Do I ever need to Defragment my IMAC (Mavericks)?

Do I ever have to, or should I, defragment my IMAC (mavericks)? If so, how?

No. That is an old Windows habit!
OS X does what required by itself.

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Do I need to defragment my iMac?

Hi Guys,
I have a question - do I need to defragment my iMac? I have noticed it is getting slower.
blueheron11

Well, I'm going to put a contrary view to others you have received here, blueheron.
Most users, as long as they leave plenty of free space available , and don't work regularly in situations where very large files are written and rewritten, are unlikely to notice the effects of fragmentation on either their files or on the drives free space much.
As the drive fills the situations becomes progressively more significant, however.
Some people will tell you that "OSX defrags your files anyway". This is only partly true. It defrags files that are less than 20 MB in size. It doesn't defrag larger files and it doesn't defrag the free space on the drive. In fact the method it uses to defrag the smaller files actually increases the extent of free space fragmentation. Eventually, in fact, once the largest free space fragments are down to less than 20 MB (not uncommon on a drive that has , say only 10% free space left) it begins to give up trying to defrag altogether. Despite this, the system copes very well without defragging as long as you have plenty of room.
Again, this doesn't matter much when the drive is half empty or better, but it does when it gets fullish, and it does especially when it gets fullish if you are regularly dealing with large files , like video or serious audio stuff.
If you look through this discussion board you will see quite a few complaints from people who find that their drive gets "slow". Often you will see that say that "still have 10 or 20 gigs free" or the like. On modern large drives by this stage they are usually in fact down to the point where the internal defragmentation routines can no longer operate , where their drives are working like navvies to keep up with finding space for any larger files, together with room for "scratch files", virtual memory, directories etc etc etc. Such users are operating in a zone where they put a lot more stress on their drives as a result, often start complaining of increased "heat", etc etc. Most obviously, though, the computer slows down to a speed not much better than that of molasses. Eventually the directories and other related files may collapse altogether and they find themselves with a next to unrecoverable disk problems.
By this time, of course, defragging itself has already become just about impossible. The amount of work required to shift the data into contiguous blocks is immense, puts additional stress on the drive, takes forever, etc etc. The extent of fragmentation of free space at this stage can be simply staggering, and any large files you subsequently write are likely to be divided into many , many tens of thousands of fragments scattered across the drive. Not only this, but things like the "extents files", which record where all the bits are located, will begin to grow astronomically as a result, putting even more pressure on your already stressed drive, and increasing the risk of major failures.
Ultimately this adds up to a situation where you can identify maybe three "phases" of mac life when it comes to the need for defragmentation.
In the "first phase" (with your drive less than half full), it doesn't matter much at all - probably not enough to even make it worth doing.
In the "second phase" (between , say 50% free space and 20% free space remaining) it becomes progressively more useful, but , depending on the use you put your computer to you won't see much difference at the higher levels of free space unless you are serious video buff who needs to keep their drives operating as efficiently and fast as possible - chances are they will be using fast external drives over FW800 or eSata to compliment their internal HD anyway.
At the lower end though (when boot drives get down around the 20% mark on , say, a 250 or 500 Gig drive) I certainly begin to see an impact on performance and stability when working with large image files, mapping software, and the like, especially those which rely on the use of their own "scratch" files, and especially in situations where I am using multiple applications simultaneously, if I haven't defragmented the drive for a while. For me, defragmenting (I use iDefrag too - it is the only third party app I trust for this after seeing people with problems using TechToolPro and Drive Genius for such things) gives a substantial performance boost in this sort of situation and improves operational stability. I usually try to get in first these days and defrag more regularly (about once a month) when the drive is down to 30% free space or lower.
Between 20% and 10% free space is a bit of a "doubtful region". Most people will still be able to defrag successfully in this sort of area, though the time taken and the risks associated increase as the free space declines. My own advice to people in this sort of area is that they start choosing their new , bigger HD, because they obviously are going to need one very soon, and try to "clear the decks" so that they maintain that 20% free buffer until they do. Defragging regularly (perhaps even once a fortnight) will actually benefit them substantially during this "phase", but maybe doing so will lull them into a false sense of security and keep them from seriously recognising that they need to be moving to a bigger HD!
Once they are down to that last ten per cent of free space, though, they are treading on glass. Free space fragmentation at least will already be a serious issue on their computers but if they try to defrag with a utility without first making substantially more space available then they may find it runs into problems or is so slow that they give up half way through and do the damage themselves, especially if they are using one of the less "forgiving" utilities!
In this case I think the best way to proceed is to clone the internal drive to a larger external with SuperDuper, replace the internal drive with a larger one and then clone back to it. No-one down to the last ten percent of their drive really has enough room to move. Defragging it will certainly speed it up, and may even save them from major problems briefly, but we all know that before too long they are going to be in the same situation again. Better to deal with the matter properly and replace the drive with something more akin to their real needs once this point is reached. Heck, big HDs are as cheap as chips these days! It is mad to struggle on with sluggish performance, instability, and the possible risk of losing the lot, in such a situation.
Cheers
Rod

Do I need to defrag my iMac hard drive like I do on a PC?

If so, how do I do this?
Thanks.

The basic answer is that there's no need to defragment drives on modern (e.g., not Microsoft) filesystems. This is as true of the Linux native filesystems as it is of the Mac OS X native ones.
The longer answer is that the strategy used to store data on disk on modern filesystems essentially avoids fragmentation altogether. The problem of fragmentation was recognized in the 1970s and more or less solved at that time. UNIX filesystems adopted these strategies 20-25 years ago and the native filesystems of Linux and Mac OS X are derived from them. The strategy works while there's sufficient free space on the disk (depending on the size,
that could be between 1% and 10% f the disk - the bigger the disk, the smaller the percentage). If the disk fills up, the last few files written may become fragmented, but at this point there's simply not sufficient disk space left to avoid it or fix the problem (Windows, likewise, reaches a point when a disk becomes so full it's effectively impossible to defragment it).
That leaves Microsoft's NTFS and FAT filesystems as the last widely-used hold-outs that experience regular fragmentation.

HT1147 Do I need to defrag a Mac?

Do I need to defrag an iMac?

if you have a large number of files taking longer time to read/write, regularly creating a lot of files like photo editing files (making them smaller and then larger again in size).Fragmented Files can slow down your applications and longer system startup launch.
Support Link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1375
If your disks are almost full, and you often modify or create large files (such as editing video, but see the Tip below if you use iMovie and Mac OS X 10.3), there's a chance the disks could be fragmented. In this case, you might benefit from defragmentation, which can be performed with some third-party disk utilities.

Is it wise to keep the Nikon camera files "DSC's" after downloading them and converting to DNG files via Adobe converter for lightroom use. In other words do the DNG files have all the raw data I would ever need in processing or should I save the camera'

Is it wise to keep the Nikon camera files "DSC's" after downloading them and converting to DNG files via Adobe converter for lightroom use. In other words do the DNG files have all the raw data I would ever need in processing or should I save the camera's DSC files?

DNG files do not contain some metadata supplied by the camera, which can be used by the manufacturer's software. Thus, if you don't keep the original Raw photo, you will lose this information.
If your 1000% sure you're never going to use the manufacturer's software, then this isn't a problem. But who can be sure what software you will be using 10 years from now?

I need to use my iMac to run some Windows software and was thinking of using Parallels Desktop 9 to help with this. Do you still have to partition your drive with Parallels and does this leave you open to viruses?

I need to use my iMac to run some Windows software not available for Mac and was thinking of obtaining Parrallels Desktop 9 to help with this. If I use Parrallels do you still have to partitian your drive and does this leave you open to viruses?

You do not have to partition your drive - Parallels creates a disk image which contains your Windows installation. You do have to exercise anti-virus measures in the Windows partition, although such malware cannot affect the Mac filesystem.
Matt

I purchased and downloaded Acrobat Pro XI and have installed it. I want to create a reinstall disk should I ever need it. I planned on using a DVD. I'm running Win 7 Pro w/SP1.

I purchased and downloaded Acrobat Pro XI and have installed it. I want to create a reinstall disk should I ever need it. I planned on using a DVD. I'm running Win 7 Pro w/SP1.

Hi halb10567672,
You can download the setup file again from this Link (Download Acrobat products | Standard, Pro | XI, X ) and Burn it to a DVD Disc using Windows Explorer.
Please revert back for any further query or assistance.
Regards,
Rahul

I need to connect my Imac 27'' (newest version) up to 3/4 monitors (all 40'' LCD tv's with VGA and HDMI connections) with extended display to all external screens, not duplicate images. Is this possible?

i need to connect my Imac 27'' (newest version) up to 3/4 monitors (all 40'' LCD tv's with VGA and HDMI connections) with extended display to all external screens, not duplicate images. Is this possible?

I would suggest you visit an Apple dealer, preferably an Apple Store if there's one in your city, and ask for assistance in determining what you need. The questions and issues you bring up are rather complex to address in a technical support forum and would be better addressed in person where you and the salesperson can ask questions back and forth to arrive at the optimal setup.
Regards.

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I have a one-to-one appointment coming up, and I'm not sure if I need to bring my 27" iMac with me. The workshop is for Final Cut, and some media in my projects is on the computer, not my external drive.

From what I know, you don't need to take the iMac. The workshop is done with one of the iMacs at the Apple Store. I would recommend you to copy your projects to an external drive and take it if you want to have them a look at the Apple Store

Do I need to calibrate my iMac screen

Do I need to calibrate my IMac 27inch screen, if so how?

If you are a home user, you don't need to calibrate your screen, as it's precalibrated. If you want to calibrate it, you can do it in System Preferences > Displays > Color > Calibrate

How much do I need to by an iMac 27inch

How much do I need to by an iMac 27inch ?

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What software do i need to upgrade my iMac 10.6.8 to in order to use iCloud?

I recently joined iCloud and I need to make my iMac desktop compatible. I was told my the Apple store associate that I need Snow Leopard software and can purchase it online for $19.95. I did some research and am not sure if he gave me the correct answer. I want my personal desktop to sync with my personal new iPad air for work purposes.
Does anyone have the answer?
Also, when upgrading desktop software, do programs and files get wiped out or are they saved?

You do need Snow Leopard because it includes the app store application which you need to go further. However, according to your profile, you are already running Snow Leopard (10.6.8). If you have that, you can - depending on your Mac model - upgrade and pay for Lion or Mountain Lion or, the newest version: Mavericks which is free. However, you do need to check if your Mac meets the system requirements.
If this is your Mac:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-2-duo-3.06-21-inch-al uminum-late-2009-specs.html
then you can install Mavericks.
Make sure you have a minimum of 4 GB RAM (more would be better).
Not sure why an Apple employee would tell you to buy Snow Leopard if you have it installed.

HT204161 I have a new ipod. Do i need to add this to my apple id account so that if it ever needs service it shows up there?

I have a new ipod. Do i need to add this to my apple id account so that if it ever needs service it shows up there?

Does it show up in your Support Profile?
No JavaScript Error
If should have been added when yo first setup your iPod. If not you should be able to add it from within your Supprt Profile
You can enter your iPods serial number here and check you wwarranty coverage. This is really all that counts
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

Do I ever need to update my iPod classic software?

Do I ever need to update my iPod Classic software

It seems increasingly unlikely that there will be new firmware released for the iPod classic line, but it is always a possibility. In my opinion the major outstanding issue with the older iPods is the treatment of Artist vs. Album Artist which tends to break up albums on older devices when guest/featured artists are involved (see Grouping tracks into albums) however that could be addressed entirely within iTunes if Apple choose to do so.
tt2

Hi, i need to upgrade my iMac 3.06 intel OS X 10.5.8 to OS X 10.8.5. how do i do it? Barry

Hi, i need to upgrade my iMac 3.06 intel OS X 10.5.8 to OS X 10.8.5. How do I do it? Finbar

Start by checking if you can run Snow Leopard:
Requirements for OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard'
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575
The OS 10.6 Snow Leopard install DVD is available for $19.99 from the Apple Store:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
and in the UK:
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
but nobody knows for how long it will be available.
When you have installed it, run Software Update to download and install the latest updates for Snow Leopard to bring it up to 10.6.8, or download the combo update from here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399
Check via Software Update whether further updates are required.
You should now see the App Store icon in iTunes, and you now need to set up your account:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4479
To use iCloud you have to upgrade at least to Lion, but some functions are only available in Mountain Lion:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4759
You can also purchase the code to use to download Lion (Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM, running the latest version of Snow Leopard), or you can purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store - if you can run that:
http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

Do I ever need to Defragment my IMAC (Mavericks)?

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