Question

Mac OS X Directory Structure

Outline how to organize files and directories. Describe preferences for file names and how the concepts of a hierarchical directory structure could improve existing method of storage. If useing an alternative method, justify its use and benefits over and above basic approaches.

Answer 1

A file system handles the relentless storage of data files, apps, and the files related with the operating system itself.

The mac OS X file system is designed for Mac computers, in which both users and software have access to the file system. The users access the file system directly through the Finder, which displays a user-oriented view of the file system by hiding or renaming some of the files and directories. Applications access the file system using the system interfaces, which shows the whole file system exactly as it appears on the disk.

In mac OS X, the file system is divided in multiple domains, which separates the files and resources based on their proposed usage. This separation provides ease for the user, who only wants to concern about a specific subset of files. Arranging files by domain also allows the system to apply the blanket access privileges to the files in that particular domain, preventing unauthorized users from altering files purposely or accidentally. In mac OS X, every file has its place whether provided by the system or created by applications.

Commonly used directories in mac OS X

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Directory	Usage
/Applications	This directory is where our install apps intended for use by all users of a computer. The App Store installs apps purchased by the user in this directory automatically.
/Developer	The Developer directory appears only if we have installed Apple’s Developer Tools.
/Library	This directory contains shared libraries, files necessary for the operating system to function correctly, including settings, preferences, and other provisions.
/Network	This directory contains the list of computers in the local area network including network related devices, servers, libraries, etc
/System	This directory contains system related files, libraries, preferences, significant for the correct function of Mac OS X
/Users	This directory contains one or more user home directories which have sll user accounts on the machine and their associated unique files, settings, etc.
/Volumes	This directory contains mounted devices and volumes, either virtual or real, such as hard disks, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.
/	Root directory. This directory is present on virtually all UNIX based file systems. This is parent directory of all other files
/bin	This directory contains files and programs needed to boot the operating system and run properly
/etc	This directory contains administrative, configuration and other system related files
/dev	This directory contains all files that represent peripheral devices including keyboards, mouse, etc.
/usr	This directory includes subdirectories that contain information, configuration files, and other requisites used by the operating system
/sbin	Essential system binaries, This directory contains utilities for system administration.
/tmp	This directory contains temporary files, caches, etc.
/var	This directory contains files whose contents change as the operating system runs

A hierarchical file system is a file system that organizes data and program files in a top-to-bottom structure. All modern operating systems use hierarchical file systems, wherein access to the data starts at the top and proceeds downward throughout the levels of the hierarchy. In a hierarchical file system, the drives, folders, and files are displayed in groups, which allows the user to see only the files they're interested in seeing.

Creating a File Structure on Macs with OS X

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To create files follow the following steps:

Step 1) Double-click the server icon on your desktop.

Step 2) Click the File item in the Finder menu.

Step 3) Select New Folder (A folder labeled with "untitled folder" will appear on the screen)

Step 4) Type in the name of the folder

Step 5) To create more folders , repeat steps 2 to step 4 until you created as many folders as you    

              desired.

Creating Subfolders

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With subfolders, we can create a series of folders that will make it easy for us organize our digital files. The procedure for creating subfolders is similar to creating folders. We just need to be sure that we have opened the folder in which we want to create the subfolders.

To create a subfolder follow the following steps:

Step 1) Make sure that we have opened the folder on the server in which we want to create the

             subfolder.

Step 2) Click File in the Finder menu.

Step 3) Select New Folder(A folder labeled with "untitled folder" will appear on the screen)

Step 4) Type in the name of folder.