How to repair/defrag mac when needed?

I know I've been told a mac doesn't frag much. But how do i know how much is fragmented? I just got done installing wow and it's updating it's huge .mpq files and moving them all over.

 

You really don't need to worry about this:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25668

This document explains in greater detail why defragging with OS X (and other UNIX filesystems) isn't generally necessary.

I think there are some third party defragging programs like iDefrag, but the chances that you'd ever need to use them are pretty slim.

 

Here's a link to iDefrag:

http://www.coriolis-systems.com/iDefrag.php

I've never used it myself, but the demo version might at least show you how much defragmentation there is (although as noted above, how much that would really matter is another question).

 

OS X should not fragment like Windows does. I would not worry about it.

 

Thanks great info

 

the truth is; NTFS also do self-defrag. but i don't think it is as effective as the HFS+.

eventhough i said this; the HFS+ is not perfect. slowdown do happen. if you're working with large files frequently (eg. large photo/video editing) you might need to consider a defragmentation program.

apple is taking the easy/lazy way out. they said that you need to:
-get a huge hard disk and keep most of it empty.
-get faster HDD.
-copy the fragmented file on different harddisk (external or second HDD), move it, and put it back.

why do i think that this is just an excuse on apple's part. i think that they need to include some built in file deframentation and optimization program.

but the most important things is that; if you don't notice it (slowdown); why bother.

 

Is there a free defrager available?

 

I'm not aware of one; iDefrag is the big one I know about, but it's shareware. I'm still not sure I understand why you are so concerned about this.

 

To used to pc's maybe? Ok that is probably it.

 

well, if you've got around 30-50% (sorry, cant quite remember, as apple's approach to this is; the bigger the free space the better) empty space (its huge, i know - thats why i'am complaining of why apple should include disk defrag and optimisation software, as in any case the HFS+ will defrag but wont optimise your HDD)...
err.. where was i; oh, yeah.. if you've got around 30-50% free hard disk space, you wouldn't need to worry about noticeable slowdown. it is only if you're started to fill ur hard disk drive (if u've got less than 30% free harddisk space) that apple HFS+ wont be able to move around your data, and it will becomes quite messy.

as a reminder windows need at least 15% free hard disk space to be able to defrag. i'm not sure if the bundled windows disk defragmenter can optimised the file. i use perfectdisk as my defragmenter software which allow 5% usable free space.

 

I just got my mac and already have about 40% free HD only

 

I believe 20% free is the recommended amount.

 

You can clear a fair amount of space by removing stuff you don't want need (extra apps you don't use, etc.). You can even save a fair chunk by removing other languages:

http://macsingularity.org/2007/02/05/save-space-by-removing-extra-languages-from-mac-os-x/

 

If I removed the multi language support could I possibly have issues with updates and such later?

 

That article is very interesting.

Apple even claims defragmentation of OSX might even make the performance of the system WORSE than before.

Wish PC was like this =D

 

No. It would be just like if you did a clean install of OS X and unselected the various additional language packs, etc. The point of Monolingual is basically just to make it easier to remove the language packs from your current install.

 

I did this and removed the languages that I do not use but did not touch the other tabs (Input menu / Architectures) it freed up 2.8gb. This seems a lot and now I am worried that it might have removed some architectures. I did not touch any other tabs but languages and then clicked remove... so would this remove any of the other stuff. I am not having any problem but am concerned.

 

You really should be fine. That isn't a completely unusual amount of space to remove - language support can take up a lot of space.

 

Thanxs I was worried. Did not really look into any possible problems before I installed this app. But I will learn for next time.

 

Perhaps we should have a thread that lists ways to optimize OS X.

 

Most of the "optimization" is really for saving disk space (i.e. loops, themes, ilife, printer drivers, language packs, sleepimages, etc.).

Otherwise, OSX is pretty maintenance-free. I do have iDefrag, but I usually use it for my external (the whole reboot into a nonsystem drive thing is the most annoying "feature" ever - too much trouble to do it just to defrag my system drive).