This is probably the first thing you will ask when you just made the switch to pick up a shiny new Mac. You probably are expecting an Installer of some kind to guide you through the installation of the program. When you see something called a disk image (or *.dmg file), you might get a little confused of what to do. So here I will tell you everything you need to know to install applications to your Mac.

here are 2 types of installations you will encounter when downloading a new app:

1. Standalone Apps:
The most common mistake I see new switchers make is that after they downloaded Microsoft Messenger they expect an installer to install the program. Strangely, they get a strange *.dmg file. They double click the file and see the app inside, don’t know what to do with it. They double click the file and Messenger launches. They think that’s how the program works and repeat the previous steps every time they want to use Messenger. I blame Microsoft for not having any clear instructions in the disk image like some other neat applications.

Most Windows users are not familiar with the easiness of installing a standalone application. A typical standalone application simply requires you to double click the disk image (*.dmg file) and drag the application file into your Applications folder (or anywhere you want on your hard drive.

An example of a good standalone application installation: simply drag the clock into the provided Applications folder shortcut.

Another good example: my favorite instant messaging app Adium. Simply drag the duck into Applications folder.

2. Installer or Package.
Traditional apps usually come with installer similar to the ones you are familiar in Windows. To install, simply double click the installer and follow the steps. Usually they will ask for a location to be installed to (typically your primary hard disk) and sometimes they will ask for administrator password to get access to some system files.

That basically covers the steps to properly install any new Mac application. Sometimes it can be confusing when things get too simple right?