Importing existing photos from folders into iPhoto ends up duplicating files

I am new to the Mac and iPhoto and am trying to test some things out with iPhoto. I have copied exisiting photos from my old PC into the Mac Pro in various folders and now want to import them into iPhoto. However, it seems when I do that, I end up with duplicate files .... with the original in a /pictures/folder and the iPhoto version buried deep in a master folder in the iPhoto library. Is there a way I can easily import these existing photos into iPhoto without ending up with duplicates? I realize it's better to have two copies than one but will actually have two or three back up copies too. Any advice appreciated! thanks!

I have copied exisiting photos from my old PC into the Mac Pro in various folders and now want to import them into iPhoto. However, it seems when I do that, I end up with duplicate files .... with the original in a /pictures/folder and the iPhoto version buried deep in a master folder in the iPhoto library.
That is how it is supposed to work. iPhoto will be the photo manager and will also manage all image files. If you are using iPhoto forget about the extra folders with image files in Pictures and use only iPhoto to access the photos.
See the user tips on how to access the photos in iPhoto from other applications: (iPhoto for Mac)
How to Access Files in iPhoto
iPhoto and File Management
Exporting From iPhoto
If you do not want a photo manager and prefer the Finder, use PICASA. But give iPhoto a chance. It is very versatile and in the long run much saver than letting image files sitting around in open folders. You have always access to your photos from other applications using the provided tools, like the Media Browser.

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