Mac computers have always used to highlight things like their security against Windows or the few programs and applications that exist for the platform. The truth is that neither macOS is infallible in security, nor is it true that there are few applications for these devices. Many applications can be installed from the Mac App Store, but many others can be found on web servers. In this post we show you how to install third-party applications on a Mac , in case you have any problem when doing so or you simply do not know the method.
Install internet applications on Mac
If you take a look at the Mac App Store you will find many applications that will work perfectly for your Mac. This is an advantage because you guarantee not only its correct operation, but also cover yourself in security by knowing that the applications have had to go through the strict filters that Apple requires developers to be in your store. However, the catalog may be insufficient at times and therefore we are sometimes forced to use the internet to download certain programs or tools.
By simply accessing Google from Safari or any other browser, we will be able to search for Mac applications. By simply entering the name of the application followed by “macOS” or “Mac”, a multitude of websites will appear where the download is offered. Many of these portals are secure and others are the pages of the developers themselves. However, there is also insecure software, although we will talk about that later.
To install an internet program, it will be as simple as starting the download from the corresponding link and accessing the folder where it has been downloaded, either the desktop or any other. Once we have access to the file we can open it with two clicks and this is where there could be problems. Generally Apple is very restrictive with this type of third-party files and by default it does not allow these installations, so you should allow it as follows:
- Go to System Preferences> Security and Privacy.
- Press on the padlock that appears in the lower left and enter the password you use to unlock your Mac.
- In the part where it says “Allow third-party apps” you must check the “App Store and identified developers” box.
By doing this you can now install third-party programs without any problem. In most cases a pop-up window will appear in which you will be alerted that you are installing unknown software, but just by accepting it you will be able to continue. It may also be the case that, again, you need to go to the Security and Privacy section. This time it would be to accept the installation of that particular application.
If you are in macOS Catalina or a later version, it is likely that you have a problem when installing 32-bit applications. From this version onwards, Apple only allows 64-bit applications to be installed to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment with that application. Thus, the only safe way to use applications of this type would be to return to macOS Mojave or another previous version.
Risks of installing third-party applications
A famous computer scientist said years ago that the safest device was one that was several meters below the ground, without wireless internet connections, bluetooth or any other and without connected external devices. Obviously this is a somewhat ironic reality, since it would be of little or no use to have that device. In short, what comes to tell this is that there is no electronic equipment that is 100% safe, no matter how cautious we may be.
On a Mac it is true that there is perhaps more security, not only for Apple’s protection but because there is much less malicious software for macOS. In any case, to prevent some kind of security or privacy problem, it is recommended not to install unknown applications on the computer. Therefore, when installing internet programs it is recommended that we do so only for those essential and always from a portal that is trustworthy, preferably from the developers website.
Something that can also make your Mac vulnerable is when you install insecure software, that is, those payment programs that you download, install and use for free. These are generally downloaded from untrustworthy websites or from strange links uploaded by anonymous users. These installations can be performed under the responsibility of the user, but it is likely that in many cases these applications include malicious software that will be detected by the system at best and installation will not be allowed.
