Over the weekend I received an email from a reader who was trying to install a couple of UNIX apps. It should have been a simple process, but it required her to access a few folders that Apple likes to keep hidden.
Apple hides these folders because they contain important system files. If you accidentally delete or modify these files, your Mac could start behaving strangely, including crashing or not starting up.
Even though Apple would like to keep everyone out of these sensitive areas, there are legitimate reasons to access them. This includes installing some UNIX apps, editing configuration files, or deleting preference files that have become corrupt.
Our View Hidden Folders on Your Mac Using Terminal guide will show you how to access the hidden underpinnings of your Mac's OS. But unless you're sure you know what you're doing, look, but don't touch.