Determining whether macOS Mojave is installed on your Mac can be crucial for various reasons, such as compatibility checks for software, troubleshooting, or simply understanding your system's capabilities. While the operating system's visual cues and application behavior can provide hints, there are tell-tale files and directories that serve as definitive indicators of a Mojave installation. This article delves into these key locations and provides detailed instructions on how to identify them, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your Mac's current macOS version.
Tell-tale Files and Directories
The following files and directories are unique to macOS Mojave (version 10.14) and can serve as definitive indicators of its installation:
System Version File
The system version file, located at /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist, contains detailed information about your Mac's operating system, including its version number. To access this file, you'll need to use the Terminal application.
Steps:
- Open the Terminal application, which can be found in the Utilities folder within your Applications directory.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
plutil -p /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist
- This command will output the contents of the
SystemVersion.plistfile, including the "ProductVersion" key, which will display the macOS version installed on your system. Look for "10.14" to confirm Mojave.
System Library Folder
The System Library folder, located at /System/Library, contains critical system files and frameworks. While this folder exists in all macOS versions, the file structure and contents differ slightly between versions. In macOS Mojave, the System Library folder is typically organized with a more hierarchical structure.
Steps:
- Open the Finder application and navigate to your Mac's root directory.
- Locate the System folder and within it, the Library folder.
- Carefully examine the file structure and contents within the System Library folder. The presence of specific subfolders or the absence of older directories can indicate a Mojave installation.
Kernel Extension Directory
Kernel extensions are essential software components that interact directly with the operating system's core. In macOS Mojave, the kernel extension directory, located at /System/Library/Extensions, has specific characteristics:
Steps:
- Navigate to the System folder followed by Library and Extensions.
- Examine the list of kernel extensions for the presence of files and directories unique to Mojave. This may involve searching for specific file names or observing the dates of file modification.
Application Support Folder
The Application Support folder, located at /Library/Application Support, holds various application-specific data and settings. Mojave introduced new features and applications that create unique entries within this folder.
Steps:
- Navigate to the Library folder located in your home directory.
- Locate the Application Support folder and examine its contents.
- Look for specific subfolders or files associated with Mojave applications or features.
macOS Mojave Updates
macOS Mojave, like any operating system, receives regular updates to improve stability, security, and introduce new features. If your Mac has been updated to a later Mojave version, you may need to look for specific files or directory changes related to those updates.
Steps:
- Check for any updates available for macOS Mojave through the Software Update function in System Preferences.
- If updates have been installed, these changes may be reflected in the file structure or contents of various system directories, such as System Library or Application Support.
Conclusion
The combination of these tell-tale files and directories provides a comprehensive approach to verifying the installation of macOS Mojave on your Mac. By utilizing these techniques, you can accurately determine the operating system version and gain valuable insights into your Mac's functionality and capabilities. Remember, however, that file structures and contents may vary slightly depending on the specific version of Mojave installed and any subsequent updates.
Disclaimer: While the information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge, it's always recommended to consult the official Apple documentation for the most up-to-date information regarding macOS Mojave and its file structure.
