Delete the app preference file. Plist files can become corrupt when a Mac shuts down or restarts unexpectedly or when an app freezes or crashes. As a result, the app may not open. When you delete a bad preference file, the Mac creates a new plist file that contains all the app's defaults automatically.
Lesson 9: Understanding Applications
/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/content/
What is an application?
You won't immediately see the app you're looking for—this is because the App Store defaults to only showing Mac apps. Click on the 'iPhone & iPad Apps' listing to switch views. If the iPhone or iPad app developer elected to have their mobile app available on Mac, you will now see it on the results page. If you are using Mac OS X and want to run Windows applications, the most popular option is to install Windows OS using Bootcamp, or run Windows in a virtual machine. Linux users will know that you can use Wine to install and run Windows applications natively. The good news is that Mac users can run Wine to install Windows applications as well. I prefer clearing my Mac from apps using special software made for this particular task - CleanMyMac X. It's Uninstaller feature, is an app-killer that sweeps away any program you don't want on your Mac and clears remaining junk. Now let's go ahead and delete some apps! Uninstall Mac apps using Trash.
You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.
App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.
Watch the video below to learn more about applications.
Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.
Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.
- Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
- Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.
- Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.
- Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.
Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile apps.
- Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
- Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.
- Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.
Installing new applications
Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in, such as a web browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install new apps to add more functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software on Your Windows PC, Installing Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn more.
/en/computerbasics/setting-up-a-computer/content/
-->Applies to:Office for Mac
This article is for IT administrators and discusses frequently asked questions about the availability of Office from the Mac App Store, and the differences between downloading and distributing Office apps directly from Microsoft.
Starting in January 2019, the following Office applications are available for download from the Mac App Store:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft OneNote*
- Microsoft OneDrive*
* These apps were also available from the Mac App Store in previous years.
What version of Office is available from the Mac App Store?
The Office apps available from the Mac App Store provide the latest Current Channel version of Office on the Mac. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook require an Office 365 (or Microsoft 365) subscription to activate. OneNote and OneDrive do not require a subscription, but some premium features may require a subscription. All apps are compatible with Office 365 (and Microsoft 365) subscription plans, such as Office 365 E5 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Note
Some Office 365 (and Microsoft 365) subscriptions don't include access to downloadable Office apps. For example, the Office 365 E1 and Microsoft 365 Business Basic plans. For more information, see Office 365 plans.
Can I use apps from the Mac App Store with my Volume License?
No. Perpetual licenses, such as Office 2019, are not supported with Office apps available from the Mac App Store. The Volume License (VL) Serializer is not compatible with these apps. Attempts to use a perpetual license with Mac App Store apps will cause the apps to enter reduced functionality mode.
How do I deploy Office apps from the Mac App Store to computers in my organization?
You need an enterprise mobility management (EMM) tool that supports either Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP), Apple Business Manager, or Apple School Manager. For example, Jamf Pro is compatible with these programs and can be used to deploy Office apps. Office supports managed distribution, which allows your Mobile Device Management (MDM) server to install Office even when the user does not have an Apple ID. Office apps cannot be distributed through redeemable codes.
While a consumer may acquire Office through the Mac App Store as a bundle with a single-click download, IT admins will need to deploy the individual apps.
When deployed through the Mac App Store, does Office behave differently, or provide less functionality?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote provide the same end-user functionality regardless of how it is deployed. IT admins have traditionally deployed Office from Microsoft's Content Delivery Network (CDN), but now have the option of deploying from the Mac App Store.
The OneDrive app, when acquired from Microsoft's CDN, offers IT admins more deployment flexibility such as pre-enabling icon overlays and system access. When acquired from the Mac App Store, users will see additional prompts to enable this functionality.
The Office builds available from the Mac App Store are Current Channel builds and are usually updated on a monthly basis. The Office Insider program is not supported through the Mac App Store. If you wish to use Current Channel (Preview) or Beta Channel, you should continue to install Office apps from the Microsoft CDN.
Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business are not available through the Mac App Store and must be deployed from the Microsoft CDN.
Where Is Application Folder Mac
How do Office updates occur?
When Office apps are deployed through the Mac App Store, it is the sole responsibility of the App Store to keep those apps up to date. Conversely, apps deployed from Microsoft's CDN are updated through the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) tool. Content caching services in macOS can be used (and is highly recommended) to optimize both the installation and update process of Office apps acquired through the Mac App Store.
The download size of monthly update packages is the same, regardless of whether the CDN or Mac App Store is used for deployment.
Can I convert an existing CDN-based Office installation to Mac App Store?
If a user launches the App Store app on their Mac, they may see that Office apps are available for download even though Office is already installed from Microsoft's CDN. Depending upon the currently installed Office build, and the build available in the Mac App Store, the existing app may or may not get overwritten. For example, if the build of Office currently installed is newer than what is available from the Mac App Store (such as an Insider build), it will not be overwritten if the user chooses to download the Mac App Store build. Why is mac better for graphic design.
Mac Apps
There is no automated process for performing a CDN to Mac App Store conversion. Depending on your EMM's capabilities, you may be able to orchestrate the process through a script. The high-level steps for each Mac are as follows:
- Close all Office apps
- Remove the Office apps from the /Applications folder
- Remove the Office entries from the keychain
- Remove the Office package registrations (
pkgutil --forget
) - Trigger the MDM server to install the Office apps (such as
jamf recon
)
While CDN-based installations of Office can utilize the bandwidth-optimized suite installer, which is approximately 1.8 GB in size, the total size of the same apps when deployed through the Mac App Store is approximately 4 GB.
Where Is Applications On Macbook Pro
How can I tell if an Office app was downloaded from the Mac App Store?
What is an application?
You won't immediately see the app you're looking for—this is because the App Store defaults to only showing Mac apps. Click on the 'iPhone & iPad Apps' listing to switch views. If the iPhone or iPad app developer elected to have their mobile app available on Mac, you will now see it on the results page. If you are using Mac OS X and want to run Windows applications, the most popular option is to install Windows OS using Bootcamp, or run Windows in a virtual machine. Linux users will know that you can use Wine to install and run Windows applications natively. The good news is that Mac users can run Wine to install Windows applications as well. I prefer clearing my Mac from apps using special software made for this particular task - CleanMyMac X. It's Uninstaller feature, is an app-killer that sweeps away any program you don't want on your Mac and clears remaining junk. Now let's go ahead and delete some apps! Uninstall Mac apps using Trash.
You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.
App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.
Watch the video below to learn more about applications.
Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.
Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.
- Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
- Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.
- Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.
- Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.
Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile apps.
- Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's available for Android and iOS devices.
- Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's available for Android and iOS.
- Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.
Installing new applications
Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in, such as a web browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install new apps to add more functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software on Your Windows PC, Installing Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn more.
/en/computerbasics/setting-up-a-computer/content/
-->Applies to:Office for Mac
This article is for IT administrators and discusses frequently asked questions about the availability of Office from the Mac App Store, and the differences between downloading and distributing Office apps directly from Microsoft.
Starting in January 2019, the following Office applications are available for download from the Mac App Store:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft OneNote*
- Microsoft OneDrive*
* These apps were also available from the Mac App Store in previous years.
What version of Office is available from the Mac App Store?
The Office apps available from the Mac App Store provide the latest Current Channel version of Office on the Mac. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook require an Office 365 (or Microsoft 365) subscription to activate. OneNote and OneDrive do not require a subscription, but some premium features may require a subscription. All apps are compatible with Office 365 (and Microsoft 365) subscription plans, such as Office 365 E5 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Note
Some Office 365 (and Microsoft 365) subscriptions don't include access to downloadable Office apps. For example, the Office 365 E1 and Microsoft 365 Business Basic plans. For more information, see Office 365 plans.
Can I use apps from the Mac App Store with my Volume License?
No. Perpetual licenses, such as Office 2019, are not supported with Office apps available from the Mac App Store. The Volume License (VL) Serializer is not compatible with these apps. Attempts to use a perpetual license with Mac App Store apps will cause the apps to enter reduced functionality mode.
How do I deploy Office apps from the Mac App Store to computers in my organization?
You need an enterprise mobility management (EMM) tool that supports either Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP), Apple Business Manager, or Apple School Manager. For example, Jamf Pro is compatible with these programs and can be used to deploy Office apps. Office supports managed distribution, which allows your Mobile Device Management (MDM) server to install Office even when the user does not have an Apple ID. Office apps cannot be distributed through redeemable codes.
While a consumer may acquire Office through the Mac App Store as a bundle with a single-click download, IT admins will need to deploy the individual apps.
When deployed through the Mac App Store, does Office behave differently, or provide less functionality?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote provide the same end-user functionality regardless of how it is deployed. IT admins have traditionally deployed Office from Microsoft's Content Delivery Network (CDN), but now have the option of deploying from the Mac App Store.
The OneDrive app, when acquired from Microsoft's CDN, offers IT admins more deployment flexibility such as pre-enabling icon overlays and system access. When acquired from the Mac App Store, users will see additional prompts to enable this functionality.
The Office builds available from the Mac App Store are Current Channel builds and are usually updated on a monthly basis. The Office Insider program is not supported through the Mac App Store. If you wish to use Current Channel (Preview) or Beta Channel, you should continue to install Office apps from the Microsoft CDN.
Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business are not available through the Mac App Store and must be deployed from the Microsoft CDN.
Where Is Application Folder Mac
How do Office updates occur?
When Office apps are deployed through the Mac App Store, it is the sole responsibility of the App Store to keep those apps up to date. Conversely, apps deployed from Microsoft's CDN are updated through the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) tool. Content caching services in macOS can be used (and is highly recommended) to optimize both the installation and update process of Office apps acquired through the Mac App Store.
The download size of monthly update packages is the same, regardless of whether the CDN or Mac App Store is used for deployment.
Can I convert an existing CDN-based Office installation to Mac App Store?
If a user launches the App Store app on their Mac, they may see that Office apps are available for download even though Office is already installed from Microsoft's CDN. Depending upon the currently installed Office build, and the build available in the Mac App Store, the existing app may or may not get overwritten. For example, if the build of Office currently installed is newer than what is available from the Mac App Store (such as an Insider build), it will not be overwritten if the user chooses to download the Mac App Store build. Why is mac better for graphic design.
Mac Apps
There is no automated process for performing a CDN to Mac App Store conversion. Depending on your EMM's capabilities, you may be able to orchestrate the process through a script. The high-level steps for each Mac are as follows:
- Close all Office apps
- Remove the Office apps from the /Applications folder
- Remove the Office entries from the keychain
- Remove the Office package registrations (
pkgutil --forget
) - Trigger the MDM server to install the Office apps (such as
jamf recon
)
While CDN-based installations of Office can utilize the bandwidth-optimized suite installer, which is approximately 1.8 GB in size, the total size of the same apps when deployed through the Mac App Store is approximately 4 GB.
Where Is Applications On Macbook Pro
How can I tell if an Office app was downloaded from the Mac App Store?
- Open Finder, and navigate to the Applications folder
- Locate the Office app (such as Microsoft Outlook.app), control-click, and choose Show Package Contents
- Navigate into the Contents folder
- If a folder named
_MASReceipt
is present, the app was downloaded from the Mac App Store
How do I manage Office policies and preferences with apps downloaded from the Mac App Store?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote offer the same policies and preferences as their CDN-based counterparts. IT admins do not need to alter existing Configuration Profiles as the bundle ID for each app is unchanged.
Note
OneNote does use a different bundle ID, and different management controls are available depending on how you obtain the app. For more information, see Deploy and configure the new OneDrive sync client for Mac.
It is highly recommended that IT admins set the OfficeAutoSignIn value to TRUE
in the com.microsoft.office
preferences domain. For new installations from the Mac App Store, this preference will bypass the first run dialogs that ask users if they wish to purchase a new Office 365 (or Microsoft 365) subscription. This will mitigate calls to the help desk in commercial environments as users can only activate an existing subscription.