~/Library vs. /Library - what's the difference?

[Let's Sekuhara!]

OK, so there are two Library folders, one in "Macintosh HD" and one in "user". I have wondered about this for the longest time. What is the difference between these two folders? One is system-wide and one is user-specific or what?

I'm about to install the Electric Sheep screen saver and the readme says you can put it in either location. Just wondering what the difference will be...

 

[GGJstudios]

One is system-wide and one is user-specific or what?

Yep

 

[bjett92]

If you put the screen saver in the user library folder, only your user account will be able to use it, but if it's in the system-wide library all users can use it.

 

[Let's Sekuhara!]

Thanks! 🙂