Cleaning Up Files

[emac82]

I just got a new MBA to replace my 2011 MBP.

I did a full TM restore onto the new MBA, even though I knew there were old files etc that wouldn't be needed anymore - it was just easier.

So I've gone into Applications etc and deleted old applications etc I don't use anymore (some went back to 2007 on my older MB). Old Printer drivers, etc etc.

Now that I've done that - what can I do to "clean-up" any of the leftover files I might have left.

I found this site that gives manual instructions, or suggests using "Speedup Mac" but I am usually wary of software like that.

Remove or Delete Mac Leftover Files from Start up Disk

Easily get rid of leftovers files from macOS start-up disk through a free Mac disk cleaner tool. Avail the free trial today.

www.stellarinfo.com

Any recommendations?

 

[mikzn]

FWIW - there are some really good tools in the "About this Mac" Apple menu for finding large files, duplicates, and reducing "clutter" - been there for a while (since Mojave and probably before - can't remember when it was added)

clicking on the Storage / Manage option brings up a very useful screen that shows files and folders by "Kind" so you can see where storage is used most and the reduce clutter button it great for viewing sorting files

See some similar discussions on this thread / Post 1105

There is a screen shot there and other discussions above that post with other thoughts and comments

 

[emac82]

FWIW - there are some really good tools in the "About this Mac" Apple menu for finding large files, duplicates, and reducing "clutter" - been there for a while (since Mojave and probably before - can't remember when it was added)

clicking on the Storage / Manage option brings up a very useful screen that shows files and folders by "Kind" so you can see where storage is used most and the reduce clutter button it great for viewing sorting files

See some similar discussions on this thread / Post 1105

There is a screen shot there and other discussions above that post with other thoughts and comments

Thanks! I did a bit of that Friday night, and freed up about 100GB of space. With my 2011 MBP, when I used to do stuff like that, (if I am recalling correctly) I use to go into Disk Utility or something and do a verify permissions. Maybe I am totally mixed up, but I thought that was recommended because it kind of "resets" things...If that is correct, is there a way to do that in Big Sur, as I haven't found it.

The other thing is - in that link I shared above...it talks about going into ~home/Library/Preferences and cleaning up the little files left in there - but the issue is - i don't know which ones to delete etc. I thought maybe there might be a tool that would be able to run and know what to do delete and what not to delete.

 

[mikzn]

I never both with repairing permissions - I just let the system do it's thing - a double reboot / restart once in a while fixes a lot of things (if you don't restart your mac very often)

Also (IMHO) weeding through preference files is time lost for little gain - if they don't show up in the reduce clutter screen they are small files and not worth the time and effort - and deleting the wrong preference can change settings with some apps.

 

[emac82]

I never both with repairing permissions - I just let the system do it's thing - a double reboot / restart once in a while fixes a lot of things (if you don't restart your mac very often)

Also (IMHO) weeding through preference files is time lost for little gain - if they don't show up in the reduce clutter screen they are small files and not worth the time and effort - and deleting the wrong preference can change settings with some apps.

Thanks! Good to know...I did weed through some though and saved 4GB (that didn't show up in the Reduce Clutter) but I think I'm good now.