That's definitely not the general case with either Windows or Mac software.
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Is Discord somehow unsafe to download to MacOS?
- Thread starter roisin and mac
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Apple - "Try Final Cut Pro free for 90 days" https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/trial/
Are you calling Apple's FinalCutProTrial.dmg "dodgy"?
Steam isn't in the Mac App Store, and that's the most popular gaming platform in the world
Google Chrome isn't available on the Mac App Store, and that's the most popular web browser on the planet
Spotify also is not available on the Mac App Store.
This is why I keep saying the iPhone ruined a generation of computer users. Apple gaslit y'all into thinking any software not available in their app store is evil and will destroy your computer and life.
Tbh, I think if the app is on iOS, it should be on the Mac App Store. I wish Discord would do this.
Why do that when they could get a bigger cut and get updates out faster not having to wait for app review everytime? Most developers skip the Mac App Store for a reason, since logistically there's no reason to put their software on it when most Mac users get their software outside of the App Store, the Mac App Store's incredibly outdated with little to no discovery, and having to give a massive cut to Apple for every transaction as well as waiting through lengthy and horrible app review everytime for every small update is not practical.
The only reason they're on the iOS App Store is because they have no choice, and even if sideloading is becoming available this year they still would have no choice since the majority of iPhone users (as well as Android users) stick to their App Stores, while Windows and Mac users don't they get their software through online downloads, so they can skip app stores on desktops.
in fact, most "professional" software is not available in the App Store.
if only those professionals knew that they were subjected to all that dodgy ****.
Oh yes CLO 3D is super sketchy. Making clothing simulations is dodgy as hell.
Can't use GIMP either. It's free and open source. They could be sketchy for all we know, not like Adobe who is available in the App Store.
Oh and let's not forget Maya, used by every major big budget movie studio. That's gotta be the sketchiest of all.
Those poor poor professionals /s
This, a thousand times. There's nothing quite as depressing as computer users expecting their software to be pre-screened pablum. That's antithetical to the entire idea of a computer as an open, unstructured platform and the end user accepting the responsibility to educate themselves on how to use it. You don't get to take advantage of the power of a computer without taking on the work to harness that power. Otherwise what you want is an appliance, not a computer.
Feels like too much of an ask to shoulder that mantle? No problem, get an iPad. Best of both worlds, and everyone wins.
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I still want sideloading on iPadOS. There's so much an iPad could do but can't because Apple won't allow it. Guts of a Mac, but does a lot less than a Mac, and is more expensive than a Mac
Oh, I do too. I want sideloading on everything. But, intellectually, I am also willing to accept the distinction between devices that were always closed (iPhone, iPad) and devices that were always open, and now there is this misplaced expectation that they too be closed (Macs).
Put another way, I get the give-and-take: I won't demand Apple accept my open model for its iOS devices if Apple doesn't attempt to enforce its closed model on my computers. But it's all moot, really, because the Mac App Store has f-all to do with security of any kind, it is purely a profit grab on the backs of developers who neither want nor need Apple's help distributing their work. As is the iOS App Store, IMO, but that's a broader, big-picture argument not really germane to the question, "where do I get software for my Mac?"
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See this is why sideloading as an optional toggle just like on Android is the best of both worlds. Those who want their closed model keep it, and those that want their open model like me get it. Everyone is happy...well except the Memoji profile pics who phone war on Twitter. They're never happy.
The Mac App Store really needs a major rework to convince developers to use it. They could take a page out of Steam's book for app discoverability and publishing.
Discord isn't going to harm the function of your machine (outside of being a bit of a resource hog) but it does have some important security concerns.
First, for advertising purposes, the discord service keeps track of your conversations and the content in them. If you don't want the content of your messages being read by folks at discord don't use the platform. I use discord for server access only for this reason.
Second, discord keeps track of what processes are running on your computer. This is partly so they can display what games you're running but there is a lot more they can glean from this. Do you really want discord to know what browser or e-mail client you use?
Like anything in the computer world "safe" is a value judgement and you need to know what each bit of software you use is doing to make that call.
First, for advertising purposes, the discord service keeps track of your conversations and the content in them. If you don't want the content of your messages being read by folks at discord don't use the platform. I use discord for server access only for this reason.
Second, discord keeps track of what processes are running on your computer. This is partly so they can display what games you're running but there is a lot more they can glean from this. Do you really want discord to know what browser or e-mail client you use?
Like anything in the computer world "safe" is a value judgement and you need to know what each bit of software you use is doing to make that call.
The simple answer is, "Because Discord decided to do it this way." Why they decided that, of course I have no idea. But, there are several apps that I've run that don't come via Mac App Store; including most Adobe apps for example.
I like the App Store and it's where I check if there's not a specific app that I need, just a specific purpose I want to accomplish. But using Discord pretty much requires the Discord app.
Well… I’d say that being in the App Store is a good statement for “Safe” software. Not being in the App Store doesn’t mean it’s NOT safe though. It just means you need to trust the developer, since Apple isn’t vouching for them.
On the flipside, Windows users are convinced they can't survive without antivirus software when they switch to Mac.
Nonsense I ditched my antivirus software when I switched in 2021 and now I save a hundred dollars each year so HA IN YOUR FACE!
Besides I don't know many Windows users outside of enterprise still using antivirus with how good Windows Defender is nowadays
i'm using the native solutions on Windows an macOS, i'd wish that the one on Mac was a bit more flexible in ways scan files/folders, or drives before you actually launch/install them.
and of course it will not protect you from still undiscovered or new threats, but yet it's still good to have a scanner in case it should really happen, as otherwise you might never know wether your system has been compromised, or not, unless those hackers were so kind and put a "you've been pwn3d!" message on your screen, your system is suddenly acting weirdly, or because of some strange transactions on your bank accounts.
and of course it will not protect you from still undiscovered or new threats, but yet it's still good to have a scanner in case it should really happen, as otherwise you might never know wether your system has been compromised, or not, unless those hackers were so kind and put a "you've been pwn3d!" message on your screen, your system is suddenly acting weirdly, or because of some strange transactions on your bank accounts.
I use discord with browser. The reason I didn’t download was electron. Electron is a CPU killer, get used to spikes in CPU, heat and throttling.
It’s not censored per se but y ou do have to authorize the not safe for work channels from somewhere else (presumably the desktop app)
I've been using Discord for eight years now. It is totally fine, and there are all kinds of people using it, from gamers to programmers to system admins.
Ok, fair.
thanks for checking, must have misremembered as it's been awhile since I reviewed those settings.
did not know this! Final Cut Pro is above my league in skill & above my budget in cost, so did not have reason to check.Apple - "Try Final Cut Pro free for 90 days" https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/trial/
Are you calling Apple's FinalCutProTrial.dmg "dodgy"?
tbh I no longer keep up as closely w/ these things as I used to back when I started this account. It's just not super interesting to me. But I'm sure glad it's still around and there's plenty of ppl active on here who also seem both willing to answer questions and knowledgeable! Back when I started on here there didn't even used to be an Apple helpline in this country, now there is and they're pretty helpful, but they can't answer everything all the same.
I guess I can accept how they could be differences between platforms. I mean I think there's like drawing or sketching apps available only on iPad, not even iPhone.
tbf I haven't been terribly happy browsing for app suggestions on the App Store, it's always unsatisfactory. I'd assumed I was doing something wrong because I honestly prefer to get a recommendation from somewhere & then go find it on the App Store to DL. So this tracks.
this could be so while still being a case apart from software meant for a broad user base. I wasn't really saying eg software to analyse say, GPR for archaeology was 'dodgy' due to being off the App Store. Or even stg niche like a messaging app used mainly by (for instance) emergency service workers. But an app with a really broad appeal could be different.
Okay lol, I get it! And CLO 3D sounds pretty cool, tho honestly I doubt I have the skill to use it.
Man, miss me with that gatekeeping stuff. Are you like, 20? I hope, otherwise this is just kinda sad, ngl
I know a lot of people hate those 2 in 1 things but there are times I'd love to be able to take just the screen off my laptop. I use it for more creative stuff so all the options of a laptop are a boon, but sometimes when I just wanna sink into goblin mode with the kitten on my chest and watch Netflix I'd love to not crane my neck. I mean, absolutely definition of a first world problem but eh. I don't need the intermediate portability of an iPad enough to justify buying even a little one, never mind one with a screen comparable to my laptop's, but it sure would be cool to have the option.
interesting discussion, thanks.
I...do not know who these Memoji profile pic ppl are & it sounds like I'm better off not knowing!
Thank you!! Really useful comment, this is great. I'm good on ads & convo tracking. Obviously none of this is stuff to make your skirts fly up but it's mostly coordinating about pickups and drop offs, pretty prosaic stuff. And I don't expect to use it a ton, even.
The processes thing has me a bit more wary and would love to know more about what to look for and how. If you have a guide in mind you'd like to share, that would be great!
V. much agree on the last sentence. This is why I came here to get more info! I think we're gonna need more of this in time, ppl who keep up and can advise/curate for others. Many sites obviously do this including with various listicles, but what's missing there is a bit more customisability and esp. more credibility.
thanks!
yes, that was my impression overall, but I had in mind more 'pro' type software for being off the App Store yet safe. I wondered if a mass-appeal app like Discord was safe if it wasn't on the App Store.
yes!
good to know!
I was only vaguely and superficially aware of the review process. Sounds like it's pretty onerous without necessarily improving the quality that much.
As for the content on Discord, yeah I've heard about some baroque stuff! But I don't expect to have much exposure to that bc I'll only be there for the one group that's also quite specialised and task oriented. On Slack where they were before, there wasn't much waffling about talking about and talking about the weather, the price of milk, or Kim Kardashian's bum🙃 It was pretty focused.
good to have extra confirmation from someone who seems to know their stuff. God help us lol, but I am kinda the IT person in my household and had left Windows machines to Defender based on tech media articles and stuff. So it's nice to hear that's a valid-enough choice.
This. That's pretty much what I had in mind with the question I asked. originally.
Oh I ended up skipping the desktop app as well. I'm using the browser too.
Thanks.
I'm sure I can do that from the phone app, but in truth I doubt I'll need to do this given my use! Still interesting to know tho
Yeah I get the feeling it still skews to those professions or interest areas. But it's nice that there are places like that still. For a while it looked as tho Facebook first, then other social media, would just swallow up all conversations to be the be-all, end-all. So it's encouraging there are still these 'neighbourhoods' for at least some interests.