Format Mac, how to backup iPhone apps + network question

[queshy]

Hi,

Sorry if this has already been asked. I did a search and really couldn't find it.

Quick question - if I format my Mac, but I backup my iTunes folder, will I be able to recover my Apps after I wipe my hard drive? It really wouldn't make much sense if you had to rebuy everything after formatting - so is it as simple as making a copy on a HD of your iTunes folder?

My other question is an interesting one - my Fido iPhone, which has always said Fido, just switched to saying "ROGERS" about an hour ago. How come?

Thanks!

 

[IJ Reilly]

The obvious first question is, why reformat your Mac?

 

[InSaNeCyAnUr]

Apps will work afterwards....I did an Apps transfer on 2 computers (PC to Mac) and they worked. Even if they didn't work....iTunes Store keeps track of what you bought and can get it back free.

For the Fido/Rogers thing, if you are in a low coverage area like mine (I drop to 1 bar when I enter my house, it can change to Rogers). I don't know why, but when it gets stronger, it will get back on Fido.

 

[queshy]

The obvious first question is, why reformat your Mac?

Why not? We all know that after a long time, reformatting can speed up your computer. I think a good clean install is called for every once and a while, if you have time.

Apps will work afterwards....I did an Apps transfer on 2 computers (PC to Mac) and they worked. Even if they didn't work....iTunes Store keeps track of what you bought and can get it back free.

For the Fido/Rogers thing, if you are in a low coverage area like mine (I drop to 1 bar when I enter my house, it can change to Rogers). I don't know why, but when it gets stronger, it will get back on Fido.

Glad to hear the Apps work.

Thanks for the answers - It actually changed back to fido this morning. BTW this was happening in my house, just like yours.
Weird.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Why not? We all know that after a long time, reformatting can speed up your computer. I think a good clean install is called for every once and a while, if you have time.

This is one of the most appalling of all the Mac myths. OSX isn't Windows -- it doesn't auto-hose. Reinstalling OSX is almost never needed, and this "clean install" thing (presumably, you mean a "reformat and install") is for the obsessive-compulsive only.

 

[queshy]

This is one of the most appalling of all the Mac myths. OSX isn't Windows -- it doesn't auto-hose. Reinstalling OSX is almost never needed, and this "clean install" thing (presumably, you mean a "reformat and install") is for the obsessive-compulsive only.

Yes, I do mean a reformat and install.

There's a lot of junk on my computer that I know I don't need. My computer always feels faster after a fresh format.

My old PC needed to be reformatted every few months or it was just a cow otherwise. My Mac was last formatted about a year ago and I remember it being faster. And yeah, you are right, maybe I am a bit OC.

What I do know, though, is that doing an "upgrade" to Leopard is NOT as good as a clean install (not really related here...)