11-27-2011, 01:58 PM

I'm about 48 hours in with my new MacBook Pro and enjoying it. The only thing that's still stumping me is the .dmg vs .exe situation. I download a program, run the .dmg file for an "install" process, and then I get confused. With Windows, I instinctively delete the .exe file after download. But when I try to trash the .dmg file, it tells me its in use.

I hate clutter. I don't want to keep these things in my downloads folder. And I hate redundancy, so I don't want to keep a .dmg in one place with the application in the folder, too.

I've had to re-download some programs, but I haven't figured out the method to the madness yet.

11-27-2011, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by That's Angel

I'm about 48 hours in with my new MacBook Pro and enjoying it. The only thing that's still stumping me is the .dmg vs .exe situation. I download a program, run the .dmg file for an "install" process, and then I get confused. With Windows, I instinctively delete the .exe file after download. But when I try to trash the .dmg file, it tells me its in use.

I hate clutter. I don't want to keep these things in my downloads folder. And I hate redundancy, so I don't want to keep a .dmg in one place with the application in the folder, too.

I've had to re-download some programs, but I haven't figured out the method to the madness yet.

A DMG file is not an executable, it's a disk image. Think of it as a virtual CD. When you double-click it, it's like inserting it into the drive. Then you'll see the disk pop up on your desktop. Open it, and the program is inside. For most programs, you simply drag and drop the program icon into your Applications folder to install it. When that's done, simply eject the "disk" by dragging the disk icon to the trash.

You may then delete the DMG file from your downloads folder if you wish.

11-28-2011, 09:30 AM

Thanks chase_m...you were right, this is very helpful!

11-28-2011, 08:25 PM

A. It's not compatible with your Mac, ignore it.
B. Macs don't have viruses or bots, ignore it.
C. I wish ISPs and news reports on threats/security would include a disclaimer as to whether it affects Macs or not. It would really open a lot of people's eyes.

11-29-2011, 06:07 PM

Great advice, I just got a Mac Mini PowerPC G4 off a friend who's upgraded to a newer one and I have been so far impressed how easy everything is to use and install. My only problem now is to find a Photoshop equivelant that will work on the Mac Mini - Gimp doesn't seem to load properly.

Thanks for the great advice,

11-30-2011, 02:22 AM

Your best bet is to find a retail copy of Photoshop Elements 6 that someone is selling.

11-30-2011, 10:03 AM

I did get Gimp 2.4.7 to work, ahh it's a bit sluggish. If that's going to be sluggish, I imagine any Adobe products will be sluggish on this machine.

11-30-2011, 12:54 PM

What are the specs on the G4 mini? I started with the 1.25Ghz and now use a 1.5Ghz mini.

The Gimp used to fly on the 1.25 Mini, but that was under Tiger and a much older version of The Gimp. Also how much RAM does your Mini have?

12-01-2011, 01:26 AM

Hey mate

My mac mini is PowerPC G4 1.25 GIGhtz 1 GIG DDR SDRAM.

12-05-2011, 07:44 AM

As a very recent 'Switcher' I just wanted to say Thank You for taking the time to share this info. Very useful indeed ......

12-05-2011, 01:10 PM

yes helped me no end many thanks

12-11-2011, 05:58 PM

Just wanted to chime in, albeit late, to say how well written and common sense info for mac newbies like myself. I bought my first mac and the same one I am still using late 2009. I haven't yet played with all the bundled programs, but I must say I am blown away by some of them. iPhoto is the best software I have used. I started out having not read your great essay by loading Entourage because I was used to using Outlook on my PC's. I shortly thereafter went to Mail just cause it's better and not made by Microsoft.
Thanks for all your essay tips. People like yourself make this forum a wealth of knowledge!

12-17-2011, 10:25 PM

Lovely thread...and interesting stuff.

12-18-2011, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by MacLicious

started out ... by loading Entourage because I was used to using Outlook on my PC's. I shortly thereafter went to Mail

I installed Outlook for Mac for same reason, and like you deleted it when I realized Apple's Mail, Address Book and Calendar are all I need to sync up my iMac, iPad and iPhone. I am evaluating BusyCal and will likely buy it (pricey though) to use instead of iCal, and I wish there was an Address Book replacement. But in truth the stock Apple apps are working just fine for me.

12-18-2011, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Michael S

Hi chasm, your post really saved me from deleting most of Apple's software and default folders.

Definitely don't do that. Having to do that with a new Windows computer is one big reason I switched from Windows. Having not to do it and being able to relax into the defaults built into the Apple system is a very big reason I switched to Apple.