Libraries

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Hi,
Its my 1st time on the forum !.
I have just updated from a Powerbook G4 up to a MacbookPro.
I have noticed that there are 2 x libraries, one in the HD and the other in whats called glynnwaterworth (found in new finder window) this is my name.
The libraries are different sizes, ranging from 1.8 ish to about 3 Gb ??
Does the OS need both libraries ?. Only it seems a lot of wasted disk space if only one's needed.

Thanks in advance.
 
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One is the Library folder for the whole of OS X - it will be the largest Library folder and its contents - vital to the running of your mac - will apply to all user accounts.

The Library folder in your user account has preferences and settings unique to your User account and only applies to you.

Whatever you do, don't delete or play about with either folder or things may go very wrong with your mac
 
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Thanks for the fast reply.

I think in that case its due to me installing a second user account on it and this must have been also transferred to the new machine when I "firewired" everything from old to new machine.

Even in this case is it wise not to delete the smallest library ?.
 
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How many users have you got on your mac?

If it is just you then leave well alone. If you have an extra user account you no longer need your can delete the extra user from System Preferences > Accounts. Unlock the pane (little padlock icon and hit the - sign while selected the unwanted user.

whatever you do - don't delete yourself.
 
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I have 2 users however I only need myself. It somehow just got carried over to the new machine.
I have now deleted the unwanted account.
Should I now delete one of the libraries ?.

Thanks

Glynn
 
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When you deleted the unwanted user, it deleted the library from that account. DO NOT delete the Library for your user or the library for OS X
 
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Actually, there are 3 Libraries:

1) Devices > Your Computer Name > Library.

2) Devices > Your Computer Name > System > Library.

3) Devices > Your Computer Name > Users > Your User Name > Library.

OSX needs all 3. Don't mess with them.
 
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I deleted the unwanted user account, this DID NOT delete one of the libraries.
 
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It would have deleted the whole user

You can now easily see 2 libraries (baggs pointed out there is another within the System Folder)

One is on Hard disk > Library
The other is in Users > YourAccount > Libraries

Leave them well alone - you need all of the remaining libraries on your computer
 
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Thanks for all your replies, I appreciate them & I will leave well alone.

Another question though, how can you "simply" password protect an individual folder or application ?.
 
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That's a new question.

You cannot password protect an application

The easiest way to protect a folder is to use Disk Utility to create a disk image and password protect that, you can put any sensitive documents in there - a good idea if you have a laptop that risks being stolen.


Here's how

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107333

You could even put an application in there - though it is best to keep apps in the application folder.
 

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