Where does the mac app store download to

Now that downloading and updating apps is an exclusively electronic process that doesn't require disks, packaging materials and shipping, there's less of an environmental impact.

Additionally, many Mac apps sold via disk or download had limited permissions that allowed them only to be operated on a single computer. The chief way around this restriction was to buy a pricey group license. Because the Mac App Store keeps track of past purchases, users can now install apps on every Mac they own and download them again as necessary. This is especially helpful for people who buy a new Mac and want to add software that they've already purchased [source: Apple ].

Ever tried to open a file and discovered you don't have the application it requires? On Macs with access to the Mac App Store, a dialog box will open and offer to search the Mac App Store for a program that will open it. If found, you can buy the app instantly [source: Luoma ]. The Mac App Store offers free apps, as well as paid. What's the process for buying this -- or any -- app?

On the next page, we offer a step-by-step guide. Don't have a Mac? There are an increasing number of new app stores for Windows that also offer one-stop software shopping, such as Pokki and Avenue App Store [source: O'Dell ]. Apple's hardware and software is part of a closed system that makes it difficult -- and sometimes impossible -- to migrate Mac-native components and programs to PCs.

However, this closed system means that Apple hardware and software are built to work together across Apple's product lines. The Mac App Store offers a chance for third-party developers to create and sell apps to all Mac users. Developers can register for free with Apple to download a developer kit, peruse guidelines, read articles and connect with other developers.

When an app is complete, it can be submitted for approval along with an icon and keyword description [source: Lewis ]. Tetsujin Tetsujin 92k 23 23 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. At this folder, search for appstore and your file probably will be something like encrypted Tadej Tadej 5 5 silver badges 7 7 bronze badges.

Serg Smyk Serg Smyk 1 1 silver badge 2 2 bronze badges. T M T M 2 2 bronze badges. Anthony Anthony 46 3 3 bronze badges. The Overflow Blog. Podcast Who is building clouds for the independent developer? Exploding turkeys and how not to thaw your frozen bird: Top turkey questions Featured on Meta. If you have an issue when you download apps To buy apps from the App Store, you need an Apple ID and a payment method.

Learn what to do if you can sign in and your payment method is valid but you still can't download apps. If an app does not work Learn what to do if an app closes unexpectedly or won't open. If an app isn't working as expected, you can contact the app developer. Or report a problem to Apple. But the App Store offers a more secure experience.

Learn more about using apps on your Mac. Published Date: January 29, Developers do not have to make their apps exclusive on the Mac App Store. Presumably all the apps you bought in the Mac App Store will update via the App Store app itself, using the Updates tab. You may update in different places based on where you bought your software, in the short term.

In the long term, the App Store app will probably be the answer. Yes, you can install apps bought from the Mac App Store on any and every Mac that you personally own and use. What about the five-Mac restriction that I have with videos I bought from iTunes? Does that work for Apps too? Does that mean I could buy one copy of an app and install it on every Mac in my business? Apps that are intended for professional use are licensed for you or for a single computer used by several people.

No, apps are purchased for and owned by a user linked to a single Apple ID. But if you log in with that ID on all the Macs in your household, you can download and install your apps on each one. How does the Mac App Store handle volume licenses? How about educational discounts? Are those offered in the App Store, or do I have to go straight to the software vendor for that kind of discount pricing?

As far as we know, there is no volume licensing for Mac App Store apps.