Question on 'Library' folder

quin · Jun 23, 2010

I have Snow Leopard. In MacIntosh HD, I have 'Library' folder but inside the 'System' folder I also have a 'Library' folder with all the same sub-folders as the previously mentioned Library folder, with exception of a few other sub-folders that are different. Is this normal? Or have I somehow duplicated my Library folder.

Thanks

chscag · Jun 23, 2010

No, it's normal. One is in your user's folder, the other belongs to the system. No duplication.

Regards.

Slydude · Jun 23, 2010

This is normal. OS X uses the Library folder inside your user account for settings specific to your account. The other Library folder (inside the System folder) contains files needed by all of the user accounts on a system.

toMACsh · Jun 23, 2010

quin said:
In MacIntosh HD, I have 'Library' folder but inside the 'System' folder I also have a 'Library' folder with all the same sub-folders as the previously mentioned ...

chscag said:
No, it's normal. One is in your user's folder, the other belongs to the system. No duplication.

Oops! OP did not mention the one in the "user's" or Home folder. That makes three. And if there are more users, there are more Library folders.

Slydude said:
This is normal. OS X uses the Library folder inside your user account for settings specific to your account. The other Library folder (inside the System folder) contains files needed by all of the user accounts on a system.

Remind me what the other other Library folder is for - the one in the top level HD folder, not in the user account.

Slydude · Jun 23, 2010

The System folder at the root level of your hard drive contains items which affect the entire System and is to some extent global (affecting all users). The Library folder inside the System folder contains items the system as a whole needs to function. The third Library folder is inside your user folder and has your specific settings. http://http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/MYSA073105_2R_themacguy_1bdbe1dd_html.html

Thanks for the reminder BTW I forgot there were three of those folders

chas_m · Jun 24, 2010

Just to add to the answers above:

NEVER EVER EVER touch the contents of the Library folder inside the System folder unless you enjoy losing data and screwing up your machine BIG TIME. You've been warned.

The root-level "Library" is again not for you, it's primarily used by the Applications and other functions shared by all users of the machine (yes, perhaps you are the only HUMAN user of your machine, but there's more to it than that).

The User Folder "Library" is use for all the local stuff YOU do. Again you really shouldn't need to ever mess with it. Don't store your stuff in there, its not that kind of a library.

quin · Jun 24, 2010

chas_m said:
Just to add to the answers above:

NEVER EVER EVER touch the contents of the Library folder inside the System folder unless you enjoy losing data and screwing up your machine BIG TIME. You've been warned.

The root-level "Library" is again not for you, it's primarily used by the Applications and other functions shared by all users of the machine (yes, perhaps you are the only HUMAN user of your machine, but there's more to it than that).

The User Folder "Library" is use for all the local stuff YOU do. Again you really shouldn't need to ever mess with it. Don't store your stuff in there, its not that kind of a library.

I know enough not to touch them. Advice well taken. Thanks. I do have an extensive 'Library' on my PC notebook. How do you keep it hidden on the Mac IF I have one. ;D

Question on 'Library' folder

quin

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