System file

The System file is a special file, or suitcase, usually stored within the root level of the System Folder.
==System file before HFS==
Before System 2.1, which introduced the Hierarchical File System (HFS), the System file just lay on the root level of the MFS volume; any folders were cosmetic and could not be nested. Its contents were not accessible to the user except through Font/DA Mover (for consumers) or ResEdit (for developers).
==System file before System 7==
The System file appeared as a classic Macintosh icon and was typically stored in a System Folder which would indicate whether it was "blessed" by showing a small System icon on the folder icon. It contents were still inaccessible except through Font/DA Mover (for consumers) or ResEdit (for developers).
==The System file in System 7 to Mac OS 9==
With the release of System 7, the System file was displayed as a user-accessible suitcase. The following items could be dropped onto the System file (or be rerouted to the System file if it was dropped on a closed System Folder icon in Mac OS 8 through Mac OS 9):
* Keyboard layouts
* Fonts (until System 7.1)
* Function keys or Fkeys
* WorldScript files
* System 7 Sounds
==The System file in Mac OS X==
The System file in Mac OS X was relocated to System > Library > CoreServices, and is no longer openable. A double-click will result in the error dialogue box, stating "Item "System" is used by Mac OS X and cannot be opened".
==The System file in list views==
In Mac OS X, the System file appears in list views as a document icon with the upper-right hand corner folded down.
Before Mac OS X, however, the System file appeared in list views as a document icon with the upper-left hand corner folded down.
Category:System SoftwareCategory:Mac OSCategory:System Folder