So we’ve looked at the basics when it comes to freeing up drive space, but if that didn’t do the job, several Mac apps will help you to detect and remove space-wasters. These tools range from system scans that will pick out very large files and list them in order of size to very specific apps that target common drive space thieves (like app-related files that linger after you’ve deleted an app) and bring them to justice via the Trash can. Then there’s the third kind of tool—one that’s part software, part service. Rather than removing large files completely, these offerings provide a way for you to move them to a secure storage space on the web. We’ll show you the four most effective ways to use these apps.
Click the Remove button and wait for Monolingual to delete all the files you selected (this could take a little while). Once done, the app will tell you how much space you saved.
By default, Mac OS X includes a selection of localization files as part of its initial install, but you’re unlikely to need them unless you loan your computer to your Italian cousin or want to brush up on your French. These files take up lots of space, so it’s worth ridding your system of them. You can, of course, reinstall these files from your Mac OS X install disc should your cousin come to town. While you can attempt this job manually, Monolingual (see gallery) is an ideal free tool that hunts down localization files on your system and allows you to pick which to trash. It also provides a list of input options and keyboard layout files that you might not use either, such as Korean or Chinese.
Specialized apps can also help you search for and destroy large files.
Rather than searching within the Finder, you can find all large files on your system by deploying a number of applications that offer a simple interface and display everything in a more intuitive manner. Some allow users to choose between a list view or a chart display in order to quickly find out what files take up the most room on their drive and then opt to delete them. Certain apps like WhatSizeMac (see gallery) also include a set of system-cleaning tools that will help save space on your Mac and locate duplicates. If that doesn’t grab you, search the Mac App Store or web for other options: we’re fond of Space Gremlin, for instance.
Click the Search button and AppCleaner scans your system to locate all files related to the app you’re deleting.
Deleting an app doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. Dragging an application’s icon to the Trash will remove the main program…but not the preference panes, resource files, or any other data associated with it. The free AppCleaner (see gallery) offers a quick way to ensure that when you delete an app, it’s properly deleted. Simply drag an application onto its interface, and it’ll nuke both the software and all its associated files. You can even set AppCleaner to perform the same task when you drag an app to the Trash, at which time it’ll perform a scan and ask you if you want to delete the related files too. If you’re willing to spend a little cash, AppZapper ($12.95, appzapper.com) is another great option.
Now that Apple has officially announced and launched its iCloud service, the idea of storing files online is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. While Apple’s service is a great option for syncing and storing, others might suit you better should you need a little more space. Free services like Dropbox (see gallery), for instance, offer cloud storage that can be upgraded for a small fee. Dropbox keeps all of your devices in sync with a simple shared folder on each that is stored online and available whenever you have an internet connection. Alternatively, your internet provider may also offer you online storage, so make sure you check out that option, and if you’re a MobileMe subscriber, you’ll have your iDisk until June 2012.
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Dr Bubba
October 23, 2011 at 7:47pm
Monolingual will remove languages you don't need/use, but if you then have to update MS Office Mac 2011 you won't be able to install the update without re-installing MS Office Mac 2011 from scratch. And, due to the way MS Office Update works you'll have to install all previous updates in sequential order ... a real PITA. I discovered this the hard way, so while Monolingual will do the job, it makes you choose between more drive space and easier updates of MS Office Mac 2011. At least, that's my experience. YMMV.
