Who are Apple's "identified developers?"

Question

Who are Apple's "identified developers?"

In System Preferences, General Security, there is an option to "Allow applications downloaded from: Mac App Store and identified developers."

I wanted to download an app from the Adobe website...Adobe is pretty legit, and it wouldn't let me because of my preference. It's Adobe! I know I can just change my preference in order to do it, but unfortunately I can't remember my password, lol.

So who are these mysterious "identified developers?"

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Oct 15, 2012 1:05 AM

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Answer 1

dominic23

Level 10

84,018 points

Oct 15, 2012 4:22 AM in response to FluffyRussianBunny

Apps from unidentified developers

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11436

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Answer 2

Oct 15, 2012 4:31 AM in response to FluffyRussianBunny

Funny - I just downloaded and installed Adobe Acrobat Pro XI and saw a small 'lock' in the upper right hand corner. Curious, I clicked on the lock and was shown the 'identified developer' certificate. First time I've seen an installer with that - I assume it will become the norm.

I just hold down the Control key and click the app and choose Open if I know that the app is from a legitimate source. And the Adobe download sites are usually secure so I'm assuming that you can safely install anything from there.

Clinton

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Answer 3

Oct 15, 2012 4:41 AM in response to dominic23

Thanks a ton. The control thing really helped. Though, I still had to eventually remember my password, lol. I just don't like making my security any looser since I live overseas. I'm always extra careful about anything I download. Thanks! ^_^

Rebecca

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