Installing programs on a Macintosh in Mac OS X
Apple has specified to program developers that new applications should be designed to install as simply as possible, without using an installation program if possible. Most programs do not need to make modifications to the operating system such as install new fonts, drivers, or make changes to the basic system configuration. Programs which do not need to modify the system can be installed simply by dragging them into the Applications folder on the user's main hard drive.
A few programs, such as Microsoft Office X and 2004 allow users to either drag them into the Application folder or use an installer to install them. Microsoft includes the installer to allow users who wish to control what parts of Office are installed to pick and choose pieces of the application. This is a rather rare case though since most programs offer an all-or-nothing approach to installation.
The few programs which offer an installer to install them either are installing a large number files, offer choices on what is actually installed on the hard drive or are installing files into the system. An example of where users might use an installer would be when they are setting up a new printer and need to install the latest printer drivers either from a CD or downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
Current Record: 2978
Create Date: 02-08-2006
Last Reviewed: 02-22-2008
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