Do "Open @ Login" Items Really Slow Down Your Mac?

[HappyDude20]

I have a few apps I like to start up on their own upon turning on my Mac.

Of which are:

OmniFocus
iCal
OmniOutliner

&

Sometimes Pages

-------

Does this stuff really slow down my Mac?

Of course this isn't even counting the few items that automatically open up on the menubar such as:

Alarm Clock 2, AirMouse, Caffeine, LogMeIn and SMCFanControl.

 

[spinnerlys]

It slows down the log-in process, because those applications have to be started.
But it would be the same, if you just logged in without those log-in items and started the programs by yourself.

 

[mac2x]

Anything it has to open will take a certain amount of time, yes. Probably depends upon the app itself, e.g. you want Photoshop to open at login (just an extreme example). My login items are smcfancontrol, Terminal, and MagicPrefs (which I use to get a middle click on my magic mouse). Don't notice any undue slowdowns.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Yes, just like on Windows, many start up items will slow down your boot times. On OS X, however, it's so rare to have slow boot times that Applecare might accidently mistake your multiple start up items for a failing HDD - They did that to me!

 

[-aggie-]

What it does is decrease your free RAM. So, having less RAM could lead to constant use of the HD, which could make it seem slower, but if you have plenty of RAM, you'll see no affect.