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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
m Mac OS operating system software
m Optional system software additions
m Application 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 devices—such as
printers and network cables—are attached to it.
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:
m The Finder, which displays the desktop and allows you to organize
documents, files, and application programs into folders
m PC Exchange, which lets you work with DOS and Windows disks as if they
were Mac OS disks
m QuickTime, which lets you play digital video on your computer
m AppleScript, 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.
m ColorSync, 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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Installing and Using Software