Filed under: Software, Cool tools, Odds and ends, Freeware, Leopard
Freeware favorite OnyX goes 2.0
Whenever we write about Mac OS X utilities for system maintenance, our readers always remind of us one freeware utility that does a lot of work at no cost -- OnyX from Titanium Software.
This multifunction application does verification of your Startup Disk and System file structure, performs a lot of miscellaneous tasks for system maintenance and cleanup, and lets you configure some hidden parameters for the Finder, Dock, Dashboard, Exposé, Safari, the Login window, and even some of Apple's applications.
The improvements in OnyX 2.0 include faster operation, and deleting the applications cache, Internet cache, and logs has been improved. Most of these improvements are due to the application now being complied with the latest version of Xcode. One new feature lets you rebuild Mail's envelope index in the automation panel.
While the version 2.0 download is only available for Leopard, you can also download earlier versions for Tiger, Panther, and Jaguar. Support is pretty good; it's done through Titanium's forums and there are always answers available for most of your questions.
If you don't use OnyX, what's your favorite free Mac system maintenance utility?
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Techy said 9:28AM on 12-29-2008
thanx,
similar -
Playing Xbox Games In Mac OSX Using Xbox Emulator Software -
http://www.techreviews4u.com/?p=686
Reply
Websnap said 10:50AM on 12-29-2008
No not similar, spam. Just spam.
-------------
Any update to Onyx is welcomed. Great app, even better price.
Matt said 9:54AM on 12-29-2008
I've been using Onyx since OSX 10.2, and I've come to consider it the best freeware maintenance utility out there.
Reply
howiegroove said 2:29PM on 12-29-2008
have you tried using IceClean? Im just wondering if I should switch from it to OnyX.
howiegroove said 11:03AM on 12-29-2008
I use IceClean. Anyone think Onyx would be a better choice?
Reply
timelawd said 11:24AM on 12-29-2008
I use Leopard Cache Cleaner from Northern Softworks. They also got a Tiger version.
It's an amazing app and unlike the name says it, it does much more than cleaning caches.
Features
Powerful OS X system cache cleaning options.
Powerful integrated antivirus protection via ClamAV.
Flexible Finder cleaning options.
Clean unneeded code from Universal Binaries.
Clean ".DS_Store" window settings files.
Clean damaged preference files.
Clean and rebuild Spotlight metadata.
Clean Internet browser caches.
Clean archived system logs.
Clean Login Items removing duplicate or orphaned items.
Clean Virtual Memory swapfiles.
Clean rootkits with chkrootkit.
Clean malware by Using ClamAV to automatically scan downloads.
Repair disk permissions.
Repair OS 9 permissions.
Repair Software Update Permissions.
Repair root directory OS X symbolic links.
Repair Energy Saver settings.
Repair key system preference files automatically.
Rebuild OS 9 Desktop alias.
Rebuild the Services Menu.
Rebuild application library prebindings.
Rebuild LaunchServices database.
Execute Mac OS X maintenance scripts.
Test Disks SMART status for damage.
Test LCD sceen for bad pixels.
Test RAM for problems.
Test laptop batteries.
Test integrity of /Volumes directory.
Optimize Internet settings and renew DHCP lease.
Optimize, flush, and restart the lookupd daemon.
Optimize Safari.
Optimize file cache.
Optimize free memory and inactive memory.
Optimize files.
Optimize performance by creating and using RAM disks.
Optimize performance by automatically prioritizing applications.
Customize hidden Mac OS X settings.
Customize hidden Safari settings.
Customize File System Journaling.
Customize crashreporter daemon.
Customize Safari web and icon caches.
Customize Login Items and activate Login Items Folder.
Customize Energy Saver by temporarily disabling sleep.
Open applications with root privileges.
Open the Finder with root privileges.
Easy to use Spotlight manager.
Easy to use process manager.
Easy to use Installer Receipt Viewer.
Automatically update Finder windows.
Preserve clipboard across boot cycles.
Simple man page viewer.
Restart system daemons.
Kill or restart the Finder.
Kill or restart the Dock.
Kill or restart Dashboard.
Force delete files and folders.
Force empty trash.
LCC Documents for one step access to maintenance chores.
LCC Engine for fully automatic maintenance.
Use in any user account.
Use in Single User mode.
Use on portable disk drives.
Use on bootable emergency disks.
http://www.northernsoftworks.com/leopardcachecleaner.html
Reply
scott said 5:41PM on 1-01-2009
Leopard Cache Cleaner doesnt look free to me...says its shareware...so therefore it costs money to use
sorry to dampen your excitement but this article asked for other FREE maintenance apps that we use
i use IceClean...but what i like about it most is if something isnt deleting from my trash...and i know im not using it...it will force it to delete...love it
turbonium said 11:53AM on 12-29-2008
My favorite tool... which works well with real apple machines and hackintosh's is the OSX86 Tools.
http://pcwizcomputer.com/osx86tools/
Reply
Ed said 12:06PM on 12-29-2008
My favorite is Leopard Cache Cleaner followed by Cocktail.
Reply
ray415 said 12:52PM on 12-29-2008
i use main menu
Reply
sporobolus said 1:17PM on 12-29-2008
i truly dislike OnyX; i consider it one strain of the virus that infects people with the urge fix things that aren't broken
Reply
Julian_dunbar said 1:20PM on 12-29-2008
I really enjoy the program Yasu. It's really simple!
http://jimmitchelldesign.com/projects/yasu/
I believe it's even been mentioned on TUAW once or twice..
Reply
brad said 3:26PM on 12-29-2008
I use IceClean:
http://www.we-rate-stuff.com/2008/10/iceclean-mac-only.html
Reply
Bill said 3:46PM on 12-29-2008
Onyx works fine for me.
Reply
boogle said 4:30PM on 12-29-2008
Combination of Main Menu (maintenance) and Secrets (hidden prefs).
Reply
David said 6:33PM on 12-29-2008
I use Main Menu and Tinker Tool. Great combination.
Reply
sam said 8:16PM on 12-29-2008
I like Onyx but their website is and always has been painfully slow. I hate downloading new versions because it always take 30 years.
As I was typing this, the page finally loaded enough that I could click the download link and it actually took just a few seconds, so I guess I'll eat my words now.
Reply
xTHE MAC GODx said 9:29PM on 12-29-2008
Xupport. Have been forever.
Reply