Apple Inc. is expanding the "app store" idea that caught fire on the iPhone and iPad to its line of Mac computers.
Mac users who have the latest version of Apple's computer operating system, called Snow Leopard, will be prompted to update their software starting Thursday. When the upgrade is complete, an icon for the new Mac app store will appear in the dock.
After launching the store software, people can browse through more than 1,000 programs for Macs. Some are free, and some will cost money; people can log in and buy software using their existing iTunes account information. As with the existing app stores for Apple's other gadgets, people can see lists of the most popular programs and rate software they purchase.
