How to download apps not in the App Store

I recently uninstalled the Focus Booster application from my Mac. I thought I wouldn't need it anymore, but months later I wanted to do some testing with it. To my surprise, when I tried to install the application again, my Mac operating system would not allow me to do so. This is because Focus Booster was not downloaded from the App Store, but from an external site. I had previously been able to download it because my operating system was not yet Mountain Lion. But with the change, it became impossible to download apps that are not present in the App Store. So I went after a solution and it is much easier after all than it seems.

Download apps outside the App Store

First you need to go to your Mac preferences. Then go for security and privacy. It should look something like what you see below.

Then unlock by clicking where we point the arrow. Once you have done that again pay attention to the image below.

Note that at the bottom there are three possibilities: allow downloads from App Store apps only, allow downloads from the App Store and identified developers, or allow from any source. So that you can download apps that are not available from the App Store the only solution is to select the last choice. Also, Mountain Lion warns that downloading applications from any source can harm your Mac, which is quite true. So download the application you want and then use the default option again.

Have you tried downloading any apps from outside the App Store?

Hug!