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mac_tech_advice [2011/12/06 17:45]
tstonge [THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE]
mac_tech_advice [2012/06/06 09:27]
dterry [FINAL THOUGHTS]
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 Some tips to help solve problems that arise and prevent others from ever happening. Some tips to help solve problems that arise and prevent others from ever happening.
  
-===== REBUILD PERMISSIONS ​=====+===== Rebuild Permissions ​=====
 Directories get written to the disk when you shut down or restart. ​ Usually, everything ​ Directories get written to the disk when you shut down or restart. ​ Usually, everything ​
 works fine. But if your computer crashes or some other problem occurs, these directories ​ works fine. But if your computer crashes or some other problem occurs, these directories ​
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   - When done, restart your computer   - When done, restart your computer
  
-===== UNIX BACKGROUND UTILITIES ​=====+===== Unix Background Utilities ​=====
 Because OSX is Unix based, our Macs now have built-in system utilities that are designed to run when the user is least likely to be at the machine, i.e. the wee hours of the night. Most  Because OSX is Unix based, our Macs now have built-in system utilities that are designed to run when the user is least likely to be at the machine, i.e. the wee hours of the night. Most 
 UNIX machines are left on for years, maybe centuries. So leaving the machine on was neveran issue. But for those of us who would like to maybe save a few bucks on the electric bill,  UNIX machines are left on for years, maybe centuries. So leaving the machine on was neveran issue. But for those of us who would like to maybe save a few bucks on the electric bill, 
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   * MacJanitor (http://​personalpages.tds.net/​~brian_hill/​macjanitor.html).Information Technology   * MacJanitor (http://​personalpages.tds.net/​~brian_hill/​macjanitor.html).Information Technology
  
-===== THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE =====+===== The Simple Things in Life =====
 These things will also help you keep your Mac purring like a kitten These things will also help you keep your Mac purring like a kitten
 +  * Before you plug your laptop in, let your computer use up remaining battery power at least until the low battery warning pops up on screen. ​ This will maintain battery health and longevity.
   * Try to keep your drives from getting more than 85-90% full.   * Try to keep your drives from getting more than 85-90% full.
   * If using external storage, including Firewire and USB storage devices, make sure you eject them before pulling the cables.   * If using external storage, including Firewire and USB storage devices, make sure you eject them before pulling the cables.
   * Avoid installing software that you will not use. A cluttered machine is an unhappy machine.   * Avoid installing software that you will not use. A cluttered machine is an unhappy machine.
-  * Just because it is a Mac and life in Macville is usually pleasant does not mean the hard drive can't fail. DO backup your drive(s). Time machine works well if you can dedicate an external drive or partition, and Carbon Copy Cloner is a good utility for making an exact clone of your hard drive. You can never have enough backups. Okay, maybe you can, but still this is something that can save your life some day.+  * Just because it is a Mac and life in Macville is usually pleasant does not mean the hard drive can't fail. DO backup your drive(s). Time machine works excellently ​if you can dedicate an external drive or partition, and Carbon Copy Cloner is a good utility for making an exact clone of your hard drive. You can never have enough backups. ​(Okay, maybe you can, but still this is something that can save your life/​reputation/​the world some day.)
   * If all else fails and you are banging your head against your desk trying to figure out why your Mac won’t run properly, use a disc utility from a 3rd party. I’ve listed some below. I recommend not installing the preventative portion of these applications,​ especially if you are doing any kind of video work. They tend to cause problems when the video app goes to access the drive.   * If all else fails and you are banging your head against your desk trying to figure out why your Mac won’t run properly, use a disc utility from a 3rd party. I’ve listed some below. I recommend not installing the preventative portion of these applications,​ especially if you are doing any kind of video work. They tend to cause problems when the video app goes to access the drive.
-===== REPAIR UTILITIES ​=====+===== Repair Utilities ​===== 
 +  * Disk Utility on your OS X install disk - Booting to your OS X install disk will give you a variety of utilities, and sometimes running "​Repair Disk" through Disk Utility is an easy way to get your mac back up and running.
   * Disk Warrior X (version 3.1 or higher) – This utility is indispensable for restoring corrupted disk directories. It has saved me on a number of occasions. The best in its class.   * Disk Warrior X (version 3.1 or higher) – This utility is indispensable for restoring corrupted disk directories. It has saved me on a number of occasions. The best in its class.
   * Tech Tool Pro (version 4.01) – This system test and maintenance tool can help you spot trouble before it occurs. Only run this when you need it. But keep it close at hand.   * Tech Tool Pro (version 4.01) – This system test and maintenance tool can help you spot trouble before it occurs. Only run this when you need it. But keep it close at hand.
   * Macaroni - Forces key background UNIX utilities run in a timely fashion.   * Macaroni - Forces key background UNIX utilities run in a timely fashion.
  
-=====FINAL THOUGHTS ​=====+=====Final Thoughts ​=====
 Just like a car needs an oil change, your Mac needs some maintenance too. Keeping up with  Just like a car needs an oil change, your Mac needs some maintenance too. Keeping up with 
 it will give your Mac longevity. And it will keep you from banging your head on the desk too. it will give your Mac longevity. And it will keep you from banging your head on the desk too.