diff --git a/src/Utils.py b/src/Utils.py
index 1e4cfc014..4ba5ff420 100644
--- a/src/Utils.py
+++ b/src/Utils.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ import gen.lib
 import Errors
 from GrampsLocale import codeset
 
-from const import TEMP_DIR, USER_HOME, WINDOWS
+from const import TEMP_DIR, USER_HOME, WINDOWS, MACOS, LINUX
 from TransUtils import sgettext as _
 
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -210,6 +210,37 @@ def family_upper_name(family, db):
         name = mother.get_primary_name().get_upper_name()
     return name
 
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#
+# Platform determination functions
+#
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def lin():
+    """
+    Return True if a linux system
+    Note: Normally do as linux in else statement of a check !
+    """
+    if platform.system() in LINUX:
+        return True
+    return False
+    
+def mac():
+    """
+    Return True if a Macintosh system
+    """
+    if platform.system() in MACOS:
+        return True
+    return False
+
+def win():
+    """
+    Return True if a windows system
+    """
+    if platform.system() in WINDOWS:
+        return True
+    return False
+
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 #
 # String Encoding functions