Guide - Part 4: Data Management Flashcards
Why does the Finder hide certain folders at the root of the system volume?
The Finder hides traditional UNIX resources from average users because they don’t need to have access to those items. If users need access to these UNIX items, they can access them from Terminal.
Which two methods are used to hide items from the Finder?
The Finder doesn’t show items with periods at the beginning of their filenames or items with the hidden file flag enabled. Both methods for hiding items can be managed only from the command line interface.
What does OS X use bundles or packages for?
Bundles and packages are used to combine complex items into individual folders. Packages have the additional advantage of appearing as a single item in the Finder. This allows software developers to combine resources into a single item and prevents users from seeing and potentially
damaging those resources through deletion or moving of files.
How does an alias differ from a symbolic link?
Both aliases and symbolic links act as a shortcut to an original item. However, an alias contains additional information that allows the system to keep track of the original item if it’s renamed or moved within the same volume whereas any change to an original item breaks a symbolic link.
Why would you use an archive file instead of a disk image? Why would you use a disk image instead of an archive file?
Archive files are much simpler to create in the Finder and are compatible with third-party operating systems. Disk images are more difficult to create and manage but offer greater flexibility. Primarily, disk images can be easily modified and converted. However, OS X style disk images are not compatible with third-party operating systems.
What type of file is created by the Finder when you select the Archive option?
The Archive option in the Finder creates compressed zip archive files.
Which action on OS X is set as the default for opening zip archive files?
By default on OS X, double-clicking a zip archive causes the system to expand the contents of the zip archive next to the same location as the original zip archive.
Which OS X application is responsible for the creation and management of disk images?
Disk Utility is the primary application for creating and managing disk images.
What are the four default top-level folders visible in the Finder?
The four default top-level folders visible in the Finder are:
• Applications, containing applications all local users have
access to
- Library, containing system resources all local users have access to
- System, containing necessary system resources
- Users, containing all the local user home folders
What are six common system resources? What purpose does each resource serve? Where are they located in the file hierarchy?
Six common system resources are:
• Extensions, which attach themselves to the system kernel
to provide hardware and peripheral driver support
- Frameworks, which are shared code libraries that provide additional software resources for both applications and system processes
- Fonts
• Preference files, which contain application and system
configuration information
- LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons, used by launchd to provide services that automatically start when needed at system startup or at user login
- Logs, which are text files that contain error and progress entries from nearly any application or system service
What are the four system resource domains? What purpose does each domain serve?
The four system resource domains are:
- User, containing applications and system resources specific to each user account
- Local, containing applications and system resources available to all users on the local Mac
- Network (optional), containing applications and system resources available to any Mac that has an automated network share
- System, containing applications and system resources required to provide basic system functionality
What purpose does the ~/Library/Containers folder serve? What items will you find in this folder?
The ~/Library/Containers folder contains resources for sandboxed applications. The system creates and maintains a separate container folder for each sandboxed application the user opens. A sandboxed application is more secure because it can access only items inside its container.
What happens when a user double-clicks a font file?
Double-clicking a font file automatically opens a preview of the font in the Font Book application. From here, the user can click the Install Font button to copy the font into ~/Library/ Fonts.
How can you identify duplicate fonts?
The Font Book application shows a small dot next to the name of any font that has duplicate resources.
What’s file system metadata? What are some examples of file system metadata?
Metadata is information stored outside of a file or folder. It provides additional information about files and folders. Examples include file flags, extended file attributes, and permissions.
