Some silly questions from a newbie

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Hi, I've just made the life-changing switch from an old windows PC to a shiny new imac.

Can someone tell me if, when I want to get rid of apps/programs/files, do I just delete them or is there a special way to uninstall stuff like what I would do on a PC?

Also, I'm used to having to defrag my HDD every week or so and clean up the folders for debris left behind - is it the same on the mac and are there special power tools I need to be using regularly to keep my new computer in good shape?

In other words, what housekeeping tasks should every mac user be doing regulalry for maintenance? I'm used to having to do so much for my old PC.

Many thanks,
John
 
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Hi, I've just made the life-changing switch from an old windows PC to a shiny new imac.

Can someone tell me if, when I want to get rid of apps/programs/files, do I just delete them or is there a special way to uninstall stuff like what I would do on a PC?

Also, I'm used to having to defrag my HDD every week or so and clean up the folders for debris left behind - is it the same on the mac and are there special power tools I need to be using regularly to keep my new computer in good shape?

In other words, what housekeeping tasks should every mac user be doing regulalry for maintenance? I'm used to having to do so much for my old PC.

Many thanks,
John


to delete a program/app/file just put it in the trash and empty your trash. no need to uninstall.

as far as I know there is no need to "defrag" your HDD. there should not be any debris left behind. If I am wrong someone feel free to correct me.

There is no maintenance required. Apple/Mac's are very simple and user friendly.
 
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Hi, I've just made the life-changing switch from an old windows PC to a shiny new imac.

Congratulations! & Welcome to Mac world :)

Can someone tell me if, when I want to get rid of apps/programs/files, do I just delete them or is there a special way to uninstall stuff like what I would do on a PC?
In general it is enough to delete the Application from the /Application folder. However it wouldn't remove all the files. Try AppZapper. It would search for all the related files, which you can eventually delete.

Also, I'm used to having to defrag my HDD every week or so and clean up the folders for debris left behind - is it the same on the mac and are there special power tools I need to be using regularly to keep my new computer in good shape?
OS X does a good job of defragmenting the disk on the fly. You don't need to take care of this task.

In other words, what housekeeping tasks should every mac user be doing regulalry for maintenance? I'm used to having to do so much for my old PC.
Try Onyx. You can run it regular basis and get rid of Chache files, logs, etc

You can also use the Disk Utility(Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility) to repair Disk Permissions.(Recommended after installation of new software)
 
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In the same vein as Onyx, I'm a huge fan of Cocktail. Nice interface, and a cool "Pilot" mode.
 
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Actually, just go with Repairing Permissions once in a while and you'll be fine.

And as far as Uninstalling Apps goes, if you don't want any loads of crap to accumulate over the years, use AppZapper. It's worth the 5 bucks and you can get it cheaper if it comes in Mysterypackages at MacZot.com .
 

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