How to Run Mac OS X Maintenance Scripts

Mac OS X is a UNIX based computer operating system and contains maintenance scripts which automatically run at scheduled times. These scripts clean up various temporary files and logs.

The only problem with this setup is that the scheduled times are usually at night when your Macintosh is shut off or sleeping. These scripts help Mac OS X run smoothly and should not be skipped.

Use the following simple steps to run all of the Mac OS X maintenance scripts without waiting for their scheduled times.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Macintosh computer with Mac OS X
• About 5 to 10 minutes

1. 
    

   Open the Terminal application located in Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities.

2. 
    

   At the Terminal prompt, type "sudo periodic daily weekly monthly". Press Return.
   When prompted, enter your password and press Return.

3. 
    

   No progress bar or status is displayed. When the scripts have finished running, the Terminal prompt will return.
   The maintenance scripts typically take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
   When the prompt returns, you can exit Terminal.

Tips & Warnings

• Step 2 must be typed exactly as shown (without the quotes) or Terminal will not understand.
• You can also run the daily, weekly, and monthly scripts individually by simply excluding the two you do not want (example: "sudo periodic weekly").
• Be careful what you type! Terminal is a very powerful program and will allow you to do some serious damage if you type the wrong commands.