Computer and User 
We just learned how the folder-structure works like a family tree and how we can choose which file-display we like best. I also gave the advice to save your work into your Home folder. Now you' learn why.
Maybe you have already noticed a certain hierarchy among the folders on your hard disk. Let's look at this structure:
Two areas
You have two areas on your virtual desk:
a. an basic area with the central system software, software, general documents and information called Computer. It is located on the first level of your hard drive:
b. your own corner with your own stuff called Home, recognizable by the house-icon and your user name:
When we color each of these areas in a schematic way, it will look like this:
Here, the user's called 'macmeep'
In reality it looks like this:
In the above case, only one user is present in the Users folder. In case of a whole family, more users will be visible here.
System and User area
When you realize that there are two areas on a Mac, you 'll. be able to work with it on a way that is sealed of from all other users.
Of course, it is not obliged to keep all your documents in your user area. But this course has the intention to live by the basic spirit of Mac OS X, so we're going to get ourselves used to save all our documents to our home-folder.
To go directly to the home-folder, click on the 'house' symbol in the Sidebar once and you'll go there immediately
To restrict access - and to share
The fact that the Mac makes it possible to work with many users on one computer, each in his own home-area - sealed of from the others - logically explains the need for a sharing of documents. In this case the user is called 'macmeep' and I'm not allowed to peek into the folders of the other user, called 'macmiep':
When you’re the only person working on the Mac you might think: "not interesting at all" but it is a necessary thing to realizes
What's on my hard drive?
Take a look at the first level of your hard disk to see what folders are on the "Computer"- level:
Applications: you'll find all the software that comes with your Mac in here (it's also the location where you can store your own software)
Library: system support stuff (you better keep off if you're a newbie)
System: the heart of the OS. In this folder essential system software and data is stored (you better keep off if you're a newbie)
Users: the location where all users have their home-folders
WARNING
Never throw away ANY of these folders! Never alter their names!
TIP
My Mac has more folders, how can that be?
Don't be alarmed in case there are more folders like:
Applications (Mac OS 9)
System Folder
Documents
Apparently 'Classic' is installed on your Mac. Classic is an extra feature to be able to use ancient (pre 2001) programs. Classic does not work on Intel Macs and is considered obsolete.
The Users folder
In the User folder all users can be found. If you're the one and only user, you'll only see one name here, otherwise there are more names => 'll explain later in the 'Users' chapter.
Note: This whole system of keeping users and system software apart is a result of the basic UNIX structure of the Mac. By letting users work in their own area, you prevent messing around with the System itself. This is why UNIX systems are so stable and secure.
Alone, but together with your Mac
For now, let's assume you're the only person working with your Mac. At a later time, in the 'Users' chapter, I'll explain how to configure a Mac for multiple users.
User name and password
The first time you ever start up your Mac, it will ask you for a user name and a password. Remember those! You'll need them if you want to install programs or change important preferences:
It's not necessary to fill out your password and user-name every time you start up your machine. It's on 'automatic log on' at default. But, although you do not see it, there still is a log-on procedure. This is important to understand. And, as the only user, you automatically are the Administrator too.
Choose your user name well. You cannot change it afterwards!
The Administrator
The Administrator is the user with the power to install programs and change system preferences. If you're the only user, you'll be an administrator automatically.
This is why you need to remember your password, even if you log on automatically!
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