Can't you just right click? (lapcatsoftware.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the challenges of distributing unsigned Mac software due to Apple's Gatekeeper and notarization requirements. To run unsigned software, users must use a 'right-click' trick, which can be confusing and intimidating. The article argues that this process is not user-friendly and can deter users from running unsigned software. As a result, many Mac developers choose to pay for a Developer ID and notarization to avoid this issue.

Main themes

• Gatekeeper and notarization
• Mac software distribution
• Developer ID and costs
• Security and malware risks
• User experience and warnings
• Open-source and independent development

What commenters say

• The Gatekeeper warnings are misleading and train users to click through warnings without understanding the risks.
• Apple's notarization process does not guarantee that software is free from malware, and the warnings are overly broad.
• The requirement for developers to pay for a Developer ID and notarization is a barrier to entry for open-source and independent developers.
• The warnings and restrictions are intended to scare users into buying software from the App Store, rather than protecting them from actual security risks.
• The security benefits of notarization are real, but the warnings and user experience could be improved to better inform users of the actual risks.
• The cost of code signing and notarization is a significant burden for some developers, and alternative models, such as ring-based trust, could be explored.
• The Gatekeeper system is effective in preventing malware, but it also prevents users from running legitimate unsigned software, which can be a problem for open-source and niche applications.