Finding Missing HD or SSD space - solution

for the mobile backups, that is your local timemachine snap shot. It does not delete once you transfer to a external from my understanding. it literally is a backup meant to be on your computer. You can turn it off via command line (dont have the command on me)

Also if you turn Time Machine off, in system Preferences, the local snapshots aren't taken.

I do both turn off the local snapshots with a terminal command and have TM set to off unless I am going to do a backup.

If OS X is so Rubust and as stated by Apple as "The Most Advanced Operating System in the World" along with Mac computers being so well made why do you need constant backups and to top it off local snapshots taken every hour.

speedyBrah wrote:

for the mobile backups, that is your local timemachine snap shot. It does not delete once you transfer to a external from my understanding. it literally is a backup meant to be on your computer. You can turn it off via command line (dont have the command on me)

LowLuster greetings: I suggest that you read the following articles regarding 'Local Snapshots' and perhaps gain an understanding what they are and what their purpose is.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4878

http://pondini.org/TM/30.html

Hourly backups are a design element of Time Machine and in no way are a reflection of whether the OSX is "so Rubust and as stated by Apple as "The Most Advanced Operating System in the World" along with Mac computers being so well made why do you need constant backups and to top it off local snapshots taken every hour". Backups could be made at any arbitrary time period.

Any suggestion that 'Local Snapshots' are a reflection of any fault in the OSX is simply without any foundation. There simply is no correlation between these two elements.

Ciao.

I know exactly what they are and what they are supposedly for. For me they are just a waist of hard drive space. I have no need for them. Apple feels the same way on all other Mac computers other than the notebook line.

That is your opinion. Mine differs.

LowLuster, greetings: For users who do not use Time Machine, Local Snapshots clearly would not have any value and would not be created. For those who do use Time Machine, some may wish to take advantage of the feature, some may not. That certainly is the prerogative of each individual.

Now when you say "Apple feels the same way on all other Mac computers other than the notebook line." is a very strong indication that you do not fully understand what is the purpose of 'Local Snapshots'. It is not a question of the merits of the feature (Local Snapshots) in general that they are limited to MBAs and MBPs, it is pointless to have them for desktops. A careful reading of the prior links should make that clear. 🙂

Ciao.

I understand exactly why they are made. I don't think you do. I am very clear on what they are and what Apple suggests they be used for. But it seems you don't.

They are not real backups. They are made just in case you accidentally delete a files, that is IF the LSS has backed up that file and or the changes to that file before you deleted it. They are not used when doing a real TM backup. They are supposedly deleted when you do backup your system with TM. They are also deleted if you need more disk space, except if you need a lot of disk space all at once then you get a warning that you are out of disk space because the LSS can't be deleted quickly to free up the space that is needed.

If you are the type of person that arbitrarily deletes file you know you need then these LSS might save you. Then again it might not.

The LSS are not enabled by default on any Desktop Mac computer. Only on notebook Mac is it the default setting.

I would say that is Apple saying they are not needed or desired on desktop Mac's. Sure you can enable them.

Why is it pointless on a Desktop Mac. What you've never heard of people that own a iMac, Mac Pro or Mac Mini deleting files they need?

Oh you are thinking everyone that owns a desktop Mac has a TM external drive connected to it all the time. I am sure your are greatly mistaken.

I'm done with this topic that this conversation with you. Thanks.

LowLuster wrote:

They are not real backups. They are made just in case you accidentally delete a files, that is IF the LSS has backed up that file and or the changes to that file before you deleted it.

Your statement does not define what 'Local Snapshots' are and and the reasons for having them (your syntax is very confusing). From the Apple link, the definition is as follows:

"What are local snapshots?

Local snapshots complement regular Time Machine backups that are stored on your external disk or Time Capsule by creating a local backup on your startup disk when your normal backup drive is not available. This provides you with a "safety net" for times when you might be away from your external backup disk or Time Capsule but accidentally delete a file. When your normal backup is available again, Time Machine copies the local snapshot contents from your startup disk to your normal backup drive."

Thus they can provide a historical Time Machine record in cases where the user is not connected to the Time Machine backup disk such as on a business trip. That is why this is a feature on portable devices and not desktops.

Local Snapshots will record changes in the same way as if the MBP were connected to the Time Machine HDD. When the MBP is reconnected to the Time Machine HDD, these changes will then be downloaded to the Time Machine. The changes will be stored using the same criteria as if the changes had been made when connected to the Time Machine HDD.

Again a careful review of the two links I posted should clarify what Time Machine Snapshots are, what and how they are used and correct the misconceptions that one may have regarding same.

Ciao.

For some reason you are of the opinion I have a misconception of what the LSS are and what they are used for.

I'll repeat this again, I don't. You do. They are a useless waist of hard drive space.

Very nice post.

It solves half of my problem. I am trying to stop all the junk things (Apps) that starts with my OS system and I don't know how I can do that...
For example I erase the Skype, but the ghost icon app every time that I restart the iMac it comes back. If you know the way or some other article please show me. Thank you! Erick