(BBEdit saves a new backup every time you save a file.) Deleting these backup files can save space, and make searching via OS X’s Spotlight much easier. If you use any application that saves backups, you may find that it has tucked away several gigabytes of duplicate files, depending on how the program saves them. BBEdit stores its backups in a BBEdit Backups folder in my Documents folder I have OmniFocus store its backups in my Documents folder as well. Some applications, such as OmniFocus, let you choose the location for the backups others, like BBEdit, don’t.
Two programs I use often-Bare Bones Software’s BBEdit and The Omni Group’s OmniFocus-do this. Many programs offer automatic backups, and store copies of files in a selected folder, just as iChat saves chat logs. While you may want to save recent chat logs, you may have months of files you can trash, saving a lot of disk space.
If you look inside the iChats folder, you’ll see that the files are organized by date. But if you send images inline during chats, these files may take up a lot of space. This is a great idea (and especially helpful at work) if you often need to refresh your memory about a conversation. With this preference set, iChat saves a log file of every chat. (Go to iChat -> Preferences, click on Messages, select Save Chat Transcripts To, and then choose a folder.) By default, the program saves transcripts in a folder called iChats in your Documents folder, but you can choose a different location to store these files. If you use iChat, you can have the program store logs of your chats. But I also want to draw your attention to a half-dozen digital dust bunnies that you might not have considered: Last year, Chris Breen shared valuable Tips for a tidier Mac-all of which are worth revisiting. Far be it from me to suggest that you clean out your basement, garage, or attic, but I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend you take a closer look at the crusty corners of your Mac. It’s spring again, and with the new season comes the age-old ritual of cleaning out things you ignored for most of the year.