New to Mac - Desktop Icon Removal

[snowwing]

I have downloaded & installed Firefox & Open Office and successfully installed them to the dock. What should I do to remove these icons on my desktop? I tried adding them to applications. (the ones on the right side) I have searched here and at apple support to no avail!
Thanks again
RC

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=192634&stc=1&d=1252165085

 

[Surely]

Just drag them into the trash.

They are disk images and installers, and you don't need them anymore.

You're talking about the three items on the right side of your screen, right?

 

[Eidorian]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/779343/

 

[snowwing]

Yes, the three items on the right. I tried to put them in the trash but a message says they are in use. As soon as I move the icon the trash can changes to an eject thing.

 

[UngratefulNinja]

As soon as I move the icon the trash can changes to an eject thing.

So did you then eject it?

 

[Surely]

Yes, the three items on the right. I tried to put them in the trash but a message says they are in use. As soon as I move the icon the trash can changes to an eject thing.

The "eject thing" is what you want. It's like you are ejecting a disc.

 

[snowwing]

Yes after I quit the application. I was afraid I would lose the application. I think I am making this harder than it is - many years of PC use. Just noticed the above link to a tutorial on the subject.
Thank You All!
RC

 

[snowwing]

Now everytime I open or quit the application I get this. Yes I can eject it but there is obviously something I'm missing. I did not see anything in the above link under "Tidying Up" that addressed this.

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=192641&stc=1&d=1252168552

 

[richard.mac]

see the arrow? you drag Firefox to the Applications folder alias (shortcut). then eject the Firefox disk image and trash it if you want. you can then drag Firefox to the Dock from the Applications folder.

this is how you install apps in OS X. albeit some apps have yellow box icons which are installers.

 

[snowwing]

Yes I understand! Apparently the Firefox icon on the dock was the disc image and not the shortcut (alias) for the application? Also, when I trashed Open Office I actually deleted it. Fortunately I recovered it from downloads, dragged it to the applications folder, then ejected the disc image (as you instructed). All is well. Thank You!