Equivalent to "Program Files" folder?

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Equivalent to "Program Files" folder?

Hello everyone,

I am coming from using Windows for years and soon to switch to mac. I was just wondering what is the equivalent to the Program Files folder found in Windows? After spending some time with osx at a local Apple Store the closest I could find were some folders within the Application folder. But many applications, such as Aperature or Chess, etc. were just the application with no folder that holds the files associated with the program. I just don't thoroughly understand the was osx works and would love to learn more. Thank you very much for any help and insight into this.

Posted on May 22, 2006 10:39 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,849 points

May 22, 2006 11:20 PM in response to dissolve

All OS X applications are normally kept in the Applications folder. There are no extra folders because all applications are in fact "packages" that contain all the support files. Sort of the equivalent of what in Windows is called a "cabinet." If you select an application and right-click (or CTRL-click) to open the contextual menu you will find an option "Show Package Contents" which will open a window on the "package" contents.

There are plenty of good books on OS X at amazon.com. Apple's support site also provides an extensive Knowledge Base of articles and the developer's site will provide access to all the OS X Technical Notes and documentation.

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Answer 2

May 22, 2006 11:54 PM in response to dissolve

To add to what Kappy already said. Some applications (like the ones from Apple) may install things in the Application Support folder or in the Preferences folder inside Library.

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Answer 3

dissolve Author

Level 1

5 points

May 23, 2006 7:25 PM in response to dissolve

Thank you both very much. I understand OS X that much more now! Again, thank you.

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