Introduction
Installing software on a Mac not from the App Store can be a useful option for users who want to access a wider range of applications or prefer to download software directly from the developer’s website. While the App Store offers a convenient and secure way to install software, there are instances where you may need to install software from other sources. In this article, we will explore the steps to install software on a Mac not from the App Store.
Enabling Third-Party Software Installation
By default, macOS restricts the installation of apps from unidentified developers to protect users from potentially harmful software. However, you can change this setting to allow the installation of software from other sources. Here’s how:
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Security & Privacy.”
3. Go to the “General” tab and click on the lock icon in the bottom-left corner to make changes.
4. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
5. Under the “Allow apps downloaded from” section, select “App Store and identified developers” or “Anywhere” if available.
6. If the “Anywhere” option is not visible, you can enable it by opening the Terminal app (found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder) and entering the following command: `sudo spctl –master-disable`
Downloading Software from a Developer’s Website
Once you have enabled the installation of software from unidentified developers, you can proceed to download and install applications from a developer’s website. Here’s how:
1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the developer’s website.
2. Look for a “Downloads” or “Get” section on the website.
3. Locate the software you want to install and click on the download link.
4. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder or the designated location.
5. Double-click on the downloaded file to initiate the installation process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer to complete the installation.
Using Package Managers
Another way to install software on a Mac not from the App Store is by using package managers. Package managers are command-line tools that automate the process of installing, updating, and managing software packages. Two popular package managers for macOS are Homebrew and MacPorts.
1. Homebrew:
– Open Terminal (found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder).
– Visit the Homebrew website (brew.sh) and follow the installation instructions provided.
– Once Homebrew is installed, you can use it to search for and install software packages. For example, to install a package called “example,” you would enter the following command in Terminal: `brew install example`
2. MacPorts:
– Open Terminal.
– Visit the MacPorts website (macports.org) and download the installer for your macOS version.
– Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
– Once MacPorts is installed, you can use it to search for and install software packages. For example, to install a package called “example,” you would enter the following command in Terminal: `sudo port install example`
Conclusion
Installing software on a Mac not from the App Store can be done by enabling third-party software installation and downloading applications from a developer’s website or using package managers like Homebrew or MacPorts. By following these steps, you can expand your software options and have greater flexibility in choosing the applications that best suit your needs.
References
– Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/
– Homebrew: https://brew.sh/
– MacPorts: https://www.macports.org/
