Exclusive LG phones only from AT&T
Reminder: Keep applications in the locations they were originally installed (usually /Applications)
Though it may be tempting to organize your applications into customized directories -- for instance putting all of your Web browsers in a folder named "Browsers" within the /Applications directory -- you should refrain from doing so under Mac OS X.
Applications, especially those installed alongside Mac OS X or developed by Apple, should always be kept in their original locations of installation. This prevents a bevy of potential issues, including an inability to properly apply updates to said application(s).
If you do move applications out of their default installation location, you may run into one of the following problems:
- An individual application updater (e.g. iPhoto 6.0.6) may fail to properly perform installation, presenting an error message stating that no eligible application exists for updating, or simply quitting with a different error message
- A "skeleton" application may be installed at the default location (e.g. /Applications). This incomplete copy of the application will contain only the components installed by the given updater, and generally will not be usable. A prime example of this problem occurred with Font Book and Security Update 2006-007. If Font Book was not located in /Applications at the time of applying Security Update 2006-007 -- where a non-functional, ~400 KB item called Font Book appeared in /Applications -- was the result
So resist the urge to organize your actual applications (especially those from Apple) into subdirectories or move them outside the /Applications or /Applications/Utilities directories if these were their original installation locations.
You can, of course, create aliases of your applications (select the application icon, the press Command-L or select "Make Alias" from the File menu), and organize them however you'd like. Alternatively, you can consider one of the many application launcher utilities.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Resources
%20%7C%20MacFixIt%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10328319-263.html){kind=small}
<p>Outside of the Apple-installed software suite, I don't put <i>any</i> apps directly in <code>/Applications</code>... they all go into sub-folders such as <code>/Applications/Productivity</code> or <code>/Applications/Video</code> or <code>/Applications/Utilities/Compression</code> etc. I have been following this organization scheme for years (since the OS X beta came out) and it has never caused a single problem -- as long as I "resist the urge" to organize Apple's own stuff. Sure it may be a little inconsistent, but it fits the way I choose to work.
Agreed. From my experience, this only applies to Apple apps.
10-4 on your years of experience as they mirror mine as well in Mac IT. There is no need at all, especially keeping any third-party Applications put and in many cases Apple apps as well. If the Apple updater can't find them, all the better.
Considering the dismal history of Apple's online updates screwing up once nicely operating applications, I have taken the measure at our district in disabling auto updating. When we're sure all the bug filled updates are sanitized or macfixit has found sufficient "fixes" for Apple botched updates, then we manually download and install. This situation that Apple has put owners and IT staff members in is pathetic! I had the iTunes 7.1 update screw up 3 of my 5 personal Macs!
Just as this poster wrote, myself and a lot of other long time Mac OS X (and OS 9) users I know have used the practice of creating sub-folders for application types. It has never created any problems in more than 8 years of experience.
This was bad information from a macfixit supposed expert.
That's exactly what I do: Use aliases in thematic folders. Then I go a step further using FriutMenu so I can access these easily via the Apple menu just like in pre-OS X days. Finding and opening the applications I need is a breeze.
<ol>
<li>Dump all programs into Applications, but use aliases (or, where necessary, Unix links) to create whatever organizational structure you like in ~Applications. That's right, you can have an Applications folder in your home directory, and you face few restrictions on how you set it up. However, you still should install into Applications -- not only for the reasons listed in this tip (like not breaking installers), but also to allow access to other users (including the admin account you've created for emergencies... you do have one, right?). You can even place ~Applications in your Finder sidebar (and, if you are somewhat daring, remove Applications) for easy access.
<br><li>Use a launcher, such as Quicksilver, LaunchBar, Butler, etc. These are keyboard-based launchers; those who long for an OS 7 to 9-like customizable Apple menu can find other (free and commercial) utilities to approximate that functionality.
<br><li>Use the Dock. Place folders of aliases of your applications, grouped however you see fit, in your dock, and launch programs from there. Or use one of the many dock add-ons that give enhanced features for organizing and launching. Or skip the dock altogether and use DragThing or the like -- these tools also allow more control over organizing one's applications, and one's workflow more generally.
</ol>
I hope those suggestions are helpful. Of course, the Applications folder is managed this way as a consequence (albeit perhaps not a required one) of the inherently multi-user environment that OS X is. "But I'm the only user," one might protest, but that misses the fact that OS X -- unlike early Mac OSes or most currently installed versions of Windows -- is <i>designed</i> to separate user actions from administrative actions. (It also is why OS X is generally more resistant to malware than, say, Windows XP.) So just dump your applications into Applications, pick one of the above organizing tips, and get back to doing creative stuff <i>with</i> your Mac, instead of <i>on</i> it.
I thought that one of the key selling points of the Mac was the customizability of the OS, unlike the rigid and unflexible Windows OS. If we can't have it our way, then that is a step backward IMHO.
However, now I install most apps into the Applications Folder and only put aliases in my subfolders. Also, I make aliases of the subfolders and put a leading space in the name of the alias. This puts all subfolders at the top the list for easy access. This method still allows me to find apps by name in the Application Folder or by subfolder category. ( Image Apps, Media Apps, Text Apps, Internet Apps, Games, etc. )
Glen G.
However, the individual program updaters are a different story. For example, updates to any iLife program will not install unless the application is in the Applications root.
- by allen_a_watson_dotmac April 4, 2007 10:17 AM PDT
- Likewise! I've organized most non-Apple apps in subfolders for years with no ill effects. I do agree about keeping Apple apps where Apple puts them, and I see no reason not to. If I do have a Browsers subfolder, I just put an alias to Safari in it and leave Safari where Apple puts it. However, any other browsers, such as Firefox, Camino, Omniweb, Opera, Shiira, or whatever, go into the subfolder.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(11 Comments)