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Completely disable or remove the Mac App Store

Hello,

I have several Macintosh computers which are on an unmanaged network, however I need to control what applications are installed on these machines without having to dig through Parental Controls on each machine. My question is simple: *how do I go about disabling or removing the Mac App Store from these machines after updating to 10.6.6 properly ?* -- avoiding the update itself isn't a solution as all future updates are likely to have it bundled in as well.

Here's what I've tried so far:

1. Restricting access to App Store.app via CHMOD in the Terminal - messy and would prefer not to have to go this route.

2. Trashing App Store.app entirely - seems to reset the "App Store" link in the Apple menu back to "Mac OS X Downloads..." and does almost what I want except when opening unknown file types, the dialog asks you if you want to search the App Store at which point you hit the button and it does nothing. Seems a bit hacky/messy.

I was hoping there would be some sort of toggle for this via a PLIST or something of the sort instead of resorting to deleting system files etc.

Cheers,
John

Message was edited by: John S.A. - fixed the title.

Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 9:31 PM

299 replies

Jan 8, 2011 12:48 PM in response to Robb Chadwick

There's no way a non active application like App Store should be inserting something under the Apple logo menu. I don't mind if it does things after I launch it, but that should be my choice.

App Store is a commercial venture, it shouldn't be part of an OS upgrade or appear under the Apple logo unless I chose to open it and go there.

Jan 8, 2011 1:23 PM in response to Steve Gallagher

Well, from what I've briefly read on the web, the App Store application infiltrates your system such like a virus, and as such collects personal/private data via the scanning of files. Thus, I for one shall not be upgrading till Apple do the right thing and offer a way to disable/not install this application upon OS installation... It shouldn't be forced on us nor send packet data. That is in breach of user privacy by law.

Please kindly fix this Apple, a lot just don't want it!!

Jan 8, 2011 2:12 PM in response to AshleySmith06

Well, from what I've briefly read on the web, the App Store application infiltrates your system such like a virus, and as such collects personal/private data via the scanning of files.

That is a ridiculous statement.

If Apple really wanted to scan your files and send the information to Apple, they sure as heck wouldn't need the App store to do it.

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 2:18 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

I don't understand all this paranoia. What makes the MAS any different from iTunes ... also a store where you sign in & buy things?

Jan 8, 2011 2:25 PM in response to Robb Chadwick

Robb,

What makes the MAS any different from iTunes

The same hue and cry was heard when the iTunes Store first launched.

Eventually, must people realized how useful and cool it was and those that didn't simply didn't use it and life went on.

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 3:04 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

Sorry Matt but I know that to be true from reports of tests people have done.

Message was edited by: AshleySmith06

Jan 8, 2011 3:08 PM in response to AshleySmith06

Sorry Matt but I know that to be true from reports of tests people have done.

Great.

Care to elaborate?

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 3:10 PM in response to AshleySmith06

Oh, I wish it would scan my Mac. It can not see my current Apps that are available in the Mac App Store, because they were not purchased through the store.

As to the phobia about it scanning your info and phoning home....

That is just bunch of FUD, fear uncertainty and doubt, someone is spreading. It is like spreading manure. Spread it around and see what grows.

Jan 8, 2011 3:15 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

Life went on, which wasn't that much of a deal. After all, anyone who doesn't want to buy music through iTunes, simply doesn't. Right?
However, since quite a few applications are already only available through AppStore and many more will follow, you and I will have no choice but to use AppStore in the near future if we want to get the updates on the software we already own. Or, are you willing to never again update any bought software because you don't want to use AppStore?
There is a difference between the AppStore and iTunes. Anyone can do without music on his/her computer, no one can do without software. Simply not using AppStore may be an option for now, but not for much longer.

Jan 8, 2011 3:19 PM in response to jmsuijkerbuijk

However, since quite a few applications are already only available through AppStore and many more will follow,

If that's the case, it's by the choice of the developer not Apple.

if we want to get the updates on the software we already own.

Actually, you don't own any of it. You just have a license to use it.

Simply not using AppStore may be an option for now, but not for much longer.

Oh, I doubt that.

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 3:32 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

Matthew Morgan wrote:

Sorry Matt but I know that to be true from reports of tests people have done.

Great.

Care to elaborate?

Matt

What with the application searching out Apple products on your system already installed it's clearly scanning and sending data, which IMHO is in breach of license and data protection. And with all the piracy issues and hacking of accounts also denoted around I'm not trusting this one bit.

http://thenextweb.com/apple/2010/07/04/app-store-hacked/

Apple should give us option to install what we want.

Message was edited by: AshleySmith06

Jan 8, 2011 3:35 PM in response to AshleySmith06

IMHO is in breach of license and data protection

Then simply don't use it. Don't create an account. Don't agree to the Terms of Use.

If you're still not satisfied, disconnect your computer from the internet.

There are bad people out there. The may mug you on the street or hack your computer.

I choose to not live in fear.

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 3:51 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

Matthew Morgan wrote:

IMHO is in breach of license and data protection

Then simply don't use it. Don't create an account. Don't agree to the Terms of Use.

If you're still not satisfied, disconnect your computer from the internet.

There are bad people out there. The may mug you on the street or hack your computer.

I choose to not live in fear.

Matt

You don't even have to use it as it scans after reboot without even opening the app. To me that's spyware. 10.6.5 for me till this is solely an optional install.

Jan 8, 2011 3:56 PM in response to AshleySmith06

You don't even have to use it as it scans after reboot without even opening the app. To me that's spyware. 10.6.5 for me till this is solely an optional install.

Suit yourself, but your computer already "knows" what apps are installed on it.

As I said before, don't use the App Store, don't create an account and your computer won't reveal any of your secrets to the outside world.

Matt

Jan 8, 2011 4:09 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

Or better yet: don't use a computer at all. Duh!

Completely disable or remove the Mac App Store