macOS Storage Issues: How to clean 'Other' storage in your MacBook

Introduction:

Come September each year, Mac users around the world look forward to upgrading to the next upgrade to macOS. However, with older Macs, users alway run of storage for their upgrades to new macOS. 

macOS comes with a host of a new features that elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. It offers to experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Be it Safari update or discovering new features for Maps and Messages along with the transparency around your privacy, it is hard to ignore.

Also Read: 10 things to consider while buying a new laptop

Mac users have flocked to install this new upgrade (~12.23 GB) in size, only to realize that with great features comes the storage hungry requirement to install the same. If you are using MacBook air 2017 with 128 GB storage, you are fatally going to fall short of space to install it i.e. it requires close to 36 GB free space. For the 128 GB storage MacBook, this is a huge requirement to pass. This article is aimed to free-up space in your MacBook Air with 128 GB so that you can install the new upgrade at ease.

 

Tips to free space in MacBook for latest macOS installation: 

There are many articles to help you with the same online but most of them fail to offer a solution to free up “Other Storage”. We will try to address it.

STEP 1: For starters, please go through some of the preliminary steps mentioned at Apple Support Website: Click here

STEP 2: Download Avira Optimizer from the AppStore or directly from its website. The installation is fairly simple and so is the running of this application. This tool typically cleans your system in seconds to get rid of junk files and improve the performance of your Mac

     STEP 3: Emptying “Others Storage” from MacBook: This is the major process to clean & retrieve free space in your MacBook. We called Apple Help Desk and the steps mentioned here are as per them (SOP): 

i)            Install OmniDiskSweeper – This is an Apple-approved 3^rd party tool that shows you the files on your drive, largest to smallest, and lets you quickly Trash or open them

ii)          Provide this tool full access to read & write your HDD/ Storage drives. You can provide the same by going to Settings -> Security & Privacy->Full Disk Access

 

iii)         Click the Lock Icon to unlock and checkmark OmniDiskSweeper.app. Don’t forget to click the Lock Icon again to save the setting

           iv)         Run OmniDiskSweeper tool from Finder

v)          Select Macintosh HD (will be highlighted in blue) and Click Sweep “Macintosh HD” Drive

 

vi)         It will then start sizing the Harddisk (HDD) i.e. will flag which folder or files are occupying maximum size. Note – for 128 GB Harddisk, sizing process may take up to 10 min

vii)        You can go ahead and remove the Applications(Apps) simply by clicking and moving it to trash if you no longer need it.

viii)       We noticed, in our case about 65 GB was occupied by Apple Mail ( as we had configured a couple of email service providers like Gmail, Hotmail, etc.)

ix)         To delete the apple mail contents – just click on Users-> Your folder->Library->Mail-> Delete Content of Mail (For us now it is just 1.2 GB; it was earlier 65 GB)

 

x)          Close the OmniDiskSweeper and empty your Trash folder

xi)         Reboot your MacBook & Run Avira Optimizer again to remove any junk file

 

You will notice, that if you go to Systems->About Mac->Storage-> You have a huge free space available now

Hope you liked our solution and feel free to share your concerns with us if any. Stay tuned to ReviewsToday for more exciting tips and tricks. 

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COVID19 Special: Top 5 Best Antivirus Providers of 2020

COVID19 has resulted in unprecedented challenges around the world especially with many countries implementing restrictions on movements & lockdown. Many employees, especially in IT/ITES sectors are suddenly activating BCP modes and are working from home indefinitely. Those who are self-employed and are heavily dependent on internet for their businesses are wondering how they can safeguard their system. The cybercrime in these pandemics has gone up several folds. Ensuring your devices are equipped with a trusted Antivirus is more critical than ever in 2020. Whether be it personal data security, or many viruses/trojans affecting thousands of users worldwide, it’s inevitable that you must choose the right antivirus for your system. Nothing to panic, our tips and recommendation will ensure you have the right AV to safeguard your devices.

Rank 1: TotalAV

       

•  Rated #1 Antivirus Provider 2020
•  Removes Viruses, Adware & Malware
•  Includes Safe-Browsing Tools
•  Simple-to-use Application

 

Ratings> Security: 4/5 Features: 5/5 Price: FREE

Rank 2: McAfee

• One of the most trusted around
• Includes advanced anti-spam technology
• 39-Time award winning product
• Includes internet security

Rating> Security: 3/5 Features: 5/5 Price: Rs 1,499

Rank 3: Norton by Symantec

 

• Multi-Level plans available
• Well-Known antivirus has sold millions
• Triple layer ransomware encryption
• Family browsing safety tools included

Rating> Security: 3/5 Features: 4/5 Price: Rs. 899 onwards

Rank 4: PCProtect

• Complete protection suite included in plans
• Excellent price for all features
• Includes the smartphone & tablet protection
• Trusted virus blocking technology

Rating> Security: 4/5 Features: 3/5 Price: FREE

Rank 5: Kaspersky

• More than 20 Years experience
• Superior 24/7 customer support
• Trustworthy & reputed
• Apt for home users

Rating> Security: 4/5 Features: 3/5 Price: Rs. 899 onwards 

There is a lot to choose from, however we feel these antivirus options are amongst top 5. If you have other recommendations or suggestions, drop us a quick note. 

Stay safe, fit & secured! 

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Tips & Tricks: Troubleshooting BSNL Broadband (FTTH) - No Internet

Introduction

For many years we have used, Tata Photon, Airtel Dongle, Act Fiber, Hathway in Hyderabad. We were very pleased with Hathway services in Hyderabad since we had zero connectivity issue. Since we had to change our apartment to outskirts of Hyderabad, none of the private players were offering their services. Hence we had to migrate to BSNL FTTH Broadband plan. Gradually we moved to higher plans thanks to OTT usage & post COVID19 work from home (Hybrid)  requirements.

So far the experience with BSNL has been good. BSNL technicians installed the connection in less than 24 hours and this definitely reinstated faith in govt. entity like BSNL. Due to monsoon rains, connectivity problem is quite common. We recently an issue where we got in touch with BSNL spoc for our township. He helped us with the steps despite being on a Sunday holiday over call. We would like to share those troubleshooting steps with you all.

Also Read: 

Tips & Tricks: How to change/ create Facetime ID on Mac OS High Sierra

Step by Step Guide to make BSNL Broadband work:

Step 1: Check the lights of your router. See if the data light is blinking.

BSNL ONT - Usually placed outside your premises

Step 2: If the data light is not blinking, check the main board (BSNL ONT box) to see if the data light is on or not? If the data light is not blinking – there could be two scenarios i.e. backend connectivity issue or the fiber connection has been ruptured somewhere (i.e. may be a pole is broken etc.). In either situation of no data lights – simply raise a ticket with BSNL customer care. Also check if the data lights on your  home router is blinking or not.

Very important check: See if Data Light is blinking

Step 3: If the Data light is blinking – but you are still not able to connect to the internet, that means some of the network setting has been refreshed and you need to reconfigure the BSNL ONT. 

Step 4: Refreshing Settings of BSNL ONT

a. Connect your laptop/tablet to your home wifi

b. Type http://192.168.1.251

c. Pop Window appears asking for username and password

        Username: root

        Password: admin

d. Click on Network Setting and then click WAN

e. Check internet connection type as PPPoE (Status: connecting) – allow 60 sec and the username and password window will get activated

f. In Username (your BSNL username): jc402988XXXX_sid@ffth.bsnl.in

        Note: 2988XXXX is your landline number, 40 is STD code

In Password field type: password

g. Click on apply and refresh

Step 5: Disconnect and restart your home router.

Step 6: You are now connected to internet

In case these steps doesn't fix your problem, it's most likely that the link is down from the backend (from BSNL side).You will have to flag it with BSNL Customercare.

You can immediately flag a ticket on following link:
https://selfcare.bsnl.co.in/tungsten/UI/facelets/login.xhtml

Or you can tweet to BSNL team, they are quite efficient in their response:

Telangana: twitter.com/bsnl_tt
Corporate: twitter.com/BSNLCorporate 

We look forward for your feedback. Stay tuned to tips, tricks and utility hacks on ReviewsToday. 

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