folder attributes

Is there a way to set folders to open with a single click? Is Candybar the only way to set system icons? There must be an editable file that stores info on file attributes and icon/extension associations. Sorry. Newbie here, but I didn't find anything in my search.

 

Well if that is the case then add this to "Things you hate about Mac" thread. I would think there would be a way to single click folders. Single click is the attribute for the dock.