Microsoft Windows provide users with a very easy-to-use “Add/Remove Programs” option for convenience in uninstalling applications. However, MAC OS is very different from Microsoft Windows environment because it has nothing like the Windows Registry. Similar features are not that easily found in Mac OS, and this is the reason why most of the users simply shift “application bundles” to the Trash. But, most of the times, we need more uninstalling than just moving files to the bin.  Here is a complete guide on how to uninstall applications on Mac.

To understand the process better, we need to know that MAC programs are of two types, the bundled programs and the non-bundled programs. The bundled programs are the ones which can be uninstalled just by moving the files to the Trash but the non-bundled programs require a little more effort. Otherwise, the programs leave behind some residue, in the form of settings, thumbs, etc. which eat up space on the drive. There is a need to get rid of these small files in order to work with MAC efficiently.

That is where users are often found searching the process to uninstall applications on MAC. Manually, we can remove the program preferences, shortcuts, and support files installed with the program to get rid of it but this method is not very reliable in the case of bigger applications where the residue is not just one or two files but hundreds of them. Then, how can one obliterate such undesirable junk? The answer is simple, by using a third-party uninstaller.

Such softwares are highly useful in uninstalling both the non-bundled programs and wiping out the associated files from the hard disk simultaneously. Third party uninstallers search for these preference/setup files for you and make it unbelievably simple to remove them. Some of them come with cool features like letting you view a list of the programs out of which you are allowed to choose the ones which are to be uninstalled just like the Add/Remove Programs facility of the Windows. The user must search for freeware tools which achieve excellent results and help uninstall programs on MAC without spending a good sum of money.

Some of the most appreciated of third-party uninstallers for MAC include the freeware AppCleaner, source freeware AppTrap and the AppZapper. AppCleaner is a small application which allows you to completely uninstall unwanted Applications. It finds all the small files which get distributed in the system on the installation of an app and safely deletes them. All one needs to do is simply drop an application onto the AppCleaner window. It searches for the related files and one can delete them by clicking the delete button. In the case of AppTrap, the process is even simpler.

When the user moves the application files to the trash, the software asks if it ought to delete all the associated preference files too and with a positive command, eliminates all of them. AppZapper is also an uninstaller for OS X. It helps keep the system clean and save hard drive space. There’s a bit of humour with this particular software. The flash and zap noise after every clean up gives a silly satisfaction. While AppCleaner and AppTrap are available for free download, AppZapper is program that allows five removals for free. After that, you are required to purchase a license that cost you only $12.95. To sum up, any of these provide ease in erasing unwanted applications on MAC OS.

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This article is provided by John Masters who writes for Mac-How.net, a site featuring different tips for Mac users, including how to uninstall applications on mac