once i install a program it won't work

hey, I have installed many different programs and i only just realised that the problem as not with the programs I was trying to install.
This is what would happen, I would install a program, lets say I wanted to install Firefox. Once I finished installing the program, I dragged the Firefox icon to the dock and then when I try to go on it, the icon bounced twice and then stop. this happens to countless number of other programs, does any body know why this is happening?

thanks in advance

Have you tried repairing disk permissions and doing a full disk repair by booting up from the OS X CD?

10.3 is also pretty long in the tooth now. Firefox needs 10.4 minimum, so that will explain your problem with that one.

i have lost my os x cd and if u knw where i can get a knew disc from, that would be helpful
also i tried to install itunes 8 aswell, doest that need 10.4 minimum aswell?

edit: just realised most program do need 10.4, how much would a 10.4 OS X disc cost? also would it work on a power book g4.
also another problem with my laptop is that for some reason the sound stop working on it. i was on holiday and i left my laptop at home and i think that someone at home must of droped the laptop or deleted a driver. if i plug in headphones or external speakers the sound works perfectly. i was wondering is there any way in which i can check whether the speakers are busted or if the sound driver is deleted or something.

What are the specs of your PowerBook? It will almost certainly run Tiger, but if it is new enough, you may be able to run the latest version of OS X, Leopard, which will be supported for even longer then Tiger.

As for the sound problem, try going to System Preferences>Sound and click on the Output tab. Make sure the internal speakers are listed as the output type.

saadra said:

Once I finished installing the program, I dragged the Firefox icon to the dock and then when I try to go on it, the icon bounced twice and then stop. this happens to countless number of other programs, does any body know why this is happening?

thanks in advance

Click to expand...

How exactly are you installing them?

It sounds like you may be missing a step or two.
Check out this thread for information on how to properly install applications:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/301371-post6.html

As for the sound problem, try going to System Preferences>Sound and click on the Output tab. Make sure the internal speakers are listed as the output type.

Click to expand...

In system preferences, sound, output, it says name=headphones port:built-in audio.
I'm not sure, but does that mean that the volume is only suppose to come out of the headphone port?

You definitely want to upgrade to Tiger if you EVER want to run anything ever again! The amount of decent freeware for Panther is so slim. But what are your specs? If the PowerBook is less than 1 GHz, you might not have a fun movies + gaming experience.