Part 4: Data Management - Lesson 14—Use Hidden Items, Shortcuts, and File Archives

Question 1

Why does the Finder hide certain folders at the root of the system volume?

Answer 1

The Finder hides traditional UNIX resources from average users because they don’t need access to
those items. If users do need access to UNIX items, they can use Terminal.

Question 2

What two methods are used to hide items from the Finder?

Answer 2

You can hide items from the Finder by using either of these methods:

a. Adding a period to the beginning of a filename.
b. Enabling the hidden file flag.

Note: Both methods for hiding items can be managed from the command line.

Question 3

What does macOS High Sierra use bundles and packages for?

Answer 3

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 by deleting or moving files.

Question 4

How does an alias differ from a symbolic link?

Answer 4

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. In contrast, any change to an original item breaks a symbolic link.

Question 5

Why would you use an archive file instead of a disk image? Why would you use a disk image instead of
an archive file?

Answer 5

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
because they can be easily modified and converted. However, macOS High Sierra disk images aren’t
compatible with third-party operating systems.

Question 6

What type of file does the Finder create when you select the Archive option?

Answer 6

The Archive option in the Finder creates compressed zip archive files.

Question 7

What action on macOS High Sierra is set as the default for opening zip archive files?

Answer 7

By default on macOS High Sierra, 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.