Viewing Applications in System Profiler

Sometimes it's handy to know the applications that are installed on a system. System Profiler creates reports about how a system is configured, including a list of applications installed in the Applications folder. System Profiler is located in /Applications/Utilities. You can also open System Profiler by choosing Apple > About This Mac, then clicking More Info.

To see a list of the applications installed on your startup drive that are available to all users with appropriate permissions, open System Profiler and, in the Contents pane on the left, select Applications under Software. System Profiler scans the Applications folder and its subfolders to create a list of applications. System Profiler presents the list of found applications at the right, listing each application's name, version number, and date of last modification. When you select an application in the list, System Profiler displays information about the application in the lower pane.

NOTE

With Mac OS X 10.4, System Profiler now displays information on installed fonts, Apple and third-party preference panes, and loaded startup items, as well as a more complete list of log files. There is also an option to send System Profiler reports to Apple, so that your computer's configuration will be on file if you contact AppleCare for technical support.

NOTE

When booted from the Mac OS X Install DVD, you can choose Utilities > System Profiler, but be aware that it will report on software located on the disc, not the local hard drive. This might be confusing when looking at the lists of applications, extensions, frameworks, logs, or startup items.