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How do I disable the Mac App Store?

I have a special needs son and for this reason I have to limit what he has access to on his iMac.
With the Mac App Store coming I had made the choice to simply not install/download the Mac App Store. I realized that this morning that is not an option, it is installed as part of the 10.6.6 update.
I removed it from the dock but still I realize it is installed on the Mac and for example it's an option on the Apple pulldown menu and I know there is an option of when a file cannot be opened there is an option to open the app store to find an app.
I looked at Parental controls but unless I am wrong could not find an option to completely disable the app store. I don't mind enabling it when I want to install certain apps on his mac that he will need. This may be convenient but simply don't want him to be able to get into the app store to install apps.
Thank you for your help.

MBP, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 12:19 PM

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22 replies

Jan 6, 2011 3:24 PM in response to markwco10

It's really pretty awful that you can't just uninstall this garbage, or choose not to install it. You can at least hold back iTunes updates (which really should also be uninstallable), but alas, not this.

I bought Apple laptops pretty religiously, but I really don't like this direction it's heading, where everything is directly integrated - and attached directly to my wallet. I think this is my last Mac.

Jan 7, 2011 6:25 AM in response to pandapower

I don't understand why you find this such an emotional issue, but as was said, just trash the App Store app. Or if you're the only person using the system, just don't use the app. And there's nothing that says you have to install 10.6.6 at all if you're happy with the way things are working for you now.

You're free to select whatever platform works best for you. But if you think Apple is giving you apps you don't want, wait until you look at how most Windows systems are sold. Talk about included garbageware!

Jan 7, 2011 12:48 PM in response to pandapower

I agree. Current MAC is my first and I was happy with it. But this new direction means it will be my last. I've deleted AppSotre.app (or whatever it was called). but I still be Finder offering to search App Store for me !!! It is well and truly tied into the OS.

With windows you take what Microsoft what you to have. Now with Mac you take what Apple require you to have. So looks like Linux (where you still seem to have a choice).

Seems to be a lot of bad feeling caused by the fact that it cannot be globally disabled. Fanboys love it and hate any criticism yet many others are disappointed. For me, I'll give Apple a wek for a global disable/remove, them commit to Linux. (Of course I'll keep the Mac for Photoshop but no more updates and no replacement).

Jan 7, 2011 12:51 PM in response to fruhulda

But e.g Finder still offers to search App Store for files of unknown type (even with no account/password configured and App Store never having been used before). Still wasting time trying to find a way to edit this out of Finder.

I have wasted so long trying to get rid of this I am well hacked off - because, had I been asked if I wanted it I would have said NO and saved quite a few hours of trying to undo Job's mess on MY COMPUTER (not his but mine - I paid for it and it belongs to me).

Jan 7, 2011 12:56 PM in response to DeimosL

But e.g Finder still offers to search App Store for files of unknown type (even with no account/password configured and App Store never having been used before). Still wasting time trying to find a way to edit this out of Finder.

Sorry, but I don't see why this is a problem. Just don't click the button that offers to search the App Store. You still have the other two options in the dialog box.

had I been asked if I wanted it I would have said NO

You weren't offered the option of whether or not you wanted to install 10.6.6?

Anyway, if you want to rant to Apple, the feedback pages are the place to do it.

http://www.apple.com/feedback

How do I disable the Mac App Store?

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