Apple/Mac users

[TrailDust]

I'm interested in discussing software and other features of Mac computers. Although I still use a Windows XP laptop, about a year ago I switched to Mac for my internet/main use computer. Still some things I'm learning about my Mac and I have questions I'd like to ask.

And, please, no "Microsoft is better" replies either, just Mac discussion would be great. Thanks.

[phatcyclist]

I've been using a Mac with OSX 10.4 for almost 5 years now, I'm no expert but I could probably help you out a little.

[TrailDust]

I bought an iMac about 8 months ago and am still learning things about it. Thing I love about it is the OS's stability...wow! Only bummer is the dearth of software available, especially freeware, which is why I still do a lot of photo editing on my old Windows laptop.

Got a question for you. With the Mac is it necessary to run any kind of Diskkeeper-type program? I've heard that because Macs don't use a registry system like Windows cleaning up the data on your hard drive isn't necessary.

[Lobo_79]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

...Only bummer is the dearth of software available, especially freeware, which is why I still do a lot of photo editing on my old Windows laptop.

Got a question for you. With the Mac is it necessary to run any kind of Diskkeeper-type program? I've heard that because Macs don't use a registry system like Windows cleaning up the data on your hard drive isn't necessary.

From a fellow Mac user:

For open source photo editing try using Gimp. If it isn't already installed, you'll need to first load Apple's X11 tools from the original OS CD. This blog might be helpful...heavy emphasis on "might". How to Install GIMP on Mac OS X

As for system tools you can run to keep your OS happy there is one that is built in that you should run after every major software update. In the utilities folder there is a "disk utility" application that should be used periodically to verify your disk's health and to repair disk permissions.

If you suspect you have disk problems what I've found that works best is to boot from the OS CD that came with your machine (insert CD, after it appears on your desktop hold down the "c" key while restarting). You can run the disk utility from the CD. This will allow you to repair any corrupted files on the hard drive and then run the repair disk permissions. Restart your computer to pop out the original CD.

If your leave your computer on 24/7 there are three other utilities that run in Unix in the background. If you don't leave your computer on you can run these utilities manually from the terminal window. These include: periodic maintenance daily, periodic maintenance daily, and periodic maintenance monthly. You'll need to first type in at the prompt: sudo periodic maintenance daily and then enter your master password. After it runs use the up arrow key to get the command back and then edit "daily" to weekly and repeat the process. The "periodic maintenance week" routine takes awhile to run but it will complete after a few minutes.

All of this stuff is built into Unix...you don't need any other tools. As you probably have found out the Apple site offers a wealth of information about keeping your Mac running smoothly.

[TrailDust]

Thanks for the information, man, I really appreciate it. I'll have to look at Gimp for sure as I'd really like to do photo editing on my Mac too. No problems with my hard drive, which is good. I was just wondering if "regular maintenance" was necessary like it is with Windows, but it seems it's not.

I've got to say the most difficult thing in adjusting to owning a Mac was fighting the urge to "get under the hood" of the OS like you have to do with Windows in order to both fix problems and get the most out of the computer. No need for that with a Mac. Life (and especially the internet) are sooooooooo much easier now with my Mac. Me happy!!!

[Starker]

Lobo gave you some great information. However, I will add one suggestion. I use a program called Onyx. It allows you to repair permissions, run scripts, clean caches, etc. and has a very nice GUI. I just like to clean things up periodically.

Onyx is not the only tool that does this. I just like it and have used it for many years without any problems.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Starker

Lobo gave you some great information. However, I will add one suggestion. I use a program called Onyx. It allows you to repair permissions, run scripts, clean caches, etc. and has a very nice GUI. I just like to clean things up periodically.

Onyx is not the only tool that does this. I just like it and have used it for many years without any problems.

Thank you for the link to Onyx, I'll most definitely check it out! BTW, I would like to ask you all about one other type of software I'd like to get for my Mac, and that's a music player. To be specific, I hate iTunes!!! Ideally what I'd like to have is a freeware (but I'll pay for a program if necessary) that will allow me to play my mp3 files, and in particular a program that will not access the internet to call up mp3 tag info, etc. A graphic equalizer for the program would be a big plus. I found a program called Vox, but it seems to be no longer available for download. I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks.

[Lobo_79]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

..To be specific, I hate iTunes!!! Ideally what I'd like to have is a freeware (but I'll pay for a program if necessary) that will allow me to play my mp3 files, and in particular a program that will not access the internet to call up mp3 tag info, etc. A graphic equalizer for the program would be a big plus. I found a program called Vox, but it seems to be no longer available for download. I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks.

Try one of these: https://sourceforge.net/search/?type...=audio+players

Sourceforge is the premier location for all things open source. If I may also make a brazen recommendation, if you like what you find here consider making a small donation. There are a lot of dedicated programmers out there bringing some fantastic open source apps to the world.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Lobo_79

Try one of these: https://sourceforge.net/search/?type...=audio+players

Sourceforge is the premier location for all things open source. If I may also make a brazen recommendation, if you like what you find here consider making a small donation. There are a lot of dedicated programmers out there bringing some fantastic open source apps to the world.

Very cool...thanks! I'll check it out. To be honest, I've donated a few times to free sites that I've got a lot of use out of their product, like OpenOffice. How cool is that program???!!!

[TrailDust]

Next question: Does the Unix-based Mac O/S suffer the same problem as Windows with sucking up RAM during memory intensive operations and then fails to give it back, resulting in the computer slowing down and forcing a reboot? If I'm going to be shifting my photo editing to my Mac, I'd be interested to know in case more RAM is required......or maybe just keep photo editing on my Windows laptop instead to save money.