What to Delete After a Download

Many times when I see someone's Desktop it's littered with downloaded applications simply because people don't know if it's okay to delete them. If there is an application that you've downloaded usually it's in a .dmg format (which stands for disk image), a .zip file (which is a compressed or zipped file) or a .sit (Stuff-It file).

When you download something it usually ends up in one of two places, on your Desktop or in your Downloads folder. Find the file and double-click on it to open it. It will usually unpack the application and most likely open another folder or an installer, if the application is more complicated. From there you usually drag the application into your Applications folder and you're done installing. But now you're left with the downloaded file and disc image or installer on your computer. Just drag those to the Trash to get rid of them and you're done.

One final step would be to drag the icon from the Applications file into your dock if you're going to use the app frequently.