I'm using a 2020 Mac Mini, Monterey, M1 Chip. I like the idea of keeping the Mac clean so I tried "Clean My Mac" --- not a good experience (understatement).
Can someone point to me to a good source (article?) about Mac "housekeeping"? For example, is it safe and helpful to periodically delete all the files in /Library/Caches/ ?
Any advice appreciated.
Michael
Mac mini, macOS 10.15
Booting into Safe mode, the restarting normally will clean up a number of caches. Doing that once a week or so will more than suffice.
Restart in Safe Mode. There are Two Methods in this link. One for Intel Computer and a Different one for Apple Silicon Computer
Safe Mode perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts.
The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.
MichaelJonas wrote:
Can someone point to me to a good source (article?) about Mac "housekeeping"?
this is more "preventative maintenance" rather than "housekeeping". but I'll recommend reading Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community. it's a long article, but it's worth your time to read every word. and afterwards you will see that removing "cleanmymac" was a very good first step.
Barney-15E wrote:
I have never done any housekeeping on any of my Macs in over 30 years. None of them have had any problems.
Me, neither. I can count on one hand the number of times I've booted in Safe Mode. There was that unfortunate time when I, being young and naive, installed something by Norton. Took me the better part of a day to get my Mac working again. Lesson learned.
Some people here recommend starting in Safe Mode periodically. I have only ever done that when I need to do some specific troubleshooting. But, should you decide you want to, see here:
Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and Monterey macOS 12, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.
Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase
Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions
Below is only a Partial List of " Bad Actor " Software
This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender ,
This will included Norton Antivirus , Sophos Av Software
Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus
Ad Guard, Webroot , ESET , Avira
The system generally handles housekeeping tasks like that on its own without any intervention needed on your part.
Thank you for recommending the article -- it's an excellent reminder that with most "systems," the weak-link is us.
We do use BitDefender; even if we don't really need it, we psychologically feel better having it. Don't ask.
Thanx for replying and being so helpful,
Michael
Thank you for this information. I've surprised to see BitDefender on the "bad persons" list...since I seem to have a psychological need to use anti-virus software, is/are there any available that would not be problematic?
I tried following the directions for booting in Safe Mode, but it didn't work. After I shut down my Mac, when I restarted, it the HD option came up. But it only had a "Continue" choice; there was nothing about choosing Safe Mode.
I clicked on "Continue" and my Mac booted normally...I didn't see anything showing it was in Safe Mode.
when attempting to boot into safe mode on a desktop Mac, it is recommended to connect the keyboard to the Mac with the USB charging cable. otherwise, the keyboard can take too long to connect while attempting to safe boot.
MichaelJonas wrote:
Thank you for this information. I've surprised to see BitDefender on the "bad persons" list...since I seem to have a psychological need to use anti-virus software, is/are there any available that would not be problematic?
The be honest - I can not comment on the " psychological need " aspect of things but the Technical side has been covered - None for the reasons presented.
Further, the link from @jefferythefrog is all that is really required
Bluetooth Keyboard may not work well in this situation.
The Bluetooth Kernel may load to slowly for the KB to function in this situation
Use a Wired Keyboard or if Apple KeyBoard with rechargeable Battery - connect with the supplied cable to computer
MichaelJonas wrote:
Your experience with Norton was much like mine with Clean My Mac. However, I can't attribute that to my being "young and foolish" since I'm long past young.
Well, it was about 35 years ago. And I'm now old enough to consider 30 "young". ;-)
Well, let's take a quick (but painful) look at the calendar. Ah, yes, my birthday was this month, or as Tom Lehrer so delicately put it, "Another year sliding down the razor blade of life."
This was 81st trip taking that slide. Ouch!!
Clean My Mac, NOT
