I dont get simple installations on a mac? HELP

Rameses · 25 May 2006 at 20:46

Right, you download a file? (DMG file) onto your desktop, double click it.

Then double click whatever box opens with the program in, and it starts?

But what the hell do you do with the DMG file? and now the new icon, which looks like slot loading dvdrom?

I dont want the DMG or that icon on my desktop? Why is it when I delete either of them it also gets rid of that program?

I am installing Windows Messenger btw.

Thanks

MagSafe · 25 May 2006 at 21:06

What happens is when you click on your DMG file it turns into a mountable drive, if you open it the drive you'll see the program file and possibly a readme file.

If you see the program icon (such as Microsoft Messenger) you simply drag it into your Applications folder and thats it installed.

Or, if you see a .pkg file with an icon of a box then you open it and it will begin installing the program via a wizard similar to Windows.

After your installation eject the mountable drive and delete the DMG file.

Pine · 25 May 2006 at 21:07

Read the installation instructions:

...
5. If the file you downloaded does not expand automatically, on your hard disk, double-click the file that you downloaded in step 4.
6. To copy Messenger for Mac to your hard drive, drag the Microsoft Messenger icon to the location where you would like to save it. Then, double-click the Microsoft Messenger icon to start the setup program.
7. Click Next.
...
Source: TFM

So, what you need to do is copy the MSN Messenger app across to your hard drive and probably chuck in your Applications folder. Then trash what's on your desktop.

edit: too slow!

MikeHowett · 25 May 2006 at 21:10

Once the .dmg is mounted, you can drag the app you're installing to where ever you want. I suggest the applications folder for obvious reasons. Once you've done this the app is installed. You then need to un-mount the .dmg file by either draging it to the trash or clicking the eject button. This should leave you with the .dmg file you downloaded, you can trash this too.

edit: way too slow

punky_munky · 26 May 2006 at 02:15

And to uninstall, just move the app to the trash

AJUK · 26 May 2006 at 08:27

I love installing apps on a Mac although it feels just too simple after rebuilding several Windows PCs.

Moredhel · 26 May 2006 at 10:59

I recommend you look at Adium for MSN etc. It's a much nicer client, Microsoft mac programs tend to be a little... crappy.

Rameses · 27 May 2006 at 16:19

Thanks guys!

Just something that bugged me so bad...

I've jumped right into OSX, so its atm a bumpy ride.

That program above looks good, just wondering if it supports the built-in webcam on the imac?

MikeHowett · 27 May 2006 at 16:24

PAC2006 said:
Thanks guys!

Just something that bugged me so bad...

I've jumped right into OSX, so its atm a bumpy ride.

That program above looks good, just wondering if it supports the built-in webcam on the imac?

Nope, not as yet, but i believe it's planned for the future

If you really want that feature now you can use aMSN

Rameses · 27 May 2006 at 16:35

Do you have it Mike?

If so whats it like to use etc?

MikeHowett · 27 May 2006 at 16:41

PAC2006 said:
Do you have it Mike?

If so whats it like to use etc?

Adium or aMSN? I have and use Adium but not aMSN, I did try it but it seemed a little buggy and tbh i'm not really that bothered about video chat. Adium on the other hand is very nice to use and is highly customizable

Matt · 27 May 2006 at 16:41

I'm using Adium and really like it so far

I've installed a few extras for it too (like using Growl to display messages when people signin/out).

punky_munky · 27 May 2006 at 17:26

Rumour has it that iChat will soon be compatible with MSN so that'll be nice if it happens.

Rameses · 28 May 2006 at 20:54

punky_munky said:
Rumour has it that iChat will soon be compatible with MSN so that'll be nice if it happens.

Do you happen to have a link to this such news?

f00b4r · 28 May 2006 at 22:51

At the moment it is just a rumour although it has appeared on several sites.
It is already possible to use ichat to connect to MSN (and other protocols) indirectly through its Jabber support:

http://allforces.com/2005/05/06/ichat-to-msn-through-jabber/

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050505025440436&query=ichat+msn

Caged · 29 May 2006 at 01:16

punky_munky said:
And to uninstall, just move the app to the trash

Don't forget to trash the preferences folder as well.

MagSafe · 29 May 2006 at 01:24

punky_munky said:
Rumour has it that iChat will soon be compatible with MSN so that'll be nice if it happens.

Really can't wait until the release that update

, allows me to stop using yet another Microsoft application

Caged said:
Don't forget to trash the preferences folder as well.

Theres an actual program that can properly uninstall applications completey off your system, but I can't remember it off hand at the moment - Google it if anyones interested though

Caged · 29 May 2006 at 01:36

I don't need another program just to remove others, Spotlight grabs the folders in the prefs for me and I junk it from there.

I don't actually own a Mac though, this is all going from memory from work. I'll probably pick up a Macbook / Pro around October.

MagSafe · 29 May 2006 at 09:51

Sometimes spotlight doesn't catch everything though.

I know what you mean though, I would never want to use another program just to uninstall programs on my mac but its a useful program if you were wanting to do something out of the ordinary.