A New Tool Simplifies App Installation on Mac
EasyDMG makes the software installation process on macOS much easier.
1Traditional macOS Installation Process
Installing apps outside the Mac App Store involves dealing with DMG files. Users must download the file, mount the virtual disk, then drag the app to the Applications folder. Afterwards, they need to unmount the disk and delete the DMG. This convoluted process originated with Mac OS X in 2001 and hasn't been updated since.
2EasyDMG's Solution
Developer Jeff Schumann addressed this issue with EasyDMG. The free app enables automatic installation by double-clicking DMG files. Featuring an adorable hamster mascot and the slogan 'Created out of spite,' it simplifies the process. Users only need to set EasyDMG as the default application for DMG files.
3Installation and Usage
Ironically, installing EasyDMG requires going through the traditional installation dance (just once). After installation, a simple button in settings makes it the default app for DMG files. From then on, the entire installation process becomes automatic, with a progress bar showing each step from mounting to verification.
4Automatic Cleanup Feature
EasyDMG can automatically delete DMG files after installation and optionally open the Applications folder to show the new app. These features can be toggled in settings. The app doesn't run in the background—it only activates when opening a DMG file and closes after completing the installation.
5Privacy-Focused Design
EasyDMG prioritizes user privacy by collecting no telemetry data. Its only network connection checks for updates. This minimalist approach keeps the app lightweight and secure while respecting user data—a rare feature in today's software landscape where data collection is commonplace.
6Additional Settings
Users can customize various features in settings: keeping DMG files, disabling post-installation Finder windows, or launching apps immediately. Options also exist to disable warnings about unidentified developers and hide the progress bar, receiving only a notification when installation completes.
7User Experience Benefits
EasyDMG offers significant time savings, especially for users who frequently install apps—it's about 70% faster than traditional methods. For new Mac users, it simplifies complex processes into accessible one-click operations. The tool eliminates multiple manual steps that often confuse beginners.
8Significance for Mac Ecosystem
This tool modernizes a 25-year-old macOS tradition. In an era where package managers like Homebrew are popular, EasyDMG provides a contemporary solution for DMG-based installations. The developer's 'spite-driven' approach exemplifies user-centric software development, addressing a long-standing pain point creatively.
Original article: Wired — Mac'te Uygulama Kurmayı Kolaylaştıran Yeni Araç