My iMac.

I got it about 4 months ago, and I want to do a clean install.

I want to keep my pictures and music. I want to get rid of so much junk that has built up, but it would be easier to just wipe it clean and start over.

What should I do before and what should I expect after the wipe?

Why do you want to do a clean install? This isn't Windows.....

'Cause I feel like it.

Seems pointless to me but...

when you reboot from the DVD, look for an "Options" button a few windows in. Select "Archive and Install". This will install a new system but keep your profile, setting and everything else just like it is...

But I dont want to keep all the junk I have in it.,

Eg. 100 trial programs, stupid videos, pointless music that I downloaded, all that jazz.

You know?

Just find it and delete it!

That is just plain stupid. Chances are you've downloaded your stuff to a specific place. Go there and just push it all into the bin. Get a little program called AppZapper and zap out all the stuff in the Applications folder you don't need. A clean install is just unnecessary load for your hard drive and computer in general. Since nothing is wrong with your Mac OS, why try fix it?

-Just burn your pictures and music to CDs/DVDs
-Make sure you deauthorize iTunes if you use it
-After the install, it'll be just like new, expect to spend a couple hours downloading updates.

I am done, and back up. Just have about 500 songs and 1000 pictures to copy to my "new" computer and i am back like ever.

I have restored everything i needed from the back-up i did earlier today.

The updates only took 10 mins. *kisses fios cable*

Go me.