

No amount of denouncing users as idiots changes that fact. Nor does swearing that it's easy changes that FACT.

Well the "fact" is subjective, and you as an old windows dog, refusing to learn new tricks, show you dont want a mac. its not windows. it'll never be windows. if you're not willing to drop your old paradigms, your always going to think anything different is "UNINTUITIVE."

No, it has nothing to do with my coming from a different platform

no, it has all to do with you refusing to relearn something. something easier.

My point is: it is badly broken in macs - yes, you can learn a broken process, but it is still broken.

translation: ive used windows forever and refuse to accept anything different. mac installation is different so mac installation is broken. yes, you can learn different, but its still different.

I guess we can come to a compromise and agree to disagree, as long as you can live with being wrong.

sorry folks, couldnt resist feeding the troll, he's just so cute

 

[kretzy]

sorry folks, couldnt resist feeding the troll, he's just so cute

Nice post lucas! I know exactly what you mean about feeding, I couldn't resist either.

 

[Tel]

Nice post lucas! I know exactly what you mean about feeding, I couldn't resist either.

They're making it so easy for us these days

 

[Catfish_Man]

I'm going to play devil's advocate here, and talk about some of the issues we've discussed for Adium's install process, and what I'd still like to improve about it.

Issue 1: the typical .dmg file has the sidebar hidden by default. This adds a remarkable number of clicks, as people have to get to /Applications, position the windows so that they can see both, and then drag.

Solution to issue 1: include a symlink to /Applications in the .dmg.

Issue 2: it's not intuitively clear *where* to drag the application.

Solution to issue 2: include a symlink to /Applications in the .dmg, with an arrow pointing to it.

Issue 3: once the application has been dragged to the applications folder, the user is left looking at the one in the .dmg still. Running this can lead to really confusing symptoms of the dmg remounting automatically.

Solution to issue 3: I haven't found one yet. I'd like to have it open /Applications when you drop the program in, or something like that.

 

[FFTT]

A very good friend is 64 years old and never used any computer in his life till
2 years ago.

While he now knows his way around his PowerBook a thoroughly enjoys showing off his skills to his stunned and amazed Windows using friends,
he can also be a cantankerous grumpy old man!

When I was first tutoring him on the basics, he did have trouble grasping
the essentials of where things are and where they go, but he finally got the
hang of it.

He would also comment that in todays world everything should be more intuitive to the point where he wondered why they haven't figured out voice commands that anyone could use immediately.

He is still under the impression that computers in general where designed by people who love messing with computers and they aren't NORMAL!

It's funny that he still barely knows what he's doing, but continually stumps one of his other friends who earns $80,000 per year as a Windows software engineer.

 

[myshoeshurt]

... I just "switched" 2 days ago and i'm already used to this installation process. know why? because it's NOT A BIG DEAL.

 

[UWF404]

Oh, come on. Read me files come with anything and everything. A calculator, a pack of AA batteries, etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc. Now, how often do you need to read any of those things? They're just there for anyone who perhaps has never encountered modern technology as advanced as something such as a flashlight.

But if you've spent 14 months with a Mac and still can't figure out how to install an application, that is in no way a user interface error. That IS a user error.

And you're blistering, self-maintained ignorance in every post just reinforces that you don't even WANT to know how to do this. You're just being an ass.

There is no need for insults.. Uncalled for and not appreciated. In the 14 months I've owned my MAC I've doubled gross revenue for the Ad agency I started. I've created countless presentations and proposals. You see in the 14 months since I got my MAC I've spent my time getting work done on my MAC. I'm sorry I haven't had time to learn all the inner workings of OSX. I'm sorry I haven't fully understood how to properly install applications in OSX. Given that I've only installed about 10 apps in 14 months vs. the hundreds in Windows since Windows for Workgroups.

Here is a reality check for you.. The average consumer and hard working executive like me don't tinker with OS settings. They are much too busy getting real work done. So, while the install setup may work perfectly fine for the MAC pros and gurus - THE REST of us could benefit from a more intuitive wizard.

 

[lucas]

Given that I've only installed about 10 apps in 14 months vs. the hundreds in Windows since Windows for Workgroups.

no insult to you, but theres the problem. you've learn one way and expect it to be the same.

lets reverse the situation, a user who's only used a mac tries to install software on a windows pc. he downloads his program, see's an exe (there those program thingers he's heard of, always getting run by email clients) so he drags that to his program files folder and makes a shortcut to it by dragging it to his quicklaunch bar. running his shortcut opens setup, he doesnt know why, or really care; to him it's unintuitive.

So, while the install setup may work perfectly fine for the MAC pros and gurus - THE REST of us could benefit from a more intuitive wizard.

im really sick of reading that its an install process for pros and gurus. how do you move a file? you drag it somewhere (or copy & paste with shortcuts) so logic would dictate if you want to move something, thats how you do it. how do you move a app from its virtual disk to put it on you pc? the same way.

 

[OldCorpse]

A very good friend is 64 years old and never used any computer in his life till
2 years ago.

While he now knows his way around his PowerBook a thoroughly enjoys showing off his skills to his stunned and amazed Windows using friends,
he can also be a cantankerous grumpy old man!

When I was first tutoring him on the basics, he did have trouble grasping
the essentials of where things are and where they go, but he finally got the
hang of it.

He would also comment that in todays world everything should be more intuitive to the point where he wondered why they haven't figured out voice commands that anyone could use immediately.

He is still under the impression that computers in general where designed by people who love messing with computers and they aren't NORMAL!

It's funny that he still barely knows what he's doing, but continually stumps one of his other friends who earns $80,000 per year as a Windows software engineer.

Aaah, it's a pleasure to talk to someone who is intelligent and mature, so I'll pop back into the thread. But fear not, I'm not going to re-hash the installation issue - after all I said that would be my last post on THAT issue, and I'm keeping my word. I'm coming back for the sake of intelligent discussion of other issues (while the "classy" guys whose response to honest opinion is to scream "idiot" and "troll" can form their little "hyuk, hyuk we'd done an called him names real good!" club).

A bit of historical perspecitive is always interesting. The old guy you describe is 100% correct. Originallly computers were developed by engineers whose only objective was to get functioning machines. There was no "user interface" discussion back in the punch-card IBM days. And here's the funny, funny, funny thing: some things NEVER change, because they are human nature. Whenever anyone would complain about the human-unfriendly interface, the engineer response would be "sorry, computers are complex things and not meant for amateurs" - same darn thing you'd hear over and over again even until recent Linux discussions. This is so funny - it even popped up in this thread (the quote from this thread "Its a frickin computer - for petes sake. If you need easy - return your iBook and go get yourself a LeapPad - but I am guessing you will find those difficult to work with too" - CLASSIC!). The genious insight of Jobs was the very opposite: humans should NOT have to adjust to a computer, but a computer should be built to adjust to humans. And that blew the whole thing open for the computer revolution. It is exactly those people who believe in making things functional and simple who made the IT revolution, not the misguided engineers of yore. But guess what, that battle gets refought over and over again (notably in Linux, which has finally overcome the "linux is for experts, go back to windows" bias).

So the old man, who wants things to be super-easy and intuitive is right, and the folks who defend the old way are wrong. As the OP pointed out, you use a computer as a tool. You don't want to be involved in the guts or low level processes of the OS - anything that is not immediately obvious, self-explanatory is A FAILURE. And it will be eliminated as time goes by - of course, always to the same cries from the same guys "but the old ways are better!". The OP is 100% right as well - why insult him and call names, which is as wrong as can be - why not acknowledge that some things just don't work properly. Why do some people - including on this board - feel the need to denigrate and shout down anyone who simply has a different experience? Calling folks idiots is hardly productive - and as an extremely funny bonus, usually exactly the opposite - as the OP pointed out, he's an accomplished individual... and as my sys admin friend points out to other sys admins "those so called idiots have degrees and intellectual/scientific accomplishments you can only dream of, so what's your problem?". The issue is that the process must be completely transparent. It is not. And that's a problem that's not solved by insulting the user.

It's always funny to me to look back on history and read the old arguments that raged in IT and computer science - seems like the same battles played over and over again. And yet, there are a few simple rules that are truly universal. One of which is: NEVER blame the user for the interface. For truly great design is seamless and invisible - so easy, you don't even notice it (which happens on a lot of processes on macs!) when there are multiple posts about an issue where you have to explain over and over again a mass of intricacies, you KNOW the design is bad, even if some folks grok it. And the moment those who grok it think "well that's because I'm smart and the others are idiots" that's when you know who you are dealing with - history repeating.

 

[Tel]

So you'd rather that Apple adopted a way of installing apps that is similar to how widgets install but that just isn't practical for everyone. Believe it or not, people like to read the documentation that comes with applications before they decide whether to use it, by downloading a .dmg there is no obligation to use the software, you can browse the image to see that the application is satisfactory to your needs as well as read the documentation which not only includes instructions on how to use the app, but the system requirements, developer information as well as legal information and if the user decides that they would rather not use the software all they need to do is eject the image, no uninstalling software, no routing around trying to find things that need to be deleted etc.

Issue 3: once the application has been dragged to the applications folder, the user is left looking at the one in the .dmg still. Running this can lead to really confusing symptoms of the dmg remounting automatically.

Solution to issue 3: I haven't found one yet. I'd like to have it open /Applications when you drop the program in, or something like that.

If you need to access the app straight after dragging it to your apps folder, then just hover the app over the folder for a second, the folder will open and you can place it in and run it without having to search for it.

Here is a reality check for you.. The average consumer and hard working executive like me don't tinker with OS settings. They are much too busy getting real work done. So, while the install setup may work perfectly fine for the MAC pros and gurus - THE REST of us could benefit from a more intuitive wizard.

Real work? Here's a reality check for you, computers are a tool, and the first thing I do when I get a new tool is learn how to use it in the most efficient way that I can to enable me to be far more productive. How many people go out and buy a DSLR and complain when they don't get professional shots in auto mode? None, because they learn how to use it in a way that is best for them.

.dmg files may not be the most simple way of installing an app, but it certainly offers the user far more flexibility than any other way that is available. For example, a lot of people rely on certain applications and they might keep the original .dmg files backed up as I do, and lets say they buy a new computer to do some real work on, that extra 500% increase in processor power will mean nothing if they have no software to use on it because certain companies have gone bust and can no longer offer the app that they so heavily rely on. While you suffer a serious decrease in productivity, the guy who has that .dmg can just re-instal that app on his shiny new Mac and get straight on with his work. All while you search around for some new software and try to figure out how it works. Who is getting the real work done then?

 

[kretzy]

When did dragging and dropping become a complex task, that requires knowledge of the "intricacies, inner working and lower processes of the OS"?

I'd also like to point out, that there have been many posts here that highlight the difficulties and problems when installing with Windows, but none defending them.

 

[plinden]

Jesus, of all the things to get worked up about, you (OldCorpse) pick the easiest to understand.

So, what have I come across that I didn't find intuitive (because, you know, I've been using Windows since 3.1 came out and MSDOS before that).

So, why doesn't ctrl-A, ctrl-C, ctrl-X and ctrl-V work the same way as in Windows? Oh I know, I'll experiment ... oh it's command-A etc instead. Ho kay, I'll just have to get used to that. As someone else pointed out, ctrl should be used for CONTROL characters, it's Windows that has it wrong.

Why doesn't the Home and End key take me to the start or end of the line when entering text like this forum reply? Hmm, can't find it by experimentation. Let's google it ... oh you use command-left arrow and command right-arrow instead. I'll remember that.

Why don't ctrl-N and ctrl-T open a new window and tab in Firefox. Maybe there's a pattern here. Okay, command-N and command-T work.

What do those symbols mean for the keys that you use for force-quit? I'll google - oh that's opt-command-esc.

How do I set iMovie to convert the NTSC imported from my DV camera into PAL, so I can create a DVD to send to my family in Ireland. Oh, I know, I'll look up Help. Hmm, complicated set of instructions. I couldn't find that by experimentation, but I know how to do it now.

My airport, when using WPA-TKIP encryption, is 1/3 the speed of when I use a cable - is that just my own Mac or a common problem? I'll look up MacRumors ... oh, seems to be common. Hopefully there'll be a patch.

For f**k's sake, if you find something that's weird, ask about it. Don't wait for 14 months and complain about it.

 

[UWF404]

When did dragging and dropping become a complex task, that requires knowledge of the "intricacies, inner working and lower processes of the OS"?

I'd also like to point out, that there have been many posts here that highlight the difficulties and problems when installing with Windows, but none defending them.

Drag & drop is not a complex task in and of itself. Knowing your suppose to drag and drop to trash BEFORE starting the application you installed is not common knowledge to newbies. There are two types of users.. Those who tweak and tinker with the OS and highly proficient. There are also those who use their system mainly for prductivity.

I'm a highly educated and highly accomplished individual. But as I said before I spend my MAC time getting actual work done and not tinkering with install routines.

 

[UWF404]

Jesus, of all the things to get worked up about, you (OldCorpse) pick the easiest to understand.


For f**k's sake, if you find something that's weird, ask about it. Don't wait for 14 months and complain about it.

It's precisely why I posted.. I found something weird and I posted on the forum. No need to get your panties in a wad about it.

 

[plinden]

It's precisely why I posted.. I found something weird and I posted on the forum. No need to get your panties in a wad about it.

I wasn't saying anything about you - note I said OldCorpse, unless you're his sock puppet.

 

[UWF404]

I wasn't saying anything about you - note I said OldCorpse, unless you're his sock puppet.

Well, you referenced 14 months which was from my post.

 

[taylorpc]

Yup, mduser63 is correct. At the risk of being redundant, I'm really going to spell this one out because it confused the heck out of me after I "switched."

1. Download application (You already did this with Comic Life and Firefox, and I must commend your excellent taste in software ). Doing so in Safari (and some other browsers) will automatically mount the disk image (i.e., it'll appear on your desktop and in your Finder window below your harddrive icon).
2. With both Firefox and Comic Life a new window will appear. Simply click and drag the icon onto your applications folder.
3. Watch the file copy itself into your apps folder.
4. Now you can "eject" the disk image, run the app from your applications folder, and drag the application to your dock to run it from there if you prefer.

Wow... after a little over a year since switching.. I get it! Seriously, that was the most helpful comment I've ever read on here! Thanks

 

[OldCorpse]

Well, you referenced 14 months which was from my post.

Yep, it was you who posted about 14 months - I never did (I've been on a mac less than 2 months). That's because he, like the other poster who also confused your 14 months with my less than 2 month mac use, don't bother to get their info RIGHT, or try to understand the issue, they prefer to spew and insult. Typical. If they can't even read posts and are wrong about such basic things, how deep do you think their understanding is of ANY issue?

Look at the level of discourse... that's why I stopped responding to a some here. What is the percentage in talking to someone who says things like "when did dragging and dropping become complex"? Yes, you can explain, as you did that it's not the act that's complicated, it's KNOWING to do so in a given situation - but in fact, I did exactly explain that in my post where I carefully went through the process of showing how unintuitive it is to be confronted by a window with icons and no indication of what the next step is. And what can one do when confronted by the level of understanding exhibited by a poster who compares control-X behavior between macs and win and thinks he's hit upon what the issue is? And so on. But guess what - each and every objection or argument these folks come up with I already responded to one way or another in my posts... at which point you understand one is only repeating oneself as there is no data assimilation going on with some. It becomes crystal clear that such people are simply incapable of grasping the issue. And then the insults and cursing start - at which point, one can only give up. It's a waste of time.

 

[plinden]

This is OldCorpse's FIRST (hey, I can use caps too) post on this subject:

I'm sorry, but the application installation process is just broken on macs. Yes, broken. No, I don't mean NOBODY can figure it out, just that it is utterly unintuitive and way, way, way, way, way, way too complicated.

Note, he said "broken", not that although it's better than Linux and Windows, it could be improved by a) ..., b) ... and c) ..., BUT IT"S BROKEN. PERIOD (aka FULL STOP). That's intelligent discourse for you.

And it's "way too complicated". He thinks drag and drop is complicated. Hah!

Whatever ... I can't be bothered. Time for ignore I think ...

 

[spencecb]

Are you joking? How much simpler can it get? See my post above. What in the world is this crap about "eject/delet/save the dmg" Come again? Why do I need to deal with that? "Drag and drop"? Why do I need to drag (drag WHAT? There's usually several files in those "drives")? And to where? No. No. And no again. I want to click ONCE, on ONE icon, it installs to ONE default folder (say, Applications) UNLESS I specify otherwise, and I'M DONE. FINITO BENITO. I'm not cleaning up anything, I'm not dealing with mounting and unmounting crap all. You think it's clear, but trust me, it is NOT intuitive, as countless folks can attest to (and newbies puzzled questions). I honestly to this day don't know which icon is which, and what I can remove and what not, and why in God's name are there extra drives for Pete's sake, suddenly appearing that I have to mount or unmount... WTF??

Sorry, it is anything but obvious. "How much simpler can it be?" A LOT!!! And SHOULD be. Apple dropped the ball on this one. To make an analogy: how would you like it if in order to start a car, you had to hand-crank it (yes, that's how it was done), adjust the carburator, adjust the timing belt, and so on and on and on. NO. NO. I want to turn a key - or press a button (as is the case with some cars!) - and presto. Done. There is no earthly reason for me to open the hood of the car to start it. And there's no earthly reason I should have to clean up anything installing apps, and have multiple icons and drives where you have to know the function of each. WRONG. No good. Bad design. Kludge. Suckage.

You are the one that is over-complicating the installation process on Macs. DMG's are, quite simply, made to be thought of as a CD-ROM, just like you would insert into an optical drive to install from. When you are done with the DMG, you eject, just like you would a CD-ROM, would you not?

It is a terribly simple concept. Why do you drag the DMG to the trash? Well, that is not really what you are doing. Anyone can see the image of the trash turns into the universally accepted symble of the "eject" key. If you don't want to do it this way, select the DMG and click file>eject. Terribly simple.

There is no need to complicate this process with your jumbled phrases and over-complication of a simple process.

The idea of keeping the DMGs on an external drive is a very good idea, like keeping all of your CDs.

 

[Tel]

Drag & drop is not a complex task in and of itself. Knowing your suppose to drag and drop to trash BEFORE starting the application you installed is not common knowledge to newbies.

Its your computer, drag it where ever you like. No one says that applications have to go into the applications folder, I know people who put applications into their relevant folders, for example image viewers would go into the picture folder, DVD ripping tools in the movie folder and music apps in the music folder, why? Because its their computer and being able to have their own way of working helps to increase their productivity.

Also, why are you blaming Apple for the system? Its just as much the fault of the software developers. I've seen plenty of apps come in a .dmg that has a nice background image that has a large arrow and the words "DRAG HERE" coming from the app its self pointing into a shortcut to your apps folder that is next to it. It doesn't get more blatant than that.

There are two types of users.. Those who tweak and tinker with the OS and highly proficient. There are also those who use their system mainly for prductivity.

Since when was deciding where to drag your app considered "tinkering with the OS?" All you're doing is choosing where to put an app, its exactly the same as when Windows asks you where you'd like to install, except it doesn't bury the app in a bunch of folders named after the developer like windows does because you're moving it yourself.

Also, you can't be very productive with your computer if you're still confused by drag and drop. I'm sorry but the first thing I did after I switched was learned how to use my computer and its OS before I even tried to get any work done. Its the same as any tool, if you sit down and learn how to use it properly, your productivity will increase, if you were really concerned about being productive on your Mac, you should have learned how to use it properly.

I'm a highly educated and highly accomplished individual. But as I said before I spend my MAC time getting actual work done and not tinkering with install routines.

Again, think of how much more work you could get done if you took some time to learn how your computer works and how you can use this to take advantage of this to speed up your workflow and increase your productivity.

You make it sound as if people who learn their computers must just sit there all day fiddling with setting while you're the only person doing anything productive. Well I can guarantee you, after spending a couple of weeks figuring out the OS and setting up my own workflow's, I'll be getting a hell of a lot more real work done on my computer. I'll be doing the real work while you sit there figuring out how to drag an app to a folder.

 

[cazlar]

I won't weigh in on the which way is better, but I'd like to point out that you can also set a .dmg to be "internet-enabled". So when you download it using an dmg-aware browser like Safari it mounts, expands, copies, unmounts, and deletes itself, leaving you with your app (or folder if there's multiple items) in your default download folder ready to run (or move to Applications if you really feel the need to clean up).

This means the user needs no knowledge whatsoever, but you lose the ability to archive the actual .dmg file (although you could make a .zip to archive the file pretty easily yourself). Also, if your app does need an installer due to needing authorisation etc, you will still have to get the user to run it which may be easier to do with a standard dmg as it opens a window.