Disk Utility

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NOTE: Sorry for the missing images. This is a result of lost files from our backup.

In our continued coverage of getting ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Leopard, today we have a few tips for cleaning up your computer. If you plan on doing an upgrade, instead of a clean install, It's a good idea to clean up some of the stuff you don't use on your Mac. Stray applications, preference panes, maintenance scripts, etc. Taking care of business first gives you some trouble repellent.... READ MORE »

It's a good idea to keep sensitive data inside an encrypted disk image -- especially if you are a notebook user. With OS X, standard read/write disk images take up all of the disk space you allocate to them initially during creation, but with a sparse disk image, you can create an encrypted disk image that will only grow in size when you add files to them.

Let's get to it:

1. Open 'Disk Utility'.

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Do you have some CD-RW or DVD-RW discs that you need to erase, but weren't sure how to do it? This tip will require a writable CD drive or SuperDrive in your Mac, and some CD-RW or DVD-RW media.

Here is how to do it:
Click on the 'Finder' on your Dock.

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Just about everything on the Mac is pretty easy, with the exception of copying CDs or DVDs, without a 3rd party program such as Toast. Since most Macs only has one CD or DVD drive, you must first create an image (copy) of the CD or DVD to you hard drive, and then you take that image, and you can burn it to your blank media.

Here is how to do it:
Open 'Disk Utility'
Finder -> Go -> Utilities -> Disk Utility READ MORE »

You can encrypt sensitive file on your Mac. There are a couple ways to do this: You can use 'File Vault' - which encrypts everything. I prefer just to create encrypted disk images to fit the size I need. If I want to take some files with me, or back them up, create an encrypted disk image.
First, from the 'Utilities' folder, launch 'DISK UTILITY' READ MORE »

Because of it's UNIX background, OSX must keep the correct permissions on system files/folders.

Sometimes installers or applications can change permissions, and this can make other apps 'act up'.

You should repair Disk Permissions at a minimum before you install software updates and after you install them.

It is just good housekeeping for your mac, and it is the first thing a person trying to help you troubleshoot your mac will ask.

Listen to the Podcast here for step by step details.

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