Once you install a program is it alright to delete the .dmg file that ends up on your desktop?

Question

I am new to apple macs and would like to know if I am installing things properly.

Answer 1

Short Answer : Yep.

Long Answer: Yes, you may delete the .dmg file after installing the application. You may also eject the resulting disk image. When you double click the dmg file, it "tricks" your computer into mounting a disk image, as if you put a CD into the CD drive. When you drag the Application file from the resulting image, you are making a COPY of the files. This means that once you copy it over, the files are not on the image, but your hard drive. Because the files that are being used are on the hard drive, and not the virtual CD, you are free to eject the disk image and delte the .dmg file.