What's this extra data stored on my MacBook Air?

[GanChan]

I was looking at the storage on my brand-new Macbook Air, and I'm seeing some stuff I can't quite account for. (I'm kind of stupid about this stuff, so apologies in advance....) Anyway, I've attached an image of what I'm looking at. Since I haven't added any movies, photos or music to this computer yet, I'm a little stumped as to what that "Audio" "Photos" and "Movies" data is all about. (Library/system files, perhaps?) I'm also wondering what that 7-plus gigs of "Other" might be....

Any thoughts?

 

[Intell]

The storage tab in About this Mac is often inaccurate. I advise not taking its numbers to be exactly correctly.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I'd suggest downloading a simple, free application DiskWave (http://diskwave.barthe.ph/index.html) that will show you what is what and the correct disk space information, file sizes etc.

 

[GanChan]

Also, I just discovered a Guest account that had been enabled in my Users & Groups control panel. I sure didn't put one there, so I shut it down. But what's up with that? Was I hacked?

 

[Ulenspiegel]

It is there by default. I have it on my MacBook Air as well. Evidently it is set to Off.

 

[Intell]

By default Mac OS X has the Guest account turned on.

 

[motrek]

Also, I just discovered a Guest account that had been enabled in my Users & Groups control panel. I sure didn't put one there, so I shut it down. But what's up with that? Was I hacked?

I assume it's enabled by default.

I would recommend a program called Disk Inventory X to get an idea of what exactly is taking up space on your drive.

But overall I would suggest you stop worrying about your computer if it's working fine, which it sounds like it is.

 

[GanChan]

It is there by default. I have it on my MacBook Air as well. Evidently it is set to Off.

I'm just wondering why mine was enabled, since I never enabled it. I'd better find out, I guess....There's also a Guest directory in my Users directory containing folders that I apparently don't have permissions to view. This troubles me. (See attached image

 

[Intell]

The Guest account is turned on by default and not being able to view the Guest directory is normal when it is turned on.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I'm just wondering why mine was enabled, since I never enabled it. I'd better find out, I guess....There's also a Guest directory in my Users directory containing folders that I apparently don't have permissions to view. This troubles me.

It is there by default and enabled by default. The Guest Directory is also there by default. Don't worry, it is ok. We all have those things as well.

 

[GanChan]

The Guest account is turned on by default and not being able to view the Guest directory is normal when it is turned on.

Yes, but I'm not able to view the contents of the folders whether the Guest account is turned on or turned off. I just get this:

 

[Intell]

That is normal because it is not your folder. It belongs to the Guest account. What you are seeing is OS X's user permissions working properly. I suggest, not disturbing that folder and leaving it alone.

 

[GanChan]

OK. My paranoia has subsided, LOL.

Thanks!

 

[Ulenspiegel]

OK. My paranoia has subsided, LOL.

Thanks!

No, problem. It's okay. Enjoy your new Mac!