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.
Thank you for the suggestion...and for the link to the information. That's sounds like just what I was looking for.
Michael
You're welcome.
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.
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
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
you're welcome. :)
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
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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
I do use a USB connected keyboard, also a USB dongle Logitech mouse.
Strange the option I'm looking for doesn't appear.
I have never done any housekeeping on any of my Macs in over 30 years. None of them have had any problems.
Clean My Mac, NOT
