In anticipation of my 64 GB iPhone 4S, I set about to make HD space for backing it up. I have just under 10 GB free on my 120 GB HD. I discovered that my Home Folder is using up about 63 GB while Applications about 6 GB. I’m told that Lion uses around 4 GB. This still leaves almost half of my used HD space unaccounted for. I then went to the System Information. Clicking on the Storage Tab under About This Mac, I discovered that the dominant color was yellow, which is not listed at Audio, Movies, Photos or Apps, but “Other.” What on earth is “Other,” and how (or can) I get rid of it to free up HD space?
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Cameron
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What is “other,” and why is it filling half my HD?
Comments: 6 Responses to “What is “other,” and why is it filling half my HD?”
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Did you remember to include your Library folder when looking at what was taking up space? I'd go through each folder to really find out.
Did you watch episode 611? I talk about exactly this sort of thing:
http://macmost.com/what-to-do-when-your-hard-drive-is-full.html
You should really try to free up some more space. Having only 10GB free out of 120GB isn't much. Obviously you should get a larger drive, but until your next Mac you should consider moving some things on to an external drive.
Just noticed episode 611. I'm usually current on those, but I've fallen behind lately. I'm nervous about messing with the Library folder. I don't know what most stuff is in there or if deleting something will cause my Mac to not function properly. I've got a MBA, so unfortunately 120 GB was as big as I could go. I guess something's got to go.
Noticed a folder called "Previous Systems" taking up 18 GB of HD space. Do I need that, or can I delete it?
I'd take a peek inside to see what is there. But probably, yes. I would.
Hi. I have a slight problem with my Macbook (white) Version 10.8.2 (13 inch Early 2009) On Mountain Lion (I Think)
Anyway, on the Storage tab on the system information setting, It says that Audio is taking up 21.19 GB, Movies are taking up 19.61 GB (Imovie), Photos are taking up 11.59 GB, & Apps are taking up 8.26. This all adds up to roughly about 60.65 GB of space on my laptop. There is 2.25 GB Left... The section other is taking up 55gb.. I have watched your 611 video) Didn't help sadly!
You just have to investigate. Look at the size of your home folder. Then of each subfolder. Then look in the big ones to see what is there. "other" is your documents, so you probably have some files and folders that are using a lot of space. You just have to investigate. All of the files are there for you to see, so it is just a matter of narrowing it down like I show in episode 611.