If you’re curious about the contents of the System Folder, this document provides a brief description of what’s inside.
Depending on the type of computer you have, the contents of the System Folder may vary. You might have items that were added by third-party applications, and you don’t need all the items described below.
Finder: Displays the desktop area, where you work with files and disks, and keeps track of your files.
Apple Menu Items folder: When you place an item (folder, application, or document) in this folder, it appears in the Apple () menu. To create submenus, you can place folders inside of folders.
Clipboard: Temporarily stores the last item you cut or copied from a document.
Control Panels folder: Contains individual control panels. You use control panels to adjust your computer’s settings. See the “About the Control Panels” document in the Apple Extras folder for more information.
Control Strip Modules folder: Contains modules used by the Control Strip. The Control Strip works on Macintosh PowerBooks and Mac OS–based computers that support AppleVision displays.
Extensions folder: Contains individual extensions that modify the operation of your computer. Unlike a control panel, an extension works automatically, without your intervention. See the “About the Extensions Folder” document in the Apple Extras folder for more information.
Fonts folder: Contains font suitcases or individual font files. You can place up to 128 suitcase or font files in this folder. PostScript fonts are not included in the 128 file limit. Font suitcases can hold any number of font files, up to a limit of 16 MB.
Launcher Items folder: Contains files, folders, and applications that appear in the Launcher window.
Macsbug: A debugger used by programmers to help diagnose problems with programs, extensions, and so on. Unless you’re programming, you don’t need Macsbug.
Note Pad: Stores text placed on the Note Pad. (The Note Pad is available in the Apple menu.)
Preferences folder: Contains preferences files created by individual applications. A preference file determines application settings.
PrintMonitor Documents folder: Contains printer files of documents waiting to be printed (if background printing is on in the Chooser).
Scrapbook: Stores items placed in the Scrapbook. (The Scrapbook is available in the Apple menu.)
Shutdown Items folder: Contains applications or scripts that run automatically when you shut down your computer. You can add or remove items from this folder.
Startup Items folder: Contains applications or scripts that run automatically when you start your computer. You can add or remove items from this folder.
System file: Contains some system-wide resources, such as sounds and keyboard layouts.
Universal Enabler: Provides additional system software for your computer.
Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated or its subsidiaries, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
