[Farmgirl22]

Hi, been trying to figure out how to install new programs on my mac...how exactly do you do that? I stumbled around and got firefox loaded, but I don't remember what I did to get it on there. Now I'm trying to install some other things, and the drag and drop just causes them to disappear. And double clicking them doesn't do anything except make it look like something is going to happen.

Also, what programs do you recommend for a Mac that is using ONLY the mac operating system? My word test drive expired, and I like the text edit program well enough, but I'm looking for something similar to like Powerpoint, Exel, Access, etc. I also am looking for a tax program...it came with quickbooks, but it keeps telling me that I have to register (and then you have to call them and wait for ever on hold so that they can tell you it's going to cost $$$ to keep using the program....after I put everything in there....GRRRRRR!!!!) I don't know, my mac didnt' really come with very many useful programs...regardless of whatever Apple says about how they work so great right out of the box . So anything that would be useful to the college student type person would be something I probably need. Just remember on your suggestions...WE ARE POOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH A NEW BABY!! Sometimes people don't pay attention to that, and it makes their suggestions not quite so useful....and, it makes me wallow that much deeper in my self pity of being broke...

Lastly, could someone tell me why they put on all these programs that give you only like 30 days to use them (which for me was more like 2, since it's actual days instead of used days), and while you are trying to get a feel for the program it's giving you a window that pops up saying "buy the real version now" everytime you turn around??? Not to mention that you can't even print a document unless you buy the real one...how does that give you a real idea of how it works?? Either give me the stupid program with the computer or don't....I'll get the "test" version if I think I'll need it!!!!!!!!

Ok, so you really dont' have to answer the last question (though it might be kinda cool if you did )....it's more of a rant/rave/whatever they call it. Anyway, thanks in advance for the help!!

[VegasACF]

Comic Sans? Ugh.

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Hi, been trying to figure out how to install new programs on my mac...how exactly do you do that? I stumbled around and got firefox loaded, but I don't remember what I did to get it on there. Now I'm trying to install some other things, and the drag and drop just causes them to disappear. And double clicking them doesn't do anything except make it look like something is going to happen.

Double-click the installer or, when appropriate, the thing that looks like an open box with .pkg at the end of it.

If the installer application doesn't work it could mean that you're trying to install software that will not run on your particular Mac (for instance, trying to install OS 9 software on a Mac with only OS X on it, trying to install Intel CPU-dependent software on an non-Intel CPU Mac). It could also mean that you don't have sufficient permissions with whatever user you're logged in with to install new software. There are other possibilities, I'm sure, but those are the ones that come to mind.

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Also, what programs do you recommend for a Mac that is using ONLY the mac operating system? My word test drive expired, and I like the text edit program well enough, but I'm looking for something similar to like Powerpoint, Exel, Access, etc. I also am looking for a tax program...it came with quickbooks, but it keeps telling me that I have to register (and then you have to call them and wait for ever on hold so that they can tell you it's going to cost $$$ to keep using the program....after I put everything in there....GRRRRRR!!!!) I don't know, my mac didnt' really come with very many useful programs...regardless of whatever Apple says about how they work so great right out of the box . So anything that would be useful to the college student type person would be something I probably need. Just remember on your suggestions...WE ARE POOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH A NEW BABY!! Sometimes people don't pay attention to that, and it makes their suggestions not quite so useful....and, it makes me wallow that much deeper in my self pity of being broke...

Generally, software costs money. That's why most people develop software: to make money. There is some open source (free) software called Open Office that includes Office-compatible word processor, database software, presentation software, etc. You can get it at http://www.openoffice.org/. If you decide to use this and you'll be creating files that are going to be viewed by someone else using Word (or whatever) you'll need to make sure you save the file as Word-compatible (or whatever-compatible).

The tax software I use is TurboTax. I've used it to file my taxes for the past four years or so, and have not had any problems. It's not free, but you get what you pay for. And when you're dealing with potential tax liability (not to mention criminal liability) it's worth buying reputable software to do it. I believe you can deduct the cost of the software from your taxes, but don't hold me to that.

Since you broached the subject, I strongly recommend stopping the wallowing in self-pity. As a graduate student (law school) trying to hold down two jobs, pay two car payments and a mortgage, as well as trying to feed my wife and our son I understand your plight, but have found ways to make it work. Whining about it is not going to solve the problem, and is not going to engender much sympathy. Everyone's got it tough in one way or another. It's all relative.

Most schools have great deals on software (for instance, through my school I got Microsoft Office for Mac (whatever the latest version is) for $15 plus shipping. Go to your school bookstore and inquire about such offerings.

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Lastly, could someone tell me why they put on all these programs that give you only like 30 days to use them (which for me was more like 2, since it's actual days instead of used days), and while you are trying to get a feel for the program it's giving you a window that pops up saying "buy the real version now" everytime you turn around??? Not to mention that you can't even print a document unless you buy the real one...how does that give you a real idea of how it works?? Either give me the stupid program with the computer or don't....I'll get the "test" version if I think I'll need it!!!!!!!!

These pieces of software are basically ads for the "real" versions. Most of them are somehow disabled (like the print thing), are time-limited, or both. They allow a user to get a feel for what the real one does. I wouldn't take it personally. It's been standard operating procedure for many, many years.

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Ok, so you really dont' have to answer the last question (though it might be kinda cool if you did )....it's more of a rant/rave/whatever they call it. Anyway, thanks in advance for the help!!

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by VegasACF

Comic Sans? Ugh.

What is wrong with comic sans??

Originally Posted by VegasACF

Generally, software costs money. That's why most people develop software: to make money. There is some open source (free) software called Open Office that includes Office-compatible word processor, database software, presentation software, etc.

Yes, I understand that, I like to make money too...however, that doesn't mean that I can't look for an inexpensive (or maybe I should say slightly less expensive...lol) alternative to the high dollar programs, or even just the best deal. You guys on here seem to know where to get those excellent deals, and I thought I would pick everyone's brains.

I knew that Open Office existed, but I didn't know you could get it on a Mac. So thanks for giving me the heads up...I wouldn't have even thought about it, as I just assumed for some reason that it would be Windows based only.

Originally Posted by VegasACF

Since you broached the subject, I strongly recommend stopping the wallowing in self-pity...Everyone's got it tough in one way or another. It's all relative.

It was a joke...there was a smiley face, I was hoping that would let everyone know that, since they can't see my face as I type.

Originally Posted by VegasACF

Most schools have great deals on software

HA!! I think the Okies are against that. Or at least the ones at my school are. I already checked, and they looked at me as though I had sprouted horns and a tail!! Which in case there is any doubt...I still don't have a tail or any horns...

[VegasACF]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

What is wrong with comic sans??

http://bancomicsans.com/home.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_Sans

[Pensacola Tiger]

Farmgirl22,

For an office suite, try NeoOffice.

Check out the current and past issues of About This Particular Macintosh for reviews of software that may be of use to you. Some, not all, of the reviewed software is free, much of the rest is very low cost.

If you must have Microsoft Word and Excel, a student edition of Office for the Mac is available. As everything Microsoft, it is not cheap, but it is cheaper than the regular version.

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by Pensacola Tiger

Farmgirl22,

For an office suite, try NeoOffice.

Check out the current and past issues of About This Particular Macintosh for reviews of software that may be of use to you. Some, not all, of the reviewed software is free, much of the rest is very low cost.

If you must have Microsoft Word and Excel, a student edition of Office for the Mac is available. As everything Microsoft, it is not cheap, but it is cheaper than the regular version.

Pensacola, if I wasn't alreay married, I think I would ask you to marry me. You have been so helpful!! And so nice about it too!!

Vegas, your pretty cool too, in a gruff kinda way...

Thanks both of you for your help...and Vegas, note the smilies, and the lack of Comic Sans...I did that just for you!

[VegasACF]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Vegas, your pretty cool too, in a gruff kinda way...

It's just "tough love". You're a Mac user, after all. You can't be that bad (in spite of the Comic Sans thing, that is).

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

...and Vegas, note the smilies, and the lack of Comic Sans...I did that just for you!

You brought a tear to my eye. *sniff* Thanks.

[MSM Hobbes]

A handy guide for installing programs on Apple:
http://guides.macrumors.com/Installi..._X#Disk_images

And a quite good review of such is here:
http://mactalk.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=9797

In a nutshell, most times, to install a program that you have d/l, etc., just click & drag the desired application/program that is in the mounted disk to the Applications folder. After that, just drag the and delete the [for example '.dmg'] file.

One other quick note/thought, since haven't seen it mentioned in this thread - keep in mind that there are 3 different types of 'accounts' that a person can have:
User
Admin
Root
Recommend that for normal day-to-day use, create, if haven't done so, a User account; leaving the Admin for higher level needs - and always be careful when d/l and installing programs/applications.

Speaking of downloads and such, if not aware and/or if not using your Apple's software update feature, there has been just this past Tuesday a fairly important s/w upgrade. Check out http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ for latest info.