FREE Mac-cleaning software? - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

BenVera · 12-04-2012, 10:41 PM

My Mac is dragging a$$ and I'd like to clean it up. I'm looking for FREE software. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

ssgharkness020147 · 12-05-2012, 02:27 AM

A reformat is vastly superior to any quick fix software. If you have an external hard drive (or Time Machine) I would just bite the bullet and reformat the drive. How old is your Mac? I have two, one is almost seven years old and has been reformatted when I replaced the HD. At this point it is feeling a little slow, but it's probably been four years since I replaced the hard drive. The other is as fast as new.

falnfenix · 12-05-2012, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssgharkness020147

A reformat is vastly superior to any quick fix software. If you have an external hard drive (or Time Machine) I would just bite the bullet and reformat the drive. How old is your Mac? I have two, one is almost seven years old and has been reformatted when I replaced the HD. At this point it is feeling a little slow, but it's probably been four years since I replaced the hard drive. The other is as fast as new.

as someone who used to support Macs at my old job...yes. this. back everything up and reinstall OS X.

BenVera · 12-05-2012, 10:28 AM

It's only about two years old. Reformatting the hard drive seems a little above my computer capabilities though. I'm not that computer-savvy.

falnfenix · 12-05-2012, 10:56 AM

if you have the discs that came with the Mac, it's pretty self-explanatory. pop in the recovery disc and go from there.

also, there are tools ON that disc that you can use to help you.

ssgharkness020147 · 12-05-2012, 08:55 PM

What version of OSX do you have?

BenVera · 12-05-2012, 11:22 PM

Version 10.6.8

cpittman · 12-06-2012, 12:18 AM

Keep everything up to date, back up (and then back up some more), DELETE stuff you don't need.

There is NO reason a Mac owner should need any cleaning software. Period.

The only reason you would have a problem is if you are downloading stuff online. Even then, you have to click download first! This is why they are worth every penny!

Also, do not download a scam floating around called MacKeeper (sp?). Although it is rare you will catch the "real" virus, it is out there under the same name!

BenVera · 12-21-2012, 07:46 PM

This may be a silly question, but is it possible to back up everything on the cloud in lieu of an external hard drive (which I do not have)?

Does anyone know how I would do this as a step-by-step process? I follow instructions better that way as opposed to a narrative.

I assume I'd have to back up on icloud, and then reinstall OS X. Correct?

falnfenix · 12-21-2012, 08:02 PM

i work in IT. i do not trust someone else's servers with my data. i always have a hard copy on hand.

external hard drives are cheap nowadays. pick one up off Newegg.com, back everything up to it. do me a favor...click on the apple in the upper left corner, go to About My Mac, and tell me the version of OS X you're running. that'll give me more information to help you.

BenVera · 12-23-2012, 07:56 PM

Mac OS X Version 10.6.8

Processor 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Memory 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

falnfenix · 12-24-2012, 08:48 AM

oh good...you have Time Machine. get that external drive, set up a Time Machine backup for it, then reinstall OS X. here's how to use Time Machine: Mac Basics: Time Machine

and these will come in handy:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH6606
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH6439

zorianak · 12-24-2012, 02:27 PM

As someone who used to work for Apple, follow what Falnfenix said - reformat. And, as previously mentioned, do NOT go for Macsweeper or any of its variations. They are a MAJOR virus. The only app I ever used when I was on OSX was a certain firewall (I forget what it was called) so that I could monitory what applications were open/trying to access the network at any time.

Also, be careful about what you download/use. Some apps are constantly "monitoring" (or, constantly running) and that can use your resources up pretty quick. That's why I also recommend a reformat - so that you can start over and cut out anything you don't need as cleanly as possible

falnfenix · 12-24-2012, 11:19 PM

zorianak, were you at HQ? i worked in the east coast call center back before they lost the contract...so like 2002ish.

zorianak · 12-25-2012, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falnfenix

zorianak, were you at HQ? i worked in the east coast call center back before they lost the contract...so like 2002ish.

I worked from home but was based out of Cupertino during summer and Elk Grove during semester. It was a student job with QA and AppleCare :-) lost the job when the did a massive layoff in 2010, but it was a very valuable year of experience.

falnfenix · 12-25-2012, 06:56 AM

ah, very cool!