[ciup]

I recently switched from Windows to MAC and I am trying to get used to my new OS X.
One of the features that I was used to on Windows platforms was ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS from Control Panel. Is there a similar application on OS X to remove programs not needed anymore?

Thanks.

[Earth Mk. II]

There really isn't a need for one. Most applications come in self-contained bundles that you can drag and drop to install then drag to the trash to remove. There are a few programs that install stuff other places, but they usually include their own uninstaller programs.

9 times out of 10, just throwing the app out is the preferred method of removing it from your system. Actually, I'm having trouble thinking of an example for an app that can't be uninstalled just by trashing it.

[cpac]

There's no need for such a control panel on a Mac - for 99% of the applications out there, just drag the program you want to delete to the trash, and you're done.

PS - it's Mac or mac, not MAC (which means something different related to ethernet addresses)

[Mike S.]

By moving the app to the trash you have indeed removed that app but to completely remove all traces of the app you'll also want to get rid of it's plist file and any folder it may have created in Application Support.

Those are located in /Home/Library/Preferences and /Home/Library/Application Support

Home is more commonly referred to as ~ in case you didn't know but since you're new to the platform I wrote it long hand. In other words, you're more likely to see it written as ~/Library

[ciup]

Thank you all that answered my question. That better helps me understand how my new Mac works.

Ciup

[CharlesS]

This is a pretty common question. I think there should be a sticky about this.

[bergy]

As far as uninstalling, pretty well everything goes when you put it in the trash.
The only thing that might be left are preferences set by running the app
These will be found in:
User/Library/Preferences

Also the installer might leave something called a receipt in: Library/Receipts
there may be a time when you have to get rid of an old receipt if you're reinstalling the same app ..

If you really need to get rid of everything associated with a particular program go to "File" - "Find" search on the item "everywhere" ... then you can highlight the item you want to discard and "move to trash."

[bergy]

Sorry .. double post .. I tried to delete but it never works for me for some reason ...

[f1000]

Originally posted by Earth Mk. II:
Actually, I'm having trouble thinking of an example for an app that can't be uninstalled just by trashing it.

Microsoft Office.

[f1000]

Some programs that leave files and folders in other places:

Microsoft Office
Adobe Acrobat
Palm Desktop Software
Virtual PC
Graphic Converter
Salling Clicker
Palm Emulator
Emu HP Calculator Emulator

[CharlesS]

Originally posted by bergy:
As far as uninstalling, pretty well everything goes when you it in the trash.
The only thing that might be left are preferences set by running the app
These will be found in:
User/Library/Preferences

Also the installer might leave something called a receipt in: Library/Receipts

You do not need to worry about trashing this stuff. It is harmless and best left alone. This way, if you decide to reinstall the app at some point, you won't have to set it up again as its settings will be intact.

As for Palm Desktop and the reset of those apps, the general rule is that if you used an installer to install it, use the installer to remove it. If you installed it by drag and drop, just drag and drop it to the trash to remove it.