I need to clean up OS X 10.6.8

I have pinwheel showing to much so I guess I have to clean something up and check for spyware.  Please supply web site with these instructions.
Please note that I have version 10.6.8

If those are the solutions you seek, check the Microsoft site. Those are solutions for the sloppy programming pervasive in Windows. They are unlikley to improve your Premium-quality MacBook Pro.
If you want to make your Mac run faster, run Activity monitor and check for memory probelms first. Then there are other steps to follow if those are not productive.
Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used (OS X Mountain Lion and earlier)

Similar Messages

  • Sometimes my computer takes too long to connect to new website. I am running a pretty powerful work program at same time, what is the best solution? Upgrading speed from cable network, is it a hard drive issue? do I need to "clean out" the computer?

    Many times my computer takes too long to connect to new website. I have wireless internet (time capsule) and I am running a pretty powerful real time financial work program at same time, what is the best solution? Upgrading speed from cable network? is it a hard drive issue? do I only need to "clean out" the computer? Or all of the above...not to computer saavy.  It is a Macbook Pro  osx 10.6.8 (late 2010).

    Almost certainly none of the above!  Try each of the following in this order:
    Select 'Reset Safari' from the Safari menu.
    Close down Safari;  move <home>/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/Cache.db to the trash; restart Safari.
    Change the DNS servers in your network settings to use the OpenDNS servers: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
    Turn off DNS pre-fetching by entering the following command in Terminal and restarting Safari:
              defaults write com.apple.safari WebKitDNSPrefetchingEnabled -boolean false

  • I have more than one copy of the same song in my iTunes. Some have the icloud symbol next to them and some do not. I need to clean this up but I am afraid to delete the songs for fear I will lose them.

    I have more than one copy of the same song in my iTunes. Some have the icloud symbol next to them and some do not. I need to clean this up but I am afraid to delete the songs for fear I will lose them. Please help! On top of that my Mac keeps telling me my start up disc is full and I am deleting stuff like crazy!

    Welcome to the  Discussion Forums
    It won't be a problem if you delete your extra copies.
    I don't download very much to my tv, I do sometimes if I'm in bed but usually I do it from itunes. However if you have not fully downloaded something to the tv it is possible to start the download from itunes as well, you have likely activated 'check for downloads fin itunes in some way, could be by opening itunes, selecting 'check or downloads' from the advanced menu or that you simply have automatically check for downloads set in your prefs and it has checked coincidentally.

  • I have a mac book pro with Boot Camp that also runs windows.  I upgraded to Lion and somehow it crashes the mac side peridoically.  I am told I need to "clean" it and reinstall lion using the recovery drive.  will that delete the windows partition too??

    I have a mac book pro with Boot Camp that also runs windows.  I upgraded to Lion and now the mac side crashes/freezes periodically, especially iphoto.  I am told by the genius' that I probably need to "clean" it and reinstall lion using the "recovery drive" which resets everything back to default and reinstalls the lion operating system.  My question is will this also delete the "windows" partition drive and all that data too.  If so that will be a huge pain in the ___ to back up and reinstall boot camp and windows. I want to shoot the lion.

    There is no system like Acronis for the Mac platform. You can try using the buiilt in Disk Utility to create an Image of the complete Mac drive but I have found that this does not work very well as on tryiing to restore it gives errors sometimes.
    You can use SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner to create a bootable Clone of your system partition. But that is only for the System partition and not the complete drive.
    If you use Boot Camp to install Windows on your Mac neither of those two programs will clone the Windows side.
    Neither will Disk utility as Mac's can not create or write to a NTFS partition. So some other program is need for that.

  • I have an old imac G3 desk top computer that I would like to donate.  I need to clean up the hard drive.  How do I do this?

    I have an old imac G3 desk top computer that I would like to donate.  I need to clean up the hard drive.  HOw do I do this?

    If you have a Mac OS 8.x or 9.x CD (depending on the iMac model), look for a Drive Setup utility somewhere on that disc. Boot from the CD while holding down the C key. Initialise the hard disk with a 'Zero all data' option chosen.
    Jan

  • I just got my MacBook Air and every time I go to a website other ads and websites pop up saying I need to clean my mac out. Any ideas on what I should do?

    When I am surfing the web other websites pop up saying I need to clean my mac out or I am a winner of something. I just got my Mac so I'm not sure how this happened.

    You may have installed the "VSearch" trojan, perhaps under a different name. Remove it as follows.
    Malware is constantly changing to get around the defenses against it. The instructions in this comment are valid as of now, as far as I know. They won't necessarily be valid in the future. Anyone finding this comment a few days or more after it was posted should look for more recent discussions or start a new one.
    Back up all data before proceeding.
    Step 1
    Triple-click anywhere in the line below on this page to select it:
    /Library/LaunchAgents/com.vsearch.agent.plist
    Right-click or control-click the line and select
              Services ▹ Reveal in Finder (or just Reveal)
    from the contextual menu.* A folder should open with an item named "com.vsearch.agent.plist" selected. Drag the selected item to the Trash. You may be prompted for your administrator login password.
    Repeat with each of these lines:
    /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.vsearch.daemon.plist
    /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.vsearch.helper.plist
    /Library/LaunchDaemons/Jack.plist
    Restart the computer and empty the Trash. Then delete the following items in the same way:
    /Library/Application Support/VSearch
    /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/Jack
    /System/Library/Frameworks/VSearch.framework
    ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/ConduitNPAPIPlugin.plugin
    Some of these items may be absent, in which case you'll get a message that the file can't be found. Skip that item and go on to the next one. Even if you find none of the items listed in this step, go on to Step 2.
    Step 2
    From the Safari menu bar, select
              Safari ▹ Preferences... ▹ Extensions
    Uninstall any extensions you don't know you need, including any that have the word "Spigot," "Trovi," or "Conduit" in the description. If in doubt, uninstall all extensions. Do the equivalent for the Firefox and Chrome browsers, if you use either of those.
    Reset the home page and default search engine in all the browsers, if it was changed.
    This trojan is distributed on illegal websites that traffic in pirated content. If you, or anyone else who uses the computer, visit such sites and follow prompts to install software, you can expect much worse to happen in the future.
    You may be wondering why you didn't get a warning from Gatekeeper about installing software from an unknown developer, as you should have. The reason is that this Internet criminal has a codesigning certificate issued by Apple, which causes Gatekeeper to give the installer a pass. Apple could revoke the certificate, but as of this writing, has not done so, even though it's aware of the problem. This failure of oversight has compromised both Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. You can't rely on Gatekeeper alone to protect you from harmful software.
    *If you don't see the contextual menu item, copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination  command-C. In the Finder, select
              Go ▹ Go to Folder...
    from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.

  • Do I need to clean my computer like I did with my Dell?

    Hi I have a MacBook Air
    I was wondering if I need to clean up records etc like I did on my old Dell computer. I know very little about computers.
    Thanks Dennis

    No. Any one or any thing that recommends you "clean" your Mac should elicit a visceral negative reaction.
    If you're having trouble with your Mac explain what it is. Make no attempt to "clean" it, unless you want to create real problems. For more information read below.
    There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
    You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
    Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
    Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
    OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
    A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
    Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
    Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
    Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
    "Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
    If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
    Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
    Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
    Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
    Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
    Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
    Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose:Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
    Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
    Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
    Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
    Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
    The same precaution applies to Adobe Flash Player. Newly discovered Flash vulnerabilities appear almost weekly.
    Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
    Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
    Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
    If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
    The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
    The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
    Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
    The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
    OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
    Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
    If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
    Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
    Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
    Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

  • I've ordered a new mac book pro 15" and i need to clean hard drive off my old PC...not really to move them to the mac, but just to save in case needed; mostly pics and office docs....any suggestions?

    I've ordered a new mac book pro 15" and i need to clean hard drive off my old PC...not really to move them to the mac, but just to save in case needed; mostly pics and office docs....any suggestions?

    Buy an external USB hard drive and copy your data to it.  Either that or burn them all to single or double layer DVDs (depending on amount of data you have).  Or if it's really a small amount, consider putting it all on a USB memory stick.

  • Do I need a clean Arch install to change DE or WM?

    Hey all,
    I'm new to Arch... well, I will be new to Arch. Still currently using Fedora. One of the things I'm doing right now is taking some time to read the wiki and fully embracing "The Arch Way."
    Since I have the opportunity to build a system from the ground up, it's caused me to reconsider some of my pre-existing ideas. Like... do I need a full blown DE? The answer is probably not. All I do is listen to music, surf and code. Therefore, there's a lot I don't need.
    I'm considering using these:
    Gnome3
    Openbox
    Fluxbox
    DWM
    Xmonad
    The problem is... I kind of want to try all of them. Well, except for Gnome3. I know what's up there.
    Will it be relatively simple to just use pacman to change my DE or WM? Or do I need to cleanly install Arch? The answer will have some bearing on how long it takes me to move forward.

    You can have multiple ones going no problem, the idea is super simple, you either install a display manager to graphically choose which environment you want, or you set up your .xinitrc like the previous poster mentioned to include the multiple environments. The Wiki usually covers near everything you could possibly need including things from the aur in depth.
    I personally prefer the .xinitrc way because it's simpler. startx will start whichever you specified as your main de, and xinit gnome or xinit xfce, etc. will start the other enviroments.
    My preference on a laptop is openbox and my preference on a desktop is kde. Make sure you follow the guide for openbox should you choose to use it, you need to copy a few default files to your .config folder. Also note that a fresh openbox install is pretty barebones and takes a while to configure. I like that stuff, but xfce might be a better choice if you don't.
    https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/xinitrc explains how to set up your .xinitrc for multiple de's in detail, while configuring all the major display managers are explained in depth in their respective wikis.
    Also note that its really easy to remove one if you don't like it, with just "pacman -Rs gnome" for example, which should remove it and all its standalone dependencies.
    Last edited by xtraroot (2013-12-29 19:18:57)

  • Do i need to clean my imac?

    Hi, I am new to Apple and I have an iMac 27 2.7 GHz intel i5 with 16 gb of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive.  Do I need to clean the hard drive and defragment it as I used to with my windows based machines?
    It seems to freeze and slow down occasionally and sometimes doesnt shut down.

    Under Mac OS X defragmentation doesn't need to be done, as far as i can remember Mac OS X does this to a degree by itself.
    when you say 'cleaning', emptying the trash, clearing the browser cache and things like that will speed up your Mac.
    Just try to not have too many apps and whatnot open at once and it shouldn't freeze or slow down.
    Hope that helps.

  • My startup disk is full, I need to clean it up, and I don't know how to even find it!

    My startup disk is full, I need to clean it up, and I don't know how to even find it!

    Don't mess with anything you don't recognize. The system is generally not the reason for lack of free space.
    Best candidates are your files which are located in the folder with the little house for an icon in Finder. Of your own files the one most likely to take the largest amount disk space are music, movies, video and photos. Any of those can be deleted or move to external storage.
    Allan

  • HT201250 Can I back up using Time Machine if I have some files already on the ExHD, or do I need a clean ExHD to use Time Machine?

    Can I back up using Time Machine if I have some files already on the ExHD, or do I need a clean ExHD to use Time Machine?

    If you try to use a new disk with time machine, it will try to reformat your EXHD. so I would save the items on your EXHD before backing up with time machine or partitioning your EXHD in disk utility

  • Do i need to clean install mavericks

    macbook pro 10.8.5 want mavericks do i need to clean instal it.

    Better asked on MacBook Pro forum, no you don't but yes there is some wisdom in making bootable backup or restore image if you do.
    A clean install is easy to do and Setup Assistant will take the system image or clone as source for your old prefs and apps and add them back.
    Make sure everything you use is current and supported, some are not. Less an issue with a notebook than a Mac tower.
    How to make your own bootable OS X 10.9 Mavericks USB install drive
    http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/10/how-to-make-your-own-bootable-os-x-10-9-mav ericks-usb-install-drive/
    Apple has changed things in 10.9, but making a recovery drive is still possible.
    by Andrew Cunningham - Oct 23 2013, 8:19am CDT
    OS X
      Flickr user Prime Number 
    When Apple released OS X 10.7 two years ago, it stopped selling operating system DVDs in its stores, stopped shipping recovery disks with new Macs, and switched to downloadable installers for OS X upgrades. These download-only installers have actually worked pretty well—I’ve never had an issue downloading the software from the Mac App Store or restoring a Mac using the Internet Recovery feature when something went south. That said, it’s still nice to have an install disk handy for those cases when you don’t have a connection, when your connection is slow, or when you just have a whole bunch of Macs and don’t want to have to download the installer on each and every one of them.
    The good news is, as with Lion and Mountain Lion, it’s possible to create a local USB installer for Mavericks. The bad news is that it wasn’t as simple as it was before—Apple has changed the way the installer works, and making an install disk manually is more difficult than it used to be. Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need:
    An 8GB or larger USB flash drive, or an 8GB or larger partition on some other kind of external drive
    The OS X 10.9 Mavericks installer from the Mac App Store in your Applications folder. The installer will delete itself when you install the operating system, but it can be re-downloaded if necessary.
    The latest beta of the Lion Diskmaker app, available here (as of this writing, version 3 beta 3 is the most recent). This app is free to download, but the creator accepts donations if you want to support his efforts.
    How to clone your system:
    http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone-backup.html
    http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone.html
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/7032/carbon-copy-cloner
    You can also use Disk Utility Restore to image or clone the system to another disk volume.
    MacBook Series Forums
    https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks?view=discussions
    Mac OS X Forum
    https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os?view=discussions

  • Do i need to clean up local storage under safari

    do i need to clean up local storage that is found
    under safari

    No. You do not need to clean up anything.
    If you wish, you can empty caches.
    Empty Caches
        Safari > Preference > Advanced
        Checkmark the box for "Show Develop menu in menu bar".
        Develop menu will appear in the Safari menu bar.
        Click Develop and select "Empty Caches" from the dropdown.
    Best.

  • HT204150 Hi, I made a mistake by allowing facebook to download all my contacts in my address book. Now i need to clean my address book and keep only my original contacts. If i do it on my macbook, will it reflect on my iphone?

    Hi, I made a mistake by allowing facebook to download all my contacts in my address book. Now i need to clean my address book and keep only my original contacts. If i do it on my macbook, will it reflect on my iphone? Or will my iphone redownload all the contacts i deleted when i connect it to my macbook or through the cloud?
    when working with icloud, is there a primary device (macbok, ipad...) on which if the changes are made, they reflect on all other devices?

    I see.  If you are syncing contacts with iCloud on both your Mac and your iPhone, deleting a contact from either device will delete them from icloud.com and all other devices. 
    What's really going on with iCloud is that your contacts actually reside on the iCloud server.  Your Mac and iPhone are merely reading the current contact list as it exists on the server.  When you delete a contact (or make any other change) on either device, you are making these changes on the server.  As a result, all other devices "syncing" contacts with the same iCloud account will read this change.  When you log onto icloud.com, you are viewing the server from your browser.

  • Checklist needed for clean installation of oracle 9i in windows

    checklist needed for clean installation of oracle 9i in windows..does anyone have it..??
    thanks a lot in advance

    Duplicated post at --> checklist needed for clean installation of oracle 9i in windows

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