Why the duplicate Applications folders and which one(s) can I trash?

Thanks, that's helpful. And I'm convinced that at least 1 of the 3 appearances of a program in my Finder window is an alias. But I'm still puzzled by the following: When I click on a program that's in my "Macintosh HD" (under "Devices" in the Finders column), it opens up the program (e.g. iPhoto) that's on my dock--and in the condition I left it. However, when I click on the iPhotos icon that's listed further down, in the exposed Applications folder under "Places," the result is a second iPhotos icon appearing at the extreme right on my dock (when I open this 2nd program I'm taken through the process as though I hadn't used the program). The same occurs when I click on my name in the finder window and access iPhotos from there. In other words, I'm constantly seeing two versions of the same program on my dock, making me ultra cautious about which is the real deal. I guess if I simply click on the program that's in my dock, I can ignore the duplicate icon problem. Cap

Thanks. That helps me with the concept, and I see that there can only be one "real" Applications folder which is under Devices and labeled Macintosh HD. Perhaps what I'm trying to say is that the below that, in the Places area, the programs in the "Applications" of my "Home Folder" (the little house followed by my name) don't agree with the programs in the "Applications" folder right underneath it. The latter Applications Folder agrees with the one on my Hard Drive, it has the new iTunes program, etc. whereas the programs in the Applications Folder of my Home Folder are different (the old iTunes program, etc.). I guess I'm saying that the Applications Folders of my Hard Drive and of my Home Folder are at odds. I'm simply going to try following your idea--drag the Applications Folder from my Home Folder onto the desktop, replace it with the Applications Folder from my Hard Drive, then go through the eternity of trashing the old Home Folder Applications Folder
that will by now be copied on my Desktop. (Wish I new of a faster way of trashing the many programs.) I'll let you know if it works. Thanks again, Cap

I think you may have nailed my misconception. Indeed, I was expecting the Home Folder to mirror the contents and behavior of any programs in my Application folder and its aliases. If it has the special function and contents you mention, that explains my confusion and re-focuses me on the one Applications folder I need be concerned with. In fact, if the Home Folder continues to plague me, I may simply "poof" it by dragging it outside the Finder window, at least until I become more proficient with using the Finder window. (I think it was the MacWorld Basic Guide that emphasized "mastery" of the Finder window as the key to being in harmony with the whole system.) I've been so busy "using" Macs, I haven't invested sufficient time in "understanding" them. As a result of this discussion I certainly won't confuse the Applications Folder and the Home Folder anymore--or, for that matter, the Finder and Spotlight!