No longer is the Mac computer a rarity among users. Chances are high that half the people you know use a Mac and have owned one for years. If you are new to the platform, you will want to get accustomed to it to learn how it differs from Windows. One of the first things you will probably want to do is to install apps. There are some fairly easy steps you can follow when setting up and using your favorite apps on Mac.
Installing Apps from the App Store
Just like Apple’s iPhone and iPad, the Mac includes an App Store that allows you to download the apps of your choice to your device. In order to do this, you must be signed in with your Apple ID and password. Click on the App Store icon in the dock, which is located at the bottom of your Mac’s screen. You can easily maneuver the App Store and search for a variety of app types. Some apps are free and will simply say “Get” for a free install. Others come with a fee and will state the amount it costs. You will have to reenter your password to confirm you want to install any of those apps.
Setting up these apps is also easy. You can place them where you like in the dock by clicking, holding, and dragging them into the spot of your choice. To keep an app in the dock, right-click, and select “Keep in Dock.” You can also set up automatic app updates by accessing System Preferences and choosing App Store.
Installing Apps from Websites
It’s also possible to install and set up third-party apps to your Mac from other sources. To do this, you have different options. One is to go to the website of the app you want. For instance, some websites offer official free or paid downloads of their apps right from the site. Or you can download an installer from a reputable source online to download third-party apps.
If you choose to use an installer, it will go to your Downloads folder. You will have to drag any app you install with it to your Applications folder.
Installing Apps from Third-Party Sources
Some of your favorite apps for the iPhone are not actually available in the Mac’s App Store or even through third-party sources. Social media channels like Snapchat, in particular, is a good example of that. However, if you want to use that or a similar app on your Mac, you can do so by using a third-party source like third-party app stores. Essentially, these are sources that are legal but may require a monthly fee. Steam is a highly popular option for gamers. Setapp is also popular, but you will have to use its own user interface to install the apps you want.
It’s important to know that when you install and open third-party apps on Mac, you will get a warning prompt on your screen. This is a default setting that can be bypassed by modifying your security settings in System Preferences.
If you want to know how to use Snapchat on Mac, you can use Setapp to get it. From there, after installation, you can easily maneuver the app just as you can on your iPhone and start creating Snaps to send to your friends.
After you have set up your favorite apps on your Mac, you can then enjoy using them at your leisure.