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06 Clear system & user caches: Why is this done? What benefit/harm can this do?
The benefit is that it can clear up some odd problems caused by corrupted entries in the cache.
Sqleditor 3 1 8 – create sql databases graphically. The only real downside is some very slight slowdowns after the next restart as the system rebuilds the caches.
Sqleditor 3 1 8 – create sql databases graphically. The only real downside is some very slight slowdowns after the next restart as the system rebuilds the caches.
Hello, I am the author of Panther Cache Cleaner. OS X and many of its applications use caching to improve performance. Occasionally, this cached data can go stale which results in odd behavior. Cache cleaning is very effective at fixing these types of problems.
However, cache cleaning is not without its risks. Caches can get quite large and consist of hundreds or thousands of files. It is critically important to check and repair any file system problems before deleting the caches. If there is unrepaired directory damage - particularly cross linked files - cache cleaning can create more problems than it solves.
On a healthy filesystem, cache cleaning is a very effective troubleshooting tool. Just remember to check your file system first.
And finally, thanks to Petey for a very nice list.
However, cache cleaning is not without its risks. Caches can get quite large and consist of hundreds or thousands of files. It is critically important to check and repair any file system problems before deleting the caches. If there is unrepaired directory damage - particularly cross linked files - cache cleaning can create more problems than it solves.
On a healthy filesystem, cache cleaning is a very effective troubleshooting tool. Just remember to check your file system first.
And finally, thanks to Petey for a very nice list.
One of my personal complaints with OSX was having spent years getting to know how the Mac OS worked and how to troubleshoot it, then, just when I got really good at it, BANG, it went UNIX--Now I have to start all over. But that is OK, such is progress. These 20 steps are an excellent jump in the process.
My stepfather's eMac was not responding to the eject button on the keyboard. I was puzzled. I told him to restart the computer and voila, it fixed the problem. 'How did you know to do that?' he asked. I told him, 'It's a Mac.'
My stepfather's eMac was not responding to the eject button on the keyboard. I was puzzled. I told him to restart the computer and voila, it fixed the problem. 'How did you know to do that?' he asked. I told him, 'It's a Mac.'
![Detectx Swift 1 03 – Security And Troubleshooting Tool Combo Detectx Swift 1 03 – Security And Troubleshooting Tool Combo](https://static.macupdate.com/screenshots/273876/m/detectx-swift-screenshot.png?v=1598424559)
Also try holding it down.
On my powerbook, the eject button is so close, I now assume that the reason I must hold the eject button down, is for convenience.
Or else I'd be ejecting CDS all day!
On my powerbook, the eject button is so close, I now assume that the reason I must hold the eject button down, is for convenience.
Or else I'd be ejecting CDS all day!
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
Check your system logs should be item number zero ;]
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
I'd add some other, simpler things. Force-Quit the offending application. Often that's all one needs to get things back to normal. Then re-launch the app.
Log out and back in. This should be tried before a restart. I admit, though, that I sometimes advise clients over the phone to simply restart---it's easier, especially for those who always use auto-login.
---
EMOJO: mojo no longer workin'
EMOJO: mojo no longer workin'
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
This hint is similar to an OS X Troubleshooting List I've been posting, in various forms, to the Apple Discussion Forums for the last 9 months.
General OS X Troubleshooting List. Originally targeted at Jaguar, this list can also be applied to dealing with Panther. The idea is to clear any common software/hardware issues first, before concluding that there is a distinct processor and/or motherboard malady.
Level One - Simple
• repair permissions (Disk Utility/Disk First Aid)
• check the filesystem (Disk Warrior for OS X)
• create a new (testing only) user account, and see if the problem persists there..if not, the problem is with damaged preferences. Use Jaguar/Panther Cache Cleaner..see www.VersionTracker.com
• remove any StartupItems in /Library/StartupItems/
• unplug all USB, FireWire devices except Apple mouse, connected directly to the computer
• clear system & user caches (Jaguar/Panther Cache Cleaner, Cocktail, etc.)
• zap PRAM (See Apple.com for how-to on your particular machine - do not over use this tactic )
Level Two - Extended
• remove any 3rd party or questionable quality RAM (Samsung and Micron are trusted)
• reseat all PCI cards & cable connectors where possible (don't forget the cables for the optical drives)
• remove 3rd Party PCI cards
• reinstall the latest combo updater (Jaguar) and repair permissions again
• remove any Extensions from /Library/Extensions/
• remove 3rd party Extensions from /System/Library/Extensions
• check the hard drive for bad blocks (Disk Warrior, Drive Ten)
• run the Apple hardware diagnostic CD that came with your computer
• reset PMU (See Apple.com for how-to on your particular machine)
• perform an OS X 'archive and install'
• reinstall the system from scratch
• contact Apple and plan to take the machine in or have it returned for service
Keep notes as you go. This will allow you to answer questions when you talk to Apple as a final effort towards resolution. Be firm and be nice, but make it Apple's problem. Take down the names of everyone you speak to, and work up through the chain of command until you locate someone with the authority to deal with your issue.
General OS X Troubleshooting List. Originally targeted at Jaguar, this list can also be applied to dealing with Panther. The idea is to clear any common software/hardware issues first, before concluding that there is a distinct processor and/or motherboard malady.
Level One - Simple
• repair permissions (Disk Utility/Disk First Aid)
• check the filesystem (Disk Warrior for OS X)
• create a new (testing only) user account, and see if the problem persists there..if not, the problem is with damaged preferences. Use Jaguar/Panther Cache Cleaner..see www.VersionTracker.com
• remove any StartupItems in /Library/StartupItems/
• unplug all USB, FireWire devices except Apple mouse, connected directly to the computer
• clear system & user caches (Jaguar/Panther Cache Cleaner, Cocktail, etc.)
• zap PRAM (See Apple.com for how-to on your particular machine - do not over use this tactic )
Level Two - Extended
• remove any 3rd party or questionable quality RAM (Samsung and Micron are trusted)
• reseat all PCI cards & cable connectors where possible (don't forget the cables for the optical drives)
• remove 3rd Party PCI cards
• reinstall the latest combo updater (Jaguar) and repair permissions again
• remove any Extensions from /Library/Extensions/
• remove 3rd party Extensions from /System/Library/Extensions
• check the hard drive for bad blocks (Disk Warrior, Drive Ten)
• run the Apple hardware diagnostic CD that came with your computer
• reset PMU (See Apple.com for how-to on your particular machine)
• perform an OS X 'archive and install'
• reinstall the system from scratch
• contact Apple and plan to take the machine in or have it returned for service
Keep notes as you go. This will allow you to answer questions when you talk to Apple as a final effort towards resolution. Be firm and be nice, but make it Apple's problem. Take down the names of everyone you speak to, and work up through the chain of command until you locate someone with the authority to deal with your issue.
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
kmt,
My original list was even closer to your list than this one is. You can see the progress at the Mac OS X Hints Forum link at the bottom of the article.
I went through two evolutions that might be of interest:
- Using SafeBoot as an diagnostic step up the tree allows you eliminate a bunch of items on your list.
- Since PRAM is a subset of NVRAM, resetting the NVRAM is a more comprehensive step.
.
My original list was even closer to your list than this one is. You can see the progress at the Mac OS X Hints Forum link at the bottom of the article.
I went through two evolutions that might be of interest:
- Using SafeBoot as an diagnostic step up the tree allows you eliminate a bunch of items on your list.
- Since PRAM is a subset of NVRAM, resetting the NVRAM is a more comprehensive step.
.
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
I'd like to add this…
I run using Panther 10.3.2 (G4 500/1Gb Server & G3 500/500Mb PowerBook with many external FireWire drives and Belkin 2.4 Ghz wi-fi network.
TURN OFF JOURNALING BEFORE YOU START ANY REPAIRS!
I have Systemworks 2 Norton Utils loaded on separate partitions under Jaguar 10.2.8 and have downloaded Symantec's latest 'updates for NU' (December 22nd 2003)
While in Panther, open Disk Utility and DISABLE JOURNALING ON ALL THE VOLUMES YOU WANT TO REPAIR!
This will allow Disk Doctor to fix probably all the problems that Disk Utility could not. Don't be afraid to run Disk Doctor many times until 'No Problems Found' is shown. Only when you are satisfied, reboot in Panther and proceed to open Disk Utility and RE-ENABLE JOURNALING.
Happy Problem-free computing! Like me! Hope it helps
---
granmar
I run using Panther 10.3.2 (G4 500/1Gb Server & G3 500/500Mb PowerBook with many external FireWire drives and Belkin 2.4 Ghz wi-fi network.
TURN OFF JOURNALING BEFORE YOU START ANY REPAIRS!
I have Systemworks 2 Norton Utils loaded on separate partitions under Jaguar 10.2.8 and have downloaded Symantec's latest 'updates for NU' (December 22nd 2003)
While in Panther, open Disk Utility and DISABLE JOURNALING ON ALL THE VOLUMES YOU WANT TO REPAIR!
This will allow Disk Doctor to fix probably all the problems that Disk Utility could not. Don't be afraid to run Disk Doctor many times until 'No Problems Found' is shown. Only when you are satisfied, reboot in Panther and proceed to open Disk Utility and RE-ENABLE JOURNALING.
Happy Problem-free computing! Like me! Hope it helps
---
granmar
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
i think if DW didn't fix it, i might run norton JUST to scan the files and nothing else, to see if there's a corrupt file perhaps. then just wipe the damn thing
![Detectx Swift 1 03 – Security And Troubleshooting Tool Combo Detectx Swift 1 03 – Security And Troubleshooting Tool Combo](https://wardsparadox.github.io/images/avatar.jpg)
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
AS I have posted on the forum previously: '06 Check that you are not running out of space on the system drive'
I would like to add that if you have your iTunes library set to another drive and that this drive is low on space (usually less then 100Mb) it will also cause crashes just like if the system's drive was. Personnal experience, hope it helps
I would like to add that if you have your iTunes library set to another drive and that this drive is low on space (usually less then 100Mb) it will also cause crashes just like if the system's drive was. Personnal experience, hope it helps
---
PM G4 DP 800 / 256Mb / 80Gb+40Gb /SuperDrive / SCSI: AGFA SnapScan 1236s / Jaz 1Gb / Zip 100Mb
- The only APP Smurf ;P
PM G4 DP 800 / 256Mb / 80Gb+40Gb /SuperDrive / SCSI: AGFA SnapScan 1236s / Jaz 1Gb / Zip 100Mb
- The only APP Smurf ;P
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
I installed Panther on an old PowerMac 'gigabit ethernet'. It start hanging at random points and I tried everything here except reinstalling system. After two days, was about to reinstall OS9 again when I remembered reading something about a firmware update. Swapped in a OS9 HD from another computer (you have to update from OS9), ran the firmware update and suddenly, no more trouble when back in OSX. So with an old machine, make sure the firmware has been updated before moving to OSX
I want to add to this old thread something I've learned by experience, it's Nov 05 now, since Tiger came out: Want to get up and running fast? Add a New User Account.
After many years of actually liking troubleshooting, am sad to say, it mostly doesn't pay, in Tiger (YMMV) if your time is worth anything.
Create a new account, move everything of yours to that account--except your User Preferences Folder, my sense is, why risk taking the problem with you since it's not a big deal to recreate them--and take over the computer again.
This is a very quick and clean approach, and if it doesn't help, Archive and Install is the next most efficient step. The point is to get running again. I used to care what the problem is. Now I've seen they never reoccur, for me--so I fiddle with things less, and get back to work.
After many years of actually liking troubleshooting, am sad to say, it mostly doesn't pay, in Tiger (YMMV) if your time is worth anything.
Create a new account, move everything of yours to that account--except your User Preferences Folder, my sense is, why risk taking the problem with you since it's not a big deal to recreate them--and take over the computer again.
This is a very quick and clean approach, and if it doesn't help, Archive and Install is the next most efficient step. The point is to get running again. I used to care what the problem is. Now I've seen they never reoccur, for me--so I fiddle with things less, and get back to work.
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
For step 9, you first want to do a 'set-defaults', then the other commands.
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
The usual sequence is:
reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all
reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all
After 3 years of nearly flawless performance, my MacPro on OS 10.5.8 started freezing (usually associated with the dock) and only continued to get worse with lazy pixels, dock freezes, and ultimately grey, zigzaggy screens. I reinstalled OS 10.5.8 several times and tried every trick on the net (reset PRAM, disconnect power, Safe Boot, Disk Utility, memory checks, rebuilds, new user account, etc) for over two weeks!
The computer would operate normally under a safe boot however, so I figured it must be a corrupt system file. Yet I could not isolate it successfully.
Today I rebooted (regular boot) with ONLY the mouse connected and discovered my OEM keyboard is faulty. I am now using an old keyboard from my G3 and my MacPro is operating perfectly.
But I don't understand why --under a safe boot-- the old keyboard seemed to operate OK. Any suggestions?
So happy to have my Mac back!
The computer would operate normally under a safe boot however, so I figured it must be a corrupt system file. Yet I could not isolate it successfully.
Today I rebooted (regular boot) with ONLY the mouse connected and discovered my OEM keyboard is faulty. I am now using an old keyboard from my G3 and my MacPro is operating perfectly.
But I don't understand why --under a safe boot-- the old keyboard seemed to operate OK. Any suggestions?
So happy to have my Mac back!
Twenty steps to help diagnose and fix system issues
another useful and must have is applejack http://sourceforge.net/projects/applejack/
In need of a stylish notebook capable of handling any daily task you throw at it? Well, this article may come in handy as it summarizes the top 5 pros and cons of one such device – the Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31).
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4 reasons to buy Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31)
Detectx Swift 1 03 – Security And Troubleshooting Tool Combo Tool
1. Good built quality
The laptop boasts a sturdy aluminum-magnesium chassis placed in an aluminum corpus. In addition, the silver surface is not only smooth and nice to touch but it is also resistant to fingerprints. The bottom of the device is a metal lid that provides easy access to the hardware components. Moreover, the chassis is at the same time firm and lightweight, tipping the scale at just 1.36 kg, while the thickness is 16 mm. We should also mention the hinge design which keeps the display firmly in its position. On top of that, when you close the lid, it remains firmly to the construction and there are no visible gaps and twists on the display.
2. Decent keyboard and huge touchpad
Another great merit of the product are its input devices. The backlit keyboard is of the Island Style type, well constructed, and the buttons are comfortable and nice to touch. Furthermore, you are also presented with a touchpad which is large and comfortable to work with. When you press its buttons, you will experience distinct and dense key travel.
3. No PWM across all brightness levels
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Another merit of the device is its PWM-free panel. Not only does the Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display offer good viewing angles and a high contrast ratio of 1360:1, but it also doesn’t use PWM for regulating screen brightness across all luminance levels, making it safe to use in this regard. You can read more about that in our dedicated article on PWM. Of course, you could also install our custom profiles that take things to a whole new level in terms of color accuracy, white balance, and gamma.
4. Long battery life
Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31) also offers an excellent battery life for non-graphics intensive work. For example, the 3770 mAh Li-ion unit provides 9 hours and 26 minutes away from the socket for web browsing and 5 hours and 46 minutes for video playback. What’s more, you can play your favorite titles for 4 hours and 27 minutes without worrying about running out of charge.
1 reason NOT to buy Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31)
1. The display covers only 54% of sRGB/ITU-R BT.709
The only major complaint we have is the modest sRGB coverage of the display. However, it offers high levels of maximum brightness, high contrast ratio, and comfortable viewing angles. In addition, let’s not forget that the laptop is not targeted at graphics designers. You could also install our custom profiles that take things to a whole new level in terms of color accuracy, white balance, and gamma.
The best competitors
There are some quite nice alternatives to the Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31) worth mentioning such as Lenovo Ideapad V110, Acer Switch 3 and Lenovo V110 (15″).
Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31) configurations
Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31)
- 128GB SSD
- 4GB RAM
Acer Swift 1 SF113-31
- 64GB SSD
- 4GB RAM
Acer Swift 1 (SF113-31)
- 128GB SSD
- 4GB RAM
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