Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Mac OS Technicalities

Sep 17, 2007 10:45AM PDT

Hey Everyone, I am just trying to boost my knowledge of the Mac OS with some of the advanced built technoogies. My goal is eventually be able to be as proficent with the Mac OS as I am with Windows, so I could potentially support both platforms if I needed to.

So my primary question is what is the Mac equivalent of the Registry. I know Mac doesn't have anything close to the registry, so what I am trying to ask is how does the OS handle things done in the Registry in Windows. And also how does self contained files work, such as Applications that don't have a set directory such as Program Files in Windows. Thanks a lot and more questions to follow.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
I don't know if you want to do this professionally...
Sep 17, 2007 12:25PM PDT
- Collapse -
No Not Profressionally,
Sep 17, 2007 1:43PM PDT

Right now I don't need to. However I do feel it is good for the future to have knowledge in both platforms. Therefore I am at a point where I don't want to pay for training. I just want to collect research and eventually when/if I do get a Mac that research will pay off and I will then move into the actual experimenting and doing things I learned.

- Collapse -
How did you learn about Windows?
Sep 18, 2007 1:49AM PDT

I presume, like many, you got a Windows machine and started poking around... then you talked to other more experienced people, then you poked around the machine some more, then you bought a book or two, did a bit of research and learned more as time passed.

So... get a Mac and run OSX on it and, as mrmacfixit indicated, check out what the User and System libraries files and preferences do.

- Collapse -
Strange question
Sep 17, 2007 9:50PM PDT

"How does self contained files work, such as Applications that don't have a set directory such as Program Files in Windows."

That would seem to infer that applications, in Windows, only work if they are in the Programs Directory. Is that true?

There is no Mac equivalent of the Windows Registry, ain't we lucky, the whole OS is handled completely differently. This is far too deep a subject for these forums.
Basically, the stuff that is usually written to parts of the Windows registry is stored in Preference files inside the User or System library's

P

- Collapse -
Not not all Windows Applications...
Sep 18, 2007 8:34AM PDT

Have coresponding Directories in the Program Files Directory. Some Applications are stand alones and do not require system files. However most applications do require a directory in the Program Files directory so it can store system files and program files. These programs also need to be installed via an installer, whereas Mac programs just need to be dragged into the Apps folder and dropped. So I was just wondering how those specific Mac Apps work.

- Collapse -
actually, Macintosh applications do
Sep 18, 2007 10:33AM PDT

not need to be dragged/dropped in the Apps folder... You can launch them from pretty much anywhere. It is just easier to keep track of your applications if they are all in the Applications directory... The applications are pretty much self contained - and may have a preference file in the same directory as the application or in a Library directory... In some cases, an application has companion files (like plug-ins) that can be in the same directory as the application or in a Library directory.

Very simplistically, Mac OSX is GUI on Unix,
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/unix/
so those skills are helpful if you want to get your hands dirty.

- Collapse -
Thanks for the help
Sep 18, 2007 11:39AM PDT

By Christmas I am going to by myself a new laptop. I am a hard core Windows fan, always have been. However the best and most advanced laptop on the market right now is the Macbook. It has the most advanced hardware, it's a real laptop, unlike Dell's which are just hunks of plastics, like I said I am a hard core PC user but hate Dell. And it looks great. Now I have no doubt that Windows will be my default OS on the Macbook, but I would like to know both OSes equally. So right now I am doing reasearch about Mac OS and trying to learn all the secrets and tricks of trade like I do with Windows. Thanks again.

- Collapse -
cool... Check into
Sep 18, 2007 12:37PM PDT
- Collapse -
Thanks for the help..
Sep 19, 2007 11:55AM PDT

However, I will definately go and check out that book. However here is the problem, these books will focus on the "how to" things in the Mac OS. I want to know how things work and operate in the Mac OS. For example you mentioned being able to run an App without installing it. How does that work exactly, what makes the Mac platform capable of doing that?

- Collapse -
Unix.
Sep 19, 2007 1:04PM PDT

When you get down to it, that is the short answer.

Forget EVERYTHING you learned about the Windows subdirectory and registry environment.

- Collapse -
an old debate.It resolves nothing.
Sep 24, 2007 3:40AM PDT

It is a matter of choice.Mac or PC?
You have got good advice though mixed with a lot of froth.

All platforms perform well. I have PCs and Mac iBook,MacBook. I have had a fair bit of trouble with both, mostly originating from my lack of knowledge.

I would advise you to get your MacBook and have some experience of a new platform.

If you are sure of what you want it to do, it will work beautifully.

Yes I had trouble with my MacBook, only recently I got a complementary(Airport Express to help me have good internet reception) device from Apple although(i realised later)it was not Apple's fault.I have no problems with it.

The point I wish to make is that you learn by making mistakes. I have and I have learnt a thing or two.

Buy a MacBook (consistent with the work load you want to put on it ) and you would not regret.
I am very pleased that I bought one (inspite of learning hic-ups) I am happy. I was advised by the forum to get in touch with the Apple Chairman, I did, it worked like magic.

On Apple chairman's instructions I received focused attention.Although there was(I did not know at the time) nothing wrong with the MacBook.
Shafiq

- Collapse -
I agree that Dell is a hunk of junk
Sep 21, 2007 12:22PM PDT

But MacBook is a toy for grade school children. Nothing works as advertised. Don't even think about syncing a Blackberry; the answer from the support desk??? get an Iphone...another toy.
It took my third Vaio four years into ownership to crash; it took my MacBook 4 weeks.
I think my Vaio crashed from an email sent to me by a MacBook user. I opened it and the Vaio started going down. Remember that all those viruses they say do not attack Macs do not say anything about Mac being carriers of the disease. Talk about Typhoid Mary!
Buy a better PC laptop. Mac is not the answer.

- Collapse -
I hear you
Sep 21, 2007 1:39PM PDT

I am a Hard Core PC fan, always have been. I grew up on Windows and DOS. And eventually I became an IT guy as my career. So you are preaching to the choir, however I have never tried a Mac other then quick fixes on third party Apps, or trying one out at the store, which you can't get a good perspective of the OS, in that short amount of time or enviroment.

Here is the compelling reasons for me to get a Macbook Pro. One I will never know if I try. Two, right now the best and most advanced laptop on the market is the Macbook Pro, it is the best laptop for Windows. There are of course other reasons, but the most compelling to me is the most advanced, and I need to try it out for myself.

- Collapse -
You are right
Sep 22, 2007 3:37PM PDT

Give it a try and I'm sure you wont be disappointed. If you are a computer savvy person you will just love it.

- Collapse -
Sync Mac With Blackberry - easy for intelligent people
Sep 21, 2007 4:16PM PDT

Look online there are lots of decent sync-ing softwares out there.

Mac is just another operating system and most of the people who whine about not being able to use it are usually to lazy to learn new things and work it out. They probably had to be coaxed and prodded to get the basic PC knowledge they have that makes them feel more secure and safe in what they already know.

Both systems are good for what they do. Mac is just better in interface for some people. Try them both out in comparison, try not to be afraid of what you don't know and whatever you do don't listen to someone who complains about either using silly phrases like "idiotic" etc.

Even more importantly beware of someone who sounds more like a bad PC salesman maligning Mac, or a fool who can't operate either computer very well.

- Collapse -
Other then the problems you have specified...
Sep 22, 2007 2:34PM PDT

Why would you not recommend using the Macintosh platform. I am assuming you have used the Mac platform extensively, what could you tell me about it that would case you to not recommend it. For me, being a major computer enthusiast as a hobby and an IT guy for a career, technically advanced is important to me and on first site the Mac OS seems like a babies toy, but I need to try it out to pass judgement. As for you, does the Operating Enviroment keep up with the technical applications? Also again why would you recommend against it.

- Collapse -
To rashidtem
Sep 22, 2007 5:33PM PDT

I've removed your post.

Please mind the language and personal attacks.

Mark

- Collapse -
What you need to do...
Sep 21, 2007 12:28PM PDT

Search the web for BSD or if there are some variations on UNIX out there. You can often find disc images for download, often on sites that have lots of different OS like Linux, etc. Be sure to get whatever manuals/database they have available for it, as well.

Do you have an old Windows machine that is not vital but works? With a CD burner?

Find a 'bootable' disc image download, save it to the desktop, and burn it properly-you need to burn the actual image not just the data.

Set up your WinMachine to boot from the CD drive, and use this bootable disc to do so.

Now you have a BSD/UNIX machine that you can run from command line or GUI. You can poke around for yourself, get your hands dirty, and figure out what's going on in there.

This is how I taught myself what little I know about Linux.

Also, you can buy the Apple OSX pro training series books from Amazon for certification (even if you don't want certified now) and find out all kinds of that type of useful info. They're about $40-$60. You might get lucky and find them on sale or elsewhere cheaper.

Good luck!

- Collapse -
Thanks I do run...
Sep 21, 2007 1:41PM PDT

Linux machines already. However from what I gathered from research of the Mac OS, Unix underpinnings included was slightly different then a Linux distro.

- Collapse -
Buy one, turn it on...
Sep 21, 2007 1:49PM PDT

You're making things 'way too difficult. Buy your MacBook, turn it on, explore the OS for a couple of days, most of your questions will be answered. MACs may be extremely advanced, but using one certainly doesn't require you to be a graduate of MIT. Average, everyday MAC users have no clue about the complexity of your questions!!

And, yes, I do know how to run Windows machines!

Good luck....

- Collapse -
Beauty of Mac OS X
Sep 22, 2007 3:19PM PDT

I've been a user of Mac for past 5 years and now I consider my self as Mac Addict. Before I was a windows victim and I'm so glad that I made this switch and brought peace into my life. This is a typical story of most ( I said most ) users. You will find mac haters too but lets talk about OS X here instead of them cuz most of them have no grounds to hate mac.

The reason people fall in love with mac computers is not just the design of the machine it has lot to do with OS X and the hard ware. The question you have asked which you needed to know in windows cuz its hard to work around windows in without being somewhat familiar to deep technicalities but its completely different when it comes to Mac OS X. It is helpful in a long run to know OS X good but its not a need to start. With time and experience if you will have interest to learn about how does OS X works you will learn it but you will be able to work most of the time without a need of it. I hope that you switch and you join thousands of people who just love their mac becuase they realize how much pain was a computer use when they were using windows and how easy Mac OS X to work around.

Typical things you will hear from windows users about macs or OS X are

1. OS X doesn't have enough software. I have a heavy usage of my Mac and believe me I'm using it for anything from typing reports to editing videos and I find one perfect software for that instead of too many to choose from and that is the beauty of it.

2. Macs are not for games. It can be true somewhat. If you planning to use Mac to play games then I guess stick to pain of using windows cuz game variety is better in windows BUT EA start making games for mac and very soon all the games which are available for windows will be available for mac.

3. people might give you BS reasons for not switching. Dont pay attention to them, do you own research and I'm sure all the pros reviews telling you their experience is been awesome with OS X

4. Macs are more expensive and I love when people say its for rich people. Completely wrong, Macs might cost a bit more but believe me they pay back in a long run.

Good luck using Macs, its a smart choice.

- Collapse -
.app package
Sep 22, 2007 4:21PM PDT

In general, each .app is a package unto itself. That's where the main difference to the registry resides. When you read the context menu, i.e. right-click/control-click on a .app, you will find "Show Package Contents." When you click on that you will see a folder called Contents. When you open that there will be (again, in general) files and folders, such as Info.plist, PkgInfo, version.plist, and MacOS, PlugIns, and Resources. The application itself would probably be in the folder MacOS. The PlugIns folder might have different "views" or manifestations of the app, and Resources might have e.g. its icons and symbols, a.s.o. There could easily be more nestings, I'm just giving a general example. When you set up your own preferences for a particular app, those go into either the user library or the system library in folders, depending on the scope of the app. There is of course more to this, and some applications (notably Microsoft Office) aren't set up this way--but you get the general idea, don't you?
BTW, I learned "seat-of-the-pants" after a long time in Windows support. I'm actually appalled that none of the Mac "gurus" thought to give you a similar explanation to your question. (Yes, I read 21 posts before I decided I'd better post one myself.)

- Collapse -
To learn to swim you have to get into the water
Sep 22, 2007 8:09PM PDT

Find yourself a used Mac and give it a try. Then you'll understand. I do not own a Mac but like you, I'd like to give it a try. I did not choose to buy a Mac when I recently bought a new computer for a pretty simple reason. That reason being 80/20. Eighty percent of the PC market is Windows, the remaining systems are Mac, Linux and a few others. Common sense does not always apply but it would tell me that if most of the market is Windows then there must be a problem with the other systems or they have specialized uses. Owning a Mac would have one primary advantage, that being, that your running a operating system that is specifically designed to run on a specific computer. This would undoubtedly have advantages but on the down side how many programmers are going to invest time in creating programs and applications, etc. for less then 20% of the market. Linux sidesteps this problem by being open source but in this situation you have to depend on volunteers for programs, applications, utilities, upgrades, etc.. Neither of these options are very good ones. This is were Windows becomes flawed it's created for the masses and needs to create systems, that at least on the surface, seem simplistic, so that new users don't become overwhelmed. I do not own a laptop because in computing speed and power are all. The faster your machine runs and the better your computer equipment the more likely you are to enjoy your experience on the net. Laptops are fine if you need to do some basic functions and need portability but for more advanced uses you need a desk top. Laptops can't keep up and they cost more as well. Mac has one other failing, any hardware upgrades need to come from Mac. Once you buy a Mac you become part of there monopoly, in a way becoming there prisoner until you buy a different machine and OS. A happy prisoner but a prisoner none the less. Again, I have no experience with a Mac but this is how it appears to me. Should I decide to use another OS it will be Linux because it is available for free and I don't need to purchase a special machine to run it. In fact, briefly, I've already given Linux a test drive and thou not as user friendly as windows the jump to Linux should not be that difficult. Again common sense does not always apply. The realities of things might be very different, we must jump into the pool before we can truly understand.

- Collapse -
What's that buzzing
Sep 22, 2007 8:17PM PDT

I submitted the post above before I noticed the forum it was listed on. Oooops. I think I'm in trouble. I think I've stirred up a Hornets nest. Fire away.

- Collapse -
All i wanna say is
Sep 22, 2007 8:40PM PDT

You are right Macs market is less then 10% in computer user BUT it has the reason. You can look at it this way. I think more people drive a Chevy in this country but still market for european cars are good. They are famous and more reliable. Applying this theory doesn't usually work.

1. Less Applications. That is somewhat true. Let look at it this way. Editing photo, would you rather have 5 different softwares on your machine or one which is the best, made by the manufacturer of OS and Hardware on your machine so it works much better AND it comes free with your machine. Its much easier to use get pirated software for PC then mac as well and that IS the reason PC has better market as well. Entire nation will go after what they can save their money from instead what they should be paying for. Apple has software almost for everything and anything that you generally need to do on computer and mostly it comes free with your computer install. For that search online for the software that comes with apple install for free they are all award winning softwares.

2. Hardware upgrade has to be purchase by Apple. This is a completely wrong assumption by PC user with less research about macs. Almost anything that you can buy to upgrade for a PC you can buy the same product for mac. You just have to be careful that it comes to the high standards of Apple. Any Hard Drive work in Apple. Most of the good name brand make RAM for Macs. Processors are made by other manufacturer but believe me I never need a feel to upgrade mine in last 5 years although I bought my machine with 80GB Hard drive and now I've 1TB in it and that is the beauty of Apple.

- Collapse -
From My Research...
Sep 22, 2007 11:45PM PDT

I have found that the two biggest problems specified are not problems at all. Let's take software for example, this is not a problem at all, in fact I have a good amount of options. If I am to buy a Mac, it will be of course a laptop, and it will be test computer. Because I will never let go of Windows, I will never buy (If it is free then sure) made for Mac software other then iLife, which you do not buy it comes with the machine. But because of my already established Windows machines already running my established library of software, I will not go out and purchase a new set of the same software ported to the Mac platform. Therefore several options come into play, I can run Windows in Bootcamp, I could run Windows in Parallel, I can run VMWare or VMware fusion(this is awesome software), I can run WINE, or Crossover Mac. All these Apps will allow me to mimic a Windows enviroment either virtually or through API Enviroment emulation. So software isn't a problem at all, whether I am using OS X or Windows which will be entrenched on the Macbook.

Secondly the hardware, this is probably the most compelling reason for me to buy a Mac. The OEM hardware out there just stinks. In my opinion OEM's make plastic boxes with no power to back them up, except for a few of course. Apple on the other hand packs the best hardware config I have seen into a laptop, as far as advancedment, in general I feel the config could offer more features, but it is great. And least of all importance to me the laptop looks great. Apple using only hardware they allow, although being a measure I don't generally agree with, does work for them, it allows their OS to be stable because it isn't rellying on third party drivers to keep it level on the hardware foundation.

So the two biggest problems mentioned I can work around. I am just trying to get all the deep down technical knowledge I can about the Mac. Because it does intrigue me how the OS works. Even the history of the OS and how it works intrigues me with the New/Old World Rom and the OS toolboxes.

And thank you rashidtem for answering my intial question about .app, you thus far have been very helpful.

- Collapse -
You are Welcome
Sep 23, 2007 1:41AM PDT

I hope your experience with Mac will be as wonderful as mine have been for past 5 years.

Good Luck. Keep us updated about your experience.

- Collapse -
This maybe the OS to Watch
Sep 23, 2007 10:25PM PDT

I down loaded a copy of Ubuntu several months ago before the introduction of Feisty Fawn. Just now took another look at it and I'm impressed by there improvements. I had not seen it recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UZIwtHw99E&NR=1

Another reason to keep an eye on Linux is it's modular approach to adding applications and utilities. This will allow for much more rapid changes in the OS, The down side of Linux is quality control. Usability is also still a factor, more mouse and less command line interaction is needed. The price is certainly right.

- Collapse -
I disagree with both your points, because.....
Sep 22, 2007 11:48PM PDT

Mac simply isn't a big enough company to compete with the rest of the computer world. They can't employ enough hardware and software engineers to truly be the best, they'd go broke paying salaries. You can't in anyway convince me that Mac has all of the most talented, gifted and ingenious technical people on the planet with only 10% or less of the market. As I've said running a specially designed OS on a system especially designed to run it does have some advantages and this has probable kept Mac in business. Frankly I'd like to see Windows have more competition. It would keep them on there toes and keep costs down. Running a Mac doesn't make you unique or any way more intelligent then the rest of us. You might seriously listen to what I'm saying here and give it some deep thought before you buy another. The math just isn't in your favor. You only think your running a better then average machine. Your not going to want to hear this but the best machines are for Video games. Your Sons PC might be better then yours. Even Xbox 360 has eight cores. That even makes me jealous. I only have two.

- Collapse -
Mac is growing Proves are here.
Sep 23, 2007 2:13AM PDT

You might deny that but Apple Computer is growing and now I will give your proves.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/b2fastestgrowing/snapshots/3.html

"Apple is a 3rd largest growing company."

Why ? not only iPods, if you notice it says Mac minis are the reason as well. If people wouldn't have been frustrated with windows they wouldn't have switched. Have you notice Mac users are always singing praises about their computer or Apple, Have you thought Why ? We are not getting anything in return from Apple for that. Its because most of us were windows users and the pain we went through we never realized until we switched and now we feel we made the right decision. Again, there is a good reason why we sing praises.

http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.showarticlehomepage&art_aid=53218

"Apple now boasts the world's fastest-growing retail chain."

"Apple's biggest headline-grabber for the year was the Mac's increasingly strong performance. The company shipped 1.61 million Macs in its fourth quarter (out of the 5.3 million shipped for the year)--a 30% period-over-period gain and the computer's best-ever single-quarter showing."

"Gartner reported that Mac shipments grew 31% in the first three quarters of calendar '06, jacking up the brand's estimated share of the U.S. PC market from 4.6% to 6.1%."

http://seekingalpha.com/article/41747-apple-still-growing-computer-market-share

"A report recently came out from market research firm IDC giving numbers and growth rates from PCs shipped. (Link here to AppleInsider.)
The numbers show once again how Apple (AAPL) is growing it's market share in the US computer industry. In 2005 it was reported to have 4.4%, in 2006 4.8% and in 2007 5.6%. That's a lot of Macs in homes that have never had Macs before. The so-called "switcher". Steve Jobs frequently talks about Apple Retail Store foot traffic and how about half of Mac buyers are first time Apple computer buyers. This trend clearly shows just how true this statement is. "


So with these all i'm trying to proof Apple's Computers are getting more famous because they are giving back something in return and they dont have much of a software issue.

ZDNet, I dont know if you are familiar with it. Its part of CNET. Since you are on CNET I'm sure you trust CNET and understand its credibility.

http://review.zdnet.com/desktops/apple-imac-24-inch/4505-3118_16-32564559.html?tag=pdtl-list%20pl_edChoice

"Industry-leading design; big, beautiful display; excellent application performance."

"When we tested the 20-inch, 2.4GHz iMac last month, we came away impressed by its application performance, with it more than holding its own against competing Windows-based, mainstream desktops."

Have you notice it says "excellent application performance" this is the reason we all like macs that it comes with best application for a home PC. Its truly a take out from box plug it in and you are good to go computer. I opened many of them and set them up and setting them up means just plug them in and put the wires behind and in seconds you are online. If you have wifi its catching it right away. No messing around with configurations or worries about viruses or anti virus softwares.

How many proves you need from all credible websites?

Windows users are in such denial that Mac is getting better and better and growing faster. Please come outta denial and give mac a chance with positive attitude like this gentleman who started this forum.

Thanks.