OSX Disk Utilities?

[petercw2]

Being a switcher I am used to having a disc util for my PC... While Norton probably cause as many problems as it fixed, I still used it...

Anyway... Is there a need to do this on a Apple? I have a 12"PB, and I have been told that Disc Warrior and Cocktail are two good programs.

Are there utils built into OSX that will suffice?

thanks!

peet

[mnkeybsness]

you really don't need any disk utilities in os X except apple's own "Disk Utility" program. disk warrior is only needed if something goes completely wrong, and the chances of that are very slim. cocktail isn't bad...it simplifies a lot of the random housekeeping things that are suggested to do, but absolutely do not HAVE to be done.

[trebblekicked]

you don't even need disk warrior if you don't want to spend the money. VirtuaLab makes you pay per MB recovered, but it's file-type specific and very thorough, IMO.

[petercw2]

OK, thanks...

So what are some preventive mantanence that I should be doing in OSX? on my PC I am always clearing out old files and chache, defragging drives and other stuff.

Is there no need for that in OSX? Does it already do that by itself?

thanks

[trebblekicked]

OSX handles routine maintenance (cache, indexing, etc) when you log in. Defragging isn't on it's list (i don't believe), but i've heard defragging isn't as important on this side of the spectrum. for example, i run a video business from home, and have over 300 GB in HD's, none of which i have never defragged. My systems sill run very, very well.

the only thing people recomend is repairing permissions occasionally. i do notice a pick up in responsiveness afterwards. other than that, unless you notice a lag or other problem, you should be ok.

on the deleting old files thing, i found a page with a neat little applescript that could automate that for you. check it out: Link (http://www.webentourage.com/scripts/index.php?p=4&c=1)

[Schiffi]

MacJanitor is also another little app that performs some Unix background operations that, unless you leave you Mac on all the time, won't get done.