How can I free up my hard disk space?

[k-021]

I just recently learned that deleting files is pointless, all you're doing is hiding them or moving them somewhere inaccessible. Can somebody help?
Is there a program to buy, or is there a Terminal command that helps my problem? I have 40 / 98GB now and I was hoping that I could use Terminal to delete the Trashed files that still exist on my computer.

 

[GGJstudios]

I just recently learned that deleting files is pointless, all you're doing is hiding them or moving them somewhere inaccessible.

That's not true. If you delete files and empty your trash, that space is made available to you.

I have 40 / 98GB now and I was hoping that I could use Terminal to delete the Trashed files that still exist on my computer.

Just empty your trash. You don't need to do anything more. If you like you can securely empty your trash, but either way, when you empty it, that space is freed up.

If you're wondering what "Other" category in the Lion storage tab is about, this may help explain:

What is this "Other" in the storage tab? What is eating my space​

For space issues not explained by the above, there are a few things you can try, some of which may or may not apply:

• Begin by restarting your computer as a first step. This sometimes resolves issues.
• For Time Machine users on notebooks running Lion, space may being consumed by Time Machine local snapshots, which can be disabled.
  OS X Lion: About Time Machine's "local snapshots" on portable Macs
• Search with Finder to see if the space is being consumed by a very large file or several large files. Adjust the 50GB in the illustration to whatever size you deem appropriate.
  
  
• Use OmniDiskSweeper, JDisk Report, Disk Inventory X or GrandPerspective to see how space is being used on your drive. Some of these apps may show more detail than others, so try several.

 

[k-021]

I've had this for about 2 years now, I believe. I had 99 or 98 GB as far as I remember, and now it's down to 40. Just yesterday I copied about 15-25 gigabytes onto a flash drive and then deleted the moved items that were copied. Then I emptied the Trash and Shut Down the computer altogether. Now I get back on and see that I have 42GB where I should be back to 60 at least.

And I really don't want to download anything, if I can walk into a store to get it, or order something from a major site that would be most ideal. Second to just using a utility that I already have, of course.

 

[GGJstudios]

I've had this for about 2 years now, I believe. I had 99 or 98 GB as far as I remember, and now it's down to 40. Just yesterday I copied about 15-25 gigabytes onto a flash drive and then deleted the moved items that were copied. Then I emptied the Trash and Shut Down the computer altogether. Now I get back on and see that I have 42GB where I should be back to 60 at least.

And I really don't want to download anything, if I can walk into a store to get it, or order something from a major site that would be most ideal. Second to just using a utility that I already have, of course.

As those apps are free, it's not a problem to download one, use it, then uninstall it.

 

[k-021]

Again, I don't want to download anything. Once you welcome malware onto your computer, you have to do something about it, that was the whole point of avoiding a download, free or not. Sorry to say that everything you've told me is either irrelevant or unhelpful. The effort is appreciated, so thanks, but never mind.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Again, I don't want to download anything. Once you welcome malware onto your computer, you have to do something about it, that was the whole point of avoiding a download, free or not. Sorry to say that everything you've told me is either irrelevant or unhelpful. The effort is appreciated, so thanks, but never mind.

But the software Mister GGJstudios linked to is not malware, I myself link to those applications and have used all of them.

But as it is your choice, you are free to do whatever you don't want to do, though maybe the Mac Virus / Malware FAQ might help taking away your doubts or concerns.

PS:

Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios​

 

[GGJstudios]

Again, I don't want to download anything. Once you welcome malware onto your computer, you have to do something about it, that was the whole point of avoiding a download, free or not. Sorry to say that everything you've told me is either irrelevant or unhelpful. The effort is appreciated, so thanks, but never mind.

As one who spends a great deal of time educating people about malware, I'm not going to suggest apps that are questionable. This forum wouldn't permit anyone posting links to malware. The suggestions I've made are only helpful if you follow them. If you don't want help, why did you ask for it?

 

[WRP]

Again, I don't want to download anything. Once you welcome malware onto your computer, you have to do something about it, that was the whole point of avoiding a download, free or not. Sorry to say that everything you've told me is either irrelevant or unhelpful. The effort is appreciated, so thanks, but never mind.

Sorry to say you are clueless about your computer.

 

[Apple Key]

Are you afraid of the files being recoverable after deletion, or are you trying to just free up space? Obviously deleting files will free up space.