How often should I delete Downloads from my Congested Download Folder?

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How often should I delete Downloads from my Congested Download Folder?

My downloads folder is getting very congested. Every download for over a year has been stored there and I certainly don't need most of them anymore. How often does Apple recommend editing this folder and deleting content. Is there a setting somewhere that would automatically delete old downloads?

macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Oct 14, 2010 7:56 AM

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Answer 1

k.panic

Level 3

605 points

Oct 14, 2010 8:09 AM in response to bob-lo

That's totally a matter of personal organization, like how often to get rid of old shirts or old socks! I get rid of downloads as soon as I'm done with them--they either get organized somewhere else like Documents if I'm going to keep them, or I delete them.

I wouldn't want an app purging my downloads folder in case there was something in there I needed.

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Answer 2

Oct 14, 2010 8:06 AM in response to bob-lo

Taking your questions in reverse order, I don't believe there is a way to have the OS clean Downloads.

I also don't believe there is a recommendation from Apple as to how long to keep the download files.

Generally every couple of months when I get a space minute or two I go through what is in Downloads and either move it elsewhere if I think it is to valuable to delete or delete stuff.

___________________

Allan

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Answer 3

bob-lo Author

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Oct 14, 2010 8:25 AM in response to bob-lo

OK, this helps. I've been reluctant to delete anything for fear of screwing up the system (unintended consequences and all that), but your comments make it clear that I can be doing this regularly manually without such concerns. Another issue. Originally, the dock contained an icon for downloads. This has somehow disappeared and I have to go to the folder in the Finder. Is there a way to restore the downloads icon to the dock? Thanks.

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Answer 4

Oct 14, 2010 8:42 AM in response to bob-lo

The Download icon is simply an aliases that points to the Download folder on your disk for your convenience. If you open finder and drag the Download folder to the right hand end of the Dock, another aliases will be created for you.

___________________

Allan

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Answer 5

k.panic

Level 3

605 points

Oct 14, 2010 9:34 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Yes, it's called a stack. Just make sure you drag it to the right of the dashed line/divider.

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Answer 6

bob-lo Author

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Oct 14, 2010 1:53 PM in response to bob-lo

Done! Thank you very much!

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