This is an overview of the directory (or folder) structure of the BeOS system. The directory structure of the BeOS is designed not only to organize files, but also to improve system reliability and pave the way for multiuser capability in future versions of the BeOS.
In the BeOS there are two classes of directories: system and user. To ensure system reliability, you can install or delete items in the user directories - the system directory should never be modified by the user.
The apps, home, optional, and preferences directories as well as any you create via the Tracker are user directories and can be modified or deleted as desired. We encourage you to install applications in the apps directory, and working files in the home directory.
WARNING: The /beos and /develop folders are system software directories and should not be modified by the user.