About the software included with your computer
Your computer includes a lot of software. Some of it is preinstalled and ready for use, while other software must be installed before you can use it. The types of software that come with your computer include
mMac OS operating system software
mOptional system software additions
mApplication programs
The following sections provide details about the included software.
Mac OS operating system software
The Mac OS is the basic software that runs the computer itself. It tells the computer what to do when it starts up, keeps track of your documents, files, and other software, and helps your computer find out what
The Mac OS was installed on the internal hard disk at the factory, and starts automatically when you turn on your computer. Here is some of the software that comprises the Mac OS:
mThe Finder, which displays the desktop and allows you to organize documents, files, and application programs into folders
mPC Exchange, which lets you work with DOS and Windows disks as if they were Mac OS disks
mQuickTime, which lets you play digital video on your computer
mAppleScript, which allows you to automate tasks in the Finder and other scriptable applications (applications that support AppleScript). Instructions for using AppleScript are in the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk.
mColorSync, which helps make sure that the colors you see on your monitor closely match the colors you get on printers, scanners, and other devices. For more information about ColorSync, see Macintosh Guide (or Mac OS Guide), available in the Guide (h) menu.
IMPORTANT System software is preinstalled on your computer. Do not reinstall system software unless you are experiencing problems or you want to upgrade to a more recent version. Consult Chapter 11, “Diagnostic Techniques,” before attempting to reinstall system software.
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