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2551
Why can't I install software on my Mac?


On more recent versions of Mac OS X, you may be unable to install software such as programs you have downloaded from the Sussex website. Since Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), the default option for Macs has been to install only software that has been approved by Apple.

If you receive a warning to say that the software can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, you will temporarily have to change a setting in the System Preferences to allow software to be installed from anywhere:

  • open System Preferences and click on Security and Privacy
  • tick the option to allow Applications downloaded from anywhere

More information on this aspect of Mac software is given on the Apple website: OS X: About Gatekeeper.

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Created by David Guest on 7 February 2013 and last updated by Mark Wilson on 8 August 2016