I've been using a Mac for 2 days now, after years of Windows use. I want to know if there is an uninstaller like there is in Windows. My iBook G4 came with Nanosaur and a few other programs I don't really want, but I'm not sure if I can just throw their folders in the trash. Is there a standard uninstall procedure for Mac? Thanks.
Satcomer
In Geostationary Orbit
On OS X there really is not a end all de-install program. OS X Applications are in bundles and keep most of their parts inside of themselves. You can view this by right clicking (or control+click, with a single button mouse) and selecting "Show Package Contents". Now, most applications do leave some settings in three different locations. They are in Applications->Library->Application Support (for all users), or Users->Your User Folder->Library->Application Support(you your User only), and lastly Users->Your User Folder->Library->Preferences(for you particular settings).
However, some programers like to go beyond the norm and leave some things all over OS X. So there are a couple of ways to get rid of something. Most program installers have a de-install option built into them. So run the installer and select the de-install (if it is offered). Secondly you could do a search on the program name, and toss of the listed parts from the search field to Trash and this will work.
Lastly, some programers (like certain discontinued products) place hidden files inside OS X (by placing a . in front of a file name). Luckily showing hidden files is easy. Just Download a program called TinkerTool that will show all hidden files.
One more thing, a warning. OS X will not boot if you through out the wrong file. Be careful and always have a backup.
However, some programers like to go beyond the norm and leave some things all over OS X. So there are a couple of ways to get rid of something. Most program installers have a de-install option built into them. So run the installer and select the de-install (if it is offered). Secondly you could do a search on the program name, and toss of the listed parts from the search field to Trash and this will work.
Lastly, some programers (like certain discontinued products) place hidden files inside OS X (by placing a . in front of a file name). Luckily showing hidden files is easy. Just Download a program called TinkerTool that will show all hidden files.
One more thing, a warning. OS X will not boot if you through out the wrong file. Be careful and always have a backup.
