Libraries vs system files

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Level 1

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Libraries vs system files

I am a new mac user just switching over from years of windows. I have a question with regard to the "Library" system that is used by Iphoto and Itunes on the mac. With windows if I wanted to see an individual file, I would use explorer and find the file in an individual folder. When I use the "Finder" on the mac to look through my photos, for example, I still see all of my old windows style files that I imported from my old computer, however I also see a single icon titled Iphoto library. This file is roughly equal to the size of all of the system files combined. My question is do I have duplicates saved on the mac? Do I need the windows style files on the mac at all or is everything managed through iphoto. Can I delete everything but the Iphoto library icon? Same questions as to the Itunes library. Any help would be appreicated.

iMac

Posted on Feb 23, 2012 4:38 PM

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Answer 1

PAHU

Level 6

16,723 points

Feb 23, 2012 4:53 PM in response to twotonmidget

The iPhoto library you see in the Pictures folder is what is called a package - a bit like a zip file. Inside of it is lots of other folders but you don't see these by double-clicking on the icon. Instead you need to Control-click and then select 'View Package Contents".

If you used iPhoto to import the photos you see in your Pictures folder, then all of these photos will be inside of this iPhoto Library package. And if you want to use iPhoto to view your photos, then don't touch the iPhoto Library package. If you can concerned about duplication and the amount of space being used on your Mac, and you have imported all these photos into iPhoto, then you can remove these files but to be safe it would be a good idea to make an external backup of these files before removing them from the Mac.

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Answer 2

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Feb 23, 2012 4:55 PM in response to twotonmidget

Peruse the iPhoto and iTunes help files for info on how those work. Since you're new, see these:

Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
Basic Tutorials on using a Mac,
Mac 101: Mac Essentials,
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts,
Anatomy of a Mac,
MacTips,
Switching to Mac Superguide, and
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Lion Edition.

Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:

Quick Assist,
Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides,
Take Control E-books, and
A guide for switching to a Mac.

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