Uninstalling software

Most Mac OS applications can be dragged to the Trash and emptied, that's because most of the associated files are in the application bundle itself. The only "leftovers" would ordinarily be in ~/Library/Preferences and ~/Library/Application Support folders. These don't take up much space and can be deleted or just left alone.

IF third party apps came with a built-in uninstaller use that or check with the developer.

Depends on which apps you want to uninstall.

Most can be dragged to the Trash but some must be uninstall with a procedure from the developer of the app.

Maybe if you provide the names of these apps, we might be able to provide more details.

FEO1429 Said:

"Whats the safest way to uninstall old applications on a Mac-book pro 2012 running Mojave 10.14.2"

Uninstaller:

Use the uninstalling method that is instructed directly from the developer, and none other. A pure example is Microsoft Office. You can drag it into the trash, but you would need to uninstall other items aswell.

Time Machine Recovery:

This method would be 100% safe, if you have nothing installed that you are concerned of losing. But, always create a Time Machine backup prior to an uninstallation. That way you can recover your entire Mac or just particular files. You can then use the Migration Assistant to bring particular items over.

You can try one of many uninstaller apps from the App Store. These apps will also delete leftover files from the programs you delete.

If you are going to uninstall something, then create a Time Machine Back-up prior to doing so, should the Mac go down. If something happens, you can restore it all and try once more.

I have yet to find in my testing of so called "uninstaller" apps any of them that were safe. In my testing they all missed files that should have been removed and most also delete additional files which had nothing to do with the app being removed. So I never use any of them.

You can always right click on a program and delete package content and then move the program to the trash.

I would not use an app such as a third party uninstaller.

Not sure what you mean by TM Recovery? The OP is asking to uninstall old apps, how will TM help?

OK, I got ya! 👍