I would also recommend downloading a utility such as TinkerTool System, OnyX 2.4.3, or Cocktail 5.1.1 that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old log files and archives, clearing caches, etc.įor emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack. For more about malware see Macintosh Virus Guide. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. OS X automatically defragments files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. These utilities have limited or no functionality with Snow Leopard or Lion and should not be installed. Dependence upon third-party utilities to run the periodic maintenance scripts was significantly reduced since Tiger. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep.

OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. Versions 1.5.1 and later are Intel Mac compatible. Drive Genius provides additional tools not found in Disk Warrior. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption Disk Warrior 4.x is now Intel Mac compatible. Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenanceįor disk repairs use Disk Utility. You need an installer disc in order to reinstall OS X or do an Archive and Install.

Cocktail mac os 10.8