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vmachiel

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Feb 15, 2011
1,777
1,445
Holland
Hi,
I have a mid 2010 15 Inch Macbook pro. I have a couple of days off, so I want to clean up my laptop in terms of files and app I no longer need. And it got my thinking: I've been upgrading using the installer from snow leopard all the way up to yosemite. Will doing a clean install offer any benefits in terms of performance etc?
Thanks
 
I'd recommend doing this, especially with that large of a jump. You can do it pretty easily. Just download the Yosemite installer from the App Store before you wipe and create a USB installer using one these methods:
http://www.macworld.com/article/236...otable-os-x-10-10-yosemite-install-drive.html

Option 1 is quickest. Just name your formatted USB drive "Untitled" and copy/paste the command from that page into terminal. Type your admin password and boom that's it.
 
I recently did this on 2011 iMac and saw a significant speed boost logging in, opening apps, and other day to day activities
 
Depending on software loaded a new start can be faster. Application depending its not just the uninstall application from the application folder. It can be its stuff stored in the hidden library folder you also have to hit. Or other areas if used. tracking this down can be time consuming I have found. Especially in my case as I put in CLI only apps too and have to recall what I installed and dig up their uninstall guides. Homebrew makes this easier somewhat. But not all my CLI apps are in that system to make this process fast unfortunately.

Why I am eyeing a fresh rebuild myself at this point.
 
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