System Folder

The System Folder is the directory in classic versions of Mac OS (those prior to OS X) that holds various files required for the system to operate, such as fonts, system extensions, control panels, and preferences.


System Folder location OS X equivalent Description
Extensions /System/Library/Extensions
/Library/Extensions		 Classic Mac: Stores OS extensions (init format)
OS X: Stores kernel extensions and drivers (kext format)
Startup Items /System/Library/StartupItems
/Library/StartupItems		 Stores files or scripts to be executed at boot time.
Control Panels /System/Library/PreferencePanes
/Library/PreferencePanes		 Classic Mac: Stores system configuration programs, which are loaded at boot time.
OS X: Stores the various properties that appear in System Preferences.
Preferences /Library/Preferences Stores various application and system preferences.

Note: On OS X, files in /Library are not loaded at boot time when booting into Safe Mode.

Read more about System Folder:  Location and "blessed" Folders, User Accessibility and Customization

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