Disk image on desktop

What does it mean, and what did I do wrong, if every time I click on a program, it mounts to the desktop like it did when I first installed it, thereby leaving the image on the desktop until I eject it?

Jargra,
A Disk Image is like a "virtual disk" contained in a single file. This is the "disk image file." When the file is opened, the "volume" it represents is mounted on your Desktop just like a physical disk. Once mounted, it behaves like a physical disk.
Many OS X applications come in disk images. You are supposed to either 1) run the installer that is stored in the disk image, or 2) drag the application that is stored in the disk image to your "Applications" folder.
I think your confusion comes from the idea that dragging the application, still located in the disk image, to your Dock will "install" it. In fact, all this does is create a shortcut to the application that is still located in the disk image.
Mount the disk image on your Desktop. Open it up, and find the application that is stored there. Open your hard drive, then open the "Applications" folder. Drag the application from the disk image to the "Applications" folder. You can now eject the disk image, find the disk image file, drag it to the trash and empty it. Once you have done this, drag the current icon for that application out of your Dock. Locate the copy of the application that is now in your "Applications" folder and drag it to your Dock.
Scott

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