Running without Installing

TheArcher · TheArcher #1 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 05:27 PM

Hey, I've recently downloaded a few programs (GIMP, TeamSpeak and Skype) onto my OS X 10.6.5

I can go into my download folder and open those programs' folders and run the program.

How is this possible as I haven't installed them?
Will all programs/games downloaded work like this?
Will the downloaded programs/games show up in the other accounts for this computer? (I am not an admin on it)

Thanks!

MYmacROX · MYmacROX #2 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 06:01 PM

If they open and run, they are actually installed. Do those Apps show up in your Application Folder? If so, you can delete whatever is in your Download folder. Probably just the .dmg files.

TheArcher · TheArcher #3 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 06:04 PM

The installer wizard or whatever popped up and I closed it and then opened the folder in downloads and ran the programs.

Also, I went on my sister's account (also non-admin) and searched and couldn't find the 3 programs.

MYmacROX · MYmacROX #4 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 06:15 PM

When that "installer wizard" window opens, it is showing you what to do next. Simply grab the app icon that it is showing you and drag it into the Applications folder that also appears before you.
It took me a while to figure that one out too. Probably one of the most confusing things to switchers.

Once that is done and you verify the app is indeed in your Applications folder in Finder, go ahead and delete whatever was put in your Downloads folder.

TheArcher · TheArcher #5 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 06:22 PM

ok, so if I download things as a non-admin, will they appear on the admin's screen?

bobtomay · bobtomay #6 (**permalink**)

04-26-2011, 07:39 PM

MYmacROX covered actually getting yhem installed.

Any app that is installed via simple drag and drop into the Applications folder can indeed be run without installing it. Once the dmg is opened you can click on the app and run it without moving it into your Apps folder.

Any app you run this way while sitting in your downloads folder or install somewhere in your user account rather than the Applications folder would not be able to be accessed by another non-admin user account.

I use to try out a lot of apps this way while deciding if I was going to keep it or not.

MYmacROX #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 3,329 Mac Specs: 2008 15" MBP ML, 2012 21.5" iMac ML	04-26-2011, 06:01 PM If they open and run, they are actually installed. Do those Apps show up in your Application Folder? If so, you can delete whatever is in your Download folder. Probably just the .dmg files. 16GB iPhone 5, 64GB Wi-Fi only iPad 1st Gen. Reminder: Please include your Mac's specs. This will make it much easier for the other members to assist you.
	QUOTE Thanks

MYmacROX #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 3,329 Mac Specs: 2008 15" MBP ML, 2012 21.5" iMac ML	04-26-2011, 06:15 PM When that "installer wizard" window opens, it is showing you what to do next. Simply grab the app icon that it is showing you and drag it into the Applications folder that also appears before you. It took me a while to figure that one out too. Probably one of the most confusing things to switchers. Once that is done and you verify the app is indeed in your Applications folder in Finder, go ahead and delete whatever was put in your Downloads folder. 16GB iPhone 5, 64GB Wi-Fi only iPad 1st Gen. Reminder: Please include your Mac's specs. This will make it much easier for the other members to assist you.
	QUOTE Thanks

bobtomay #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 22, 2006 Location: Texas, where else? Posts: 21,828 Mac Specs: 15" MBP 2.33 C2D 256 4GB, MBA 13" i7 1.8, MB 2.0 2GB, Nano 4th, 3GS, iPad 1	04-26-2011, 07:39 PM MYmacROX covered actually getting yhem installed. Any app that is installed via simple drag and drop into the Applications folder can indeed be run without installing it. Once the dmg is opened you can click on the app and run it without moving it into your Apps folder. Any app you run this way while sitting in your downloads folder or install somewhere in your user account rather than the Applications folder would not be able to be accessed by another non-admin user account. I use to try out a lot of apps this way while deciding if I was going to keep it or not. I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth. In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus. Place your vote for our Member of the Month Last edited by bobtomay; 04-26-2011 at 07:49 PM.
	QUOTE Thanks

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TheArcher #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 26, 2011 Posts: 5	04-26-2011, 05:27 PM Hey, I've recently downloaded a few programs (GIMP, TeamSpeak and Skype) onto my OS X 10.6.5 I can go into my download folder and open those programs' folders and run the program. How is this possible as I haven't installed them? Will all programs/games downloaded work like this? Will the downloaded programs/games show up in the other accounts for this computer? (I am not an admin on it) Thanks!
	QUOTE Thanks

TheArcher #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 26, 2011 Posts: 5	04-26-2011, 06:22 PM ok, so if I download things as a non-admin, will they appear on the admin's screen?
	QUOTE Thanks

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