Dreams-Visions said:
word. I just find it odd that OSX allows you to install apps to the username-->apps folder, but afterwards, does not provide an easy way to get to said app. you could open finder and get to it, sure, but that's hella obtuse, isn't it? why wouldn't all installed apps for which you have permission to see automatically be added to what you can see in your "Applications" jump folder thing? that's how it works in Windows. all apps only available to you AND apps available to all users combine to fill in the same "All Programs" list.
idk.
The applications 'jump' thing is no more than a short cut to the Applications folder. It's not a separate 'All Programs' of your apps you can run or anything.
Applications are complete packages. They are single files. You put them wherever you want as you would put documents wherever you want, and you manage them however you want.
If you really want an "All Apps" folder, you can create a smart folder (like the "All documents" or "All images" smart folders in your Finder sidebar), and have the search criteria be "file type = apps", and drag that to your dock in place of the Applications folder. (edit: not actually sure if you can add it to your dock).
I would go as far and say that most mac users don't even use the dock Applications folder, seeing as it was a new feature in Leopard.
I launch most apps from Spotlight.
As a new Mac user, I know a lot of things are different. Just don't get hung up on "How Windows did it", because most of the time it's not that was any more intuitive than how a Mac does anything (and vice versa) - it's just what you're used to.
Personally, I find it very natural to have a central location for all apps.
Edit: beaten.