| Directory | Alternate Name | Contents |
|---|
| / | | The root directory, contains the IRIX kernel (/unix) |
| /dev | | Device files for terminals, disks, tape drives, CD-ROM drives, and so on |
| /etc | | Critical system configuration files and maintenance commands |
| /etc/config | /var/config, /usr/var/config | System configuration files |
| /lib | | Critical compiler binaries and libraries |
| /lib32 | | Critical compiler binaries and libraries |
| /lib64 | | Critical compiler binaries and libraries for 64-bit systems (IP19, IP21, and IP26) |
| /lost+found | | Holding area for files recovered by the fsck command |
| /proc | /debug | Process (debug) filesystem |
| /sbin | | Commands needed for minimal system operability |
| /stand | | Standalone utilities (fx, ide, sash) |
| /tmp | | Temporary files |
| /tmp_mnt | | Mount point for automounted filesystems |
| /usr | | On some systems, a filesystem mount point |
| /usr/bin | /bin | Commands |
| /usr/bsd | | Commands |
| /usr/demos | | Demo programs |
| /usr/etc | | Critical system configuration files and maintenance commands |
| /usr/include | | C header files |
| /usr/lib | | Libraries and support files |
| /usr/lib32 | | Libraries and support files |
| /usr/lib64 | | Libraries and support files for 64-bit systems (IP19, IP21, and IP26) |
| /usr/local | | Non-Silicon Graphics system commands and files |
| /usr/lost+found | | Holding area for files recovered by the fsck command |
| /usr/people | | Home directories |
| /usr/relnotes | | Release Notes |
| /usr/sbin | | Commands |
| /usr/share | | Shared data files for various applications |
| /usr/share/Insight | | InSight books |
| /usr/share/catman | | Reference pages (man pages) |
| /usr/var | | Present if / and /usr are separate filesystems |
| /var | | System files likely to be customized or machine-specific |
| /var/X11 | | X11 configuration files |
| /var/adm | /usr/adm | System log files |
| /var/inst | | Software installation history |
| /var/mail | /usr/mail | Incoming mail |
| /var/nodelock | | NetLS nodelock license file |
| /var/preserve | /usr/preserve | Temporary editor files |
| /var/spool | /usr/spool | Printer support files |
| /var/tmp | /usr/tmp | Temporary files |
| /var/yp | | NIS commands |