newbie question - desktop icon clutter

[buckuxc]

hey all,

I just receieved my new 12" PB in the mail today (well yesterday now). I love it, but being a windows user for so long, i'm a little confused about something. When I downloaded NetNewsWire Lite, the icon for it appeared on the desktop. I moved it to the dock, but it only copied itself there. How do I get the icon off the desktop without deleting it? It seems putting it in the trash gets rid of it entirely and makes the dock icon unusable. I know it's a newbie question, but just need a little boost. Thanks.

sps

 

[Rower_CPU]

Usually, a good place for applications is in the Applications folder. Just move it in there and you'll be set.

The Dock acts like the Quick Launch area of the Windows taskbar. It's only a collection of shortcuts, not any sort of actual physical space on the hard drive.

 

[bubbamac]

Rower's got it right. I usually run new software off the desktop for a week or so before it goes into the Applications folder, so I 1) remember to test it and, 2) remember to get rid of it if I don't like it.

I've also got a folder on the desktop called "Desktop files" that I use for current projects that don't have a home yet. Keeps the desktop reasonably clean. Just have to remember to clean up the "Desktop files" folder once in a while...

 

[wordmunger]

One other note: if you want to have multiple accounts on your mac, you *must* put your applications in the applications folder--otherwise the other users won't be able to use the apps.

 

[flyfish29]

Re: newbie question - desktop icon clutter

Most likely it is just an alias of the application. Select the icon and go under "file" menu and select "get info" If it says alias on this small window that opens up then just drag it to the trash (after putting it in your dock if you wish) and throw it away. It won't actually throw away the applicatoin, but just the alias. I have rarely seen an actual application installed on the desktop, but most companies will have an alias installed on the desktop to get you to use their software more.

Good luck~!