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Installing or reinstalling system software
System software is the set of programs and other files that your computer uses
to start itself up, keep track of your files, and run the application programs
you use. System software is kept in the folder called the System Folder. When
you turn on your computer, it looks for a startup disk, which is a disk that
contains the system software. The startup disk is usually the hard disk that’s
inside your computer, though another hard disk or a floppy disk can also be a
startup disk.
The accessory kit that came with your Macintosh provides system software on
either a set of floppy disks or a CD-ROM disc. You can use the floppy disks
or the CD-ROM disc to install the system software on your Macintosh if you
need to do so.
When should you install system software?
Your Macintosh came with all the necessary system software installed on its
internal hard disk, so you don’t need to install system software on that disk
unless you encounter software problems.
If you have a new hard disk or a newly initialized hard disk that doesn’t
contain system software, or if you want to upgrade to a more recent version of
system software on a hard disk, follow the instructions in “Installing System
Software” later in this section.
When should you reinstall system software?
If you have a problem with your system software, you may see this icon in the
middle of the screen:
If this icon appears, follow the instructions in “Repairing a Damaged Disk”
earlier in this chapter to test your startup hard disk and repair any damage.
If repairing the disk doesn’t help, follow the instructions in the next section,
“Installing System Software,” to reinstall system software on your startup
hard disk.
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Chapter 6