How to Install Software on a Mac
The standard method of installing software through an optical drive is not the only way to acquire software for your Mac. Apple has provided other alternatives. These are necessary if you have a computer that does not have an optical drive -- such as a MacBook Air. You can install software through the optical drive of a co-worker's Mac computer, or download business applications through the Mac App Store.
Mac App Store
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Select the "App Store" icon in the Dock to open the Mac App Store.
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Enter the name of the program you want to download in the Search bar. You can also search for applications using the available search options -- such as the Top Charts or Featured lists.
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Select the application from the Results list to open the application's Mac Store page, which displays detailed information about the app.
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Click the app's "Price" button, and then click "Buy App."
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Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted to install the application. The application's icon appears on the Dock after the installation process ends.
Use Remote Disc
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Open the "Apple" menu on the Mac with the optical drive, and then select "System Preferences" to open the System Preferences window.
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Select "Sharing" in the Internet and Wireless section to open the Sharing window.
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Select the "DVD or CD Sharing" check box and then insert the installation disc into the optical drive.
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Click the "Finder" icon in the Dock of the Mac without the optical drive to open a Finder window.
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Select "Devices" from the sidebar, and then choose "Remote Disc" to reveal the icon of the Mac with the DVD or CD Sharing option activated.
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Select the computer's icon, and then click the "Connect" button.
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Click "Accept" on the computer with the optical drive to allow your Mac to use the drive to install the software. The installation disc will appear on your Mac after the connection is complete.
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Select the installation disc to install the software.
References
Resources
Tips
- You need an Apple ID to purchase and install apps from the Mac App Store.
- If you want to install an application that is free in the Mac App Store, click the application's "Free" button.
- You can also download and install programs that are not in the Mac App Store by selecting the appropriate option in the Gatekeeper utility. The feature was created to protect your Mac from potentially harmful software. Open the "Apple" menu, and then select "System Preferences." Select "Security and Privacy," and then click the "General" tab. Select the appropriate option in the "Allow Applications Downloaded From" section -- such as "Mac App Store and Identified Developers."
Warnings
- The computer with the optical drive and your Mac must both be connected to the business network to use the Remote Disc utility.
- If the computer with the optical drive has the option to request permission to use the drive activated, you must select "Ask To Use" before you can connect to the optical drive.
- The information in this article applies to OS X Mountain Lion. Instructions may differ slightly or significantly with other versions.
Writer Bio
An avid technology enthusiast, Steve Gregory has been writing professionally since 2002. With more than 10 years of experience as a network administrator, Gregory holds an Information Management certificate from the University of Maryland and is pursuing MCSE certification. His work has appeared in numerous online publications, including Chron and GlobalPost.