Installing Updating and Managing Applications

Install trusted apps, understand common app locations and remove software safely.

What you will learn

• Use the App Store and trusted developer sources
• Install and remove common Mac app packages
• Manage updates permissions and default apps

Before you begin

Use non-sensitive practice files and save your work before changing settings. Menu names can vary with the macOS version and MacBook model, so use System Settings search or the Help menu when an option is not immediately visible.

Choose trusted software

Prefer the App Store or the developer’s official website. Check compatibility, price, publisher and requested access before installing.

Avoid fake download buttons and unexpected installers. macOS security warnings should be investigated rather than bypassed merely to make an app open.

Install and remove

App Store applications install through the store. Other apps may arrive in a disk image and should be dragged to Applications as instructed.

Eject a mounted installer after use. To remove an app, follow its official instructions; dragging to Trash may leave support files or may not suit software with an uninstaller.

Keep apps current

Install macOS and application security updates promptly after saving work and checking backup status. Review automatic-update settings in System Settings.

Choose default apps through supported settings or a file’s Get Info window. Changing a default does not convert existing files.

Guided practice

1. Open the Applications folder and identify app sources.
2. Review App Store updates without purchasing anything.
3. Inspect the default app for a harmless document type.

Knowledge check

1. Which download sources are generally safest?
2. Why should warnings not be bypassed automatically?
3. Does changing a default app convert a file?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice safely and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.