Software registry

Hi, I have been using mac for a while and have loved the experience. One thing that I dont understand is that if mac doesnt have a registry then how does it recognise that I have previously installed software - were is that information stored - and what else is it storing that I dont know about?
Tudor

You're thinking too much of Windows! Who says it has to have anything like a registry? The info is probably somewhere in your Library folder, but whether it's accessible is another matter.

Usually, a program does two things.

Sits in your Applications folder (Mac apps are self-contained).
Makes a preference file (PLIST) that is stored in your User Library under Preferences.

That's it. Nothing like Windows.

Registry

Thanks - will look into it a bit more.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you could think of the library as a reg. It stores info about files, folders and programs similar to a windows reg. However, I don't think it is as complex as a windows reg. Check it out on the apple website - I'm about to do that myself.

Ehhh...not...really...

...but for the sake of ease, sure.

Isn't that why Windows takes so long to load - all the rubbish in the registry it has to go through?