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What's the best software to "clean up" a Mac

I've just upgraded my iMac 5.1 (intel core 2 duo) to OS10.6.8. I'm told this is the most recent OS this processor can cope with. Ever since upgrading there have been lots of niggling (& fortunately temporary) faults, freezes and lost communication with peripherals. What software is available to "clean up" duplicate and/or damaged files and check for/remove possible viruses?


Many thanks


Kim

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Feb 16, 2013 5:06 AM

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Posted on Feb 16, 2013 5:21 AM

The popular opinion on here is not to use anything and to stay well away from products that claim to clean or speed up your Mac. Based on reports on here, the one to avoid like the plague is MacKeeper. Also there are no viruses that currently effects Macs, although there is some malware out there which normally requires the user to install it.

Some information on viruses: http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/ and https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3030


That said, some on here do recommend and use OnyX for routine maintenance. I've used it myself a few times to no ill effect.

http://www.titanium.free.fr/downloadonyx.php (make sure you download the version for your OS, if you do decide to use it).


How much RAM do you have? If the Mac is starved of that it'll perform badly.

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Feb 16, 2013 5:21 AM in response to kim.lovelace

The popular opinion on here is not to use anything and to stay well away from products that claim to clean or speed up your Mac. Based on reports on here, the one to avoid like the plague is MacKeeper. Also there are no viruses that currently effects Macs, although there is some malware out there which normally requires the user to install it.

Some information on viruses: http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/ and https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3030


That said, some on here do recommend and use OnyX for routine maintenance. I've used it myself a few times to no ill effect.

http://www.titanium.free.fr/downloadonyx.php (make sure you download the version for your OS, if you do decide to use it).


How much RAM do you have? If the Mac is starved of that it'll perform badly.

Feb 18, 2013 3:29 PM in response to Paul_31

Hello Paul


Many thanks for your reply, most useful. Especially as I'd been wondering about using MacKeeper.


I'll follow up your advice and explore the links. The OnyX looks useful.


Suspect you may be correct about my RAM, its only 2GB, which (I think) is the max my iMac will take. This was fine with the original OS10.4, but all the gremlins seem to have appeared since upgrading to the rather more memory demanding 10.6.8.


Kim

Feb 18, 2013 3:40 PM in response to kim.lovelace

From what I can see, there's every chance you could upgrade your memory to 4GB or even 6GB. Contact the people below and ask.


Many people on these forums speak well of the following suppliers.


In North America contact OWC … Upgrade Apple iMac Memory

In Europe contact Crucial.com … RAM Memory Upgrade


Both companies have facilities to guide you and will recommend the correct memory package to meet whatever needs you describe to them.


There may be benefits buying from your own geographical location insofar as Shipping charges, Local sales taxes and Exchange rates. Check out the basic memory costs and do your sums.


By the way, have the info section of 'about this Mac' on hand when you contact them.

Feb 21, 2013 7:33 AM in response to kim.lovelace

Don't give up. You are UK based?


Put the same question to OWC via the internet. Have your specifications on hand.

See what they say. If they say 4GB or more then pick up the phone and talk directly to Crucial. They will probably say at your risk but if you use the correct specification memory it won't be a risk.


Crucial said 4GB for mine. I did what I've described and OWC said 6GB. I put in 6 and it's worked perfectly. One tiny proviso; sometimes you put in say 4GB and it only registers 3GB. Nothing you can do about that.


Let me know what you find out.

What's the best software to "clean up" a Mac

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