OSXFAQ Mac OS X Tip-of-the-Day  

Here is a very neat and powerful application this is run in single user mode. To boot into single user mode restart with the Command-S key comb pressed. (Note that if your Mac has its firmware password protected, you may not be able to boot into single user mode.)

Quote:

"AppleJack is a user friendly troubleshooting assistant for Mac OS X. With AppleJack you can troubleshoot a computer even if you can't load the GUI, or don't have a startup CD handy. AppleJack runs in Single User Mode and is menu-based for ease of use.

Using AppleJack, you can repair your disk, repair permissions, validate the system's preference files, and get rid of possibly corrupted cache files. In most cases, these operations can help get your machine back on track. The important thing is that you don't need another startup disk with you. All you need to do is restart in Single User Mode (SUM), by holding down the command and s keys at startup, and then typing applejack, or applejack auto (which will run through all the tasks automatically), or applejack auto restart (which will also restart the computer automatically at the end of the process)."

Clean those caches with Cache Out X.

Quote:

"Cache Out X (COX) is a utility for Mac OS X that specializes in deleting the cache files of the System and of Internet browsers. Additionally, it can delete virtual memory file(s), erase system history files, as well as cookies and Internet-related navigation/download history files. COX's Auto-Cleaner function cleans caches at log in or as scheduled by the user thanks to iCal integration. COX's secure deletion of Internet archives makes it especially suitable when using public access computers."

Also, Cache Cleaner (shareware)

Quote:

"Panther Cache Cleaner is a utility designed to provide easy access to numerous OS X maintenance and utility options.Ê When used in combination with OS X's disk repair tools, it can be very effective in curing many system problems.Ê Panther Cache Cleaner helps simplify system maintenance chores with an easy point and click interface to many OS X functions.Ê Panther Cache Cleaner can improve system performance by tuning internet and file caching settings and by implementing ram disks.Ê Panther Cache Cleaner can improve startup performance by eliminating duplicate or orphaned Login Items."

For scheduled maintenance:

Mac Janitor

Quote:

"MacJanitor is designed to be used on a periodic basis by Mac OS X users who don't leave their computer on (and awake) 24 hours a day. MacJanitor is provided as freeware as a service to laptop and energy-conscious home user.

... Mac OS X ... has many system maintenance tasks that are scheduled to run between 3 am and 5 am. In addition, there are scripts designed to run weekly on weekends, and once a month in the middle of the night.

If these maintenance tasks are never run (such as on a laptop that is always shut off at night), many log files and system database will grow extremely large or fail to get backed up.

MacJanitor provides a way to run these system tasks at the click of a button. Laptop users could click the 'daily' button every morning (or every few days), or office workers could click the 'weekly' button on Mondays."

OnyX

Quote:

"OnyX 1.4.9 is a maintenance, optimization, and personalization utility. OnyX 1.4.9 works with all Macintosh computers running Mac OS X version 10.3.x (with BSD subsystem)."

Some Handy Links

OSXFAQ - search for solutions or post questions:

Apple Support:

Most Recent Tech Notes:

Isolating Issues in OS X:

Enjoy !! :-)

Panther 10.3.8

To discuss this tip in the OSXFAQ Mac OS X Tip-of-the-Day Forum, click here:

E-mail your comments or suggestions to webmaster@osxfaq.com