When it comes to diagnosing and resolving problems with their computers, most Mac users rely on Disk Utility and the tools that come with Mac OS X. Disk Utility can resolve a number of problems—such as damaged hard drive directory structures and permissions problems with Mac OS X’s system files.
Uninstalling software under Mac OS X is generally a straightforward procedure — just delete the program from the Applications folder. Few vendors offer uninstallers on the Mac, and generally they’re not necessary. Most programs don’t run background components or alter system settings files (like the Registry on Windows), and leaving old preferences and support files on the hard drive generally doesn’t do much harm.
But if you are trying to remove an old or corrupt component, reinstall software to change a serial number, or just free up disk space, removing all components of the old application can be important. These components include the application itself, preferences and support items, and sometimes hidden files or kernel extensions. Anyone who’s had problems installing an Adobe CS application or removing Symantec AntiVirus will appreciate how hard it can be to fully remove old software.
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Applications
Be default, Mac OS X software is stored in the Applications folder on your hard drive. Most programs are single icons (iTunes, Firefox), while others contain one or more folders full of items (Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office). You can also occasionally find applications on the desktop, if dragged there during installation or moved from the Applications folder.
Drag the program’s icon or folder to the Trash to begin the uninstall process. If you are not the user who originally installed the software, or your are not an admin user on your Macintosh, you will need to enter an administrator’s name and password to continue.
Note: the icon for most programs is actually a bit of an illusion. What you’re seeing on the hard drive is an application package, a folder full of items including the executable program code and supporting files. When a package is labelled with the .app extension, it appears as a single, launchable icon in the Finder. If you’re curious whats inside, right-click (or control-click) on the icon and select Show Package Contents.
Preferences and Application Support Files
There are two locations on your hard drive, both named Library, where programs store their preferences and supporting files. The first Library is at the top level of your hard drive, the second is inside your Home Folder. Removing items from both these locations is necessary to completely uninstall software.
Start with the Top Level Library on your hard drive /Library. You are looking to remove any files or folders which contain the name of the program (Acrobat, Word) or the vendor (Adobe, Microsoft) in their names. Search the following locations:
- /Library
- /Library/Application SupportIn these two locations you’re looking for non-Apple folders full of items: Adobe, Microsoft, etc.
- /Library/PreferencesInside Preferences you may find single files, folders full of items – Adobe, Microsoft – along with .plist documents usually starting with com – com.Adobe.Acrobat.plist, com.microsoft.Word.plist
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/PreferencePanes
- /Library/StartupItemsMost software does not use LaunchAgents, Preference Panes or Startup Items, but some things do, particularly items which control system behavior or keep background processes running
Next, remove any similarly named items you find inside the User Library inside your Home Folder ~/Library in the same set of folders:
![Dia Tool For Mac Dia Tool For Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126452877/657989305.png)
- ~/Library
- ~/Library/Application Support
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- ~/Library/Preferences
- ~/Library/PreferencePanes
- ~/Library/StartupItems
For the vast majority of applications that’s all you need to remove. Empty the Trash to complete the process. If you get a message that an item is “in use and can’t be deleted” reboot the Mac, then try again.
Kernel Extensions and Hidden Files
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If you’ve deleted everything from the Applications and Library folders and some vestiges of old software still remain, you may be dealing with a kernel extension or hidden file. These items will not be obvious to find, doing a Google search about the components for your specific software situation is highly recommended.
Software that uses background processing – anti-virus and security programs, printers, device sync software – often install one or more kernel extensions. If your old installation of Symantec Utilities keeps telling you it’s out of date six years after you’ve deleted the program, chances are there’s still an old kernel extension loading up.
Warning: kernel extensions are necessary for correct operation of your system. Do not move or delete any items unless you have the ability to redo changes made by booting from a second Macintosh or drive and restoring changes made to the first hard drive.
Kernel extensions are located in /System/Library/Extensions and end with the extension .kext. Again you are looking for items with the name of the program or vendor in the name. For example, with old copies of troublesome Symantec software you might find SymEvent.kext and SymOSXKernelUtilities.kext lurking on your system.
![Dia Tool For Mac Dia Tool For Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126452877/573766629.jpg)
Drag any probable items to the desktop first to make a copy, then move the original to the trash. Don’t empty the trash yet – reboot and see if the issue is fixed. If not, restore the item and try another.
Hidden files are items whose name starts with a period (.) They don’t display in the Finder by default. Programs sometimes use hidden files for authentication purposes, many are located in your home folder. You can use Terminal (inside Applications/Utilities) to list the contents of the directory in question and delete the offending item.
For example, the following set of commands will navigate to the home folder (~), list all contents, then delete a hidden file named .parallels_settings:
%> cd ~
%> ls -al
%> sudo rm .parallels_settings
%> ls -al
%> sudo rm .parallels_settings
Using sudo to do the deletion will require you to enter an admin password when prompted.
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Updated April 2014: added info about LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons
Updated April 2014: added info about LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons
Screenshots can be captured using any of the tools found in web browsers or you can also go for an application if you need to organize them. If you’re looking for an application which can help you capture screenshots, just search snipping tool for Mac free download. This article mentions some of the best Snipping Tool for Mac tools that are currently being used by millions of people worldwide.
Related:
Skitch
Skitch is the new addition to Evernote that helps you capture and annotate screenshots that are saved in Evernote. If you’re opting for Snipping Tool for Mac, then this is one of the most recommended tools. You can also save images to Evernote using this snipping tool. New updates are being introduced for better results.
Snip
This Snip is a simple and effective Snipping Tool for Mac. This handy snipping tool lets you capture scrolling windows, images and it supports retina display. The captured images can be shared with your friends. It also comes with an auto detect feature, editable tags and gives you access to QQMail.
Web Clipper
Web Clipper is a neat Snipping Tool for Mac which is used to clip web pages as you browse the web. This tool serves as the best alternative to bookmark. It allows users to keep all clips in one place. Just click the save button to save a clip and share them instantly.
Sharpshooter 2
SharpShooter 2 is a Snipping Tool for Mac which is used to capture and organize screenshots. It comes with features that enable users to rename the screenshot, automatic rename, move the image to another folder, open the screenshot with another application, change the format of the image and add modifications to the image.
Light Shot
LightShot lets you capture screenshots in the fastest way possible. This Snipping Tool for Mac supports various platforms and can be downloaded online. It is easy to use application which provides fast screenshot capturing option and quick sharing of screenshots. Image search options and the powerful editors are the other features of this tool.
Briss
Briss is a Snipping Tool for Mac which is mainly used for cropping PDF files. It comes with a simple interface and lets you crop the file in very precise and efficient manner. The SourceForge website can be accessed to download this snipping tool.
Jing
Voila
Monosnap
Tiny Grab
Snipping Tool
Apowersoft Mac Screenshot – Most Popular Software
This is the most popular choice for Snipping Tool for Mac and it helps you capture screenshots with utmost ease. Use this tool to share your record game score, make annotations or capture other vital information that your find in the websites. It also comes with a window detection feature and provides an option for multiple screenshots.
How to Install Snipping Tool for Mac?
Free Snipping Tool For Mac
Snipping Tool for Mac tools can be easily downloaded from any of the various websites. Just click on download and run the application in your device. If you come across any useful stuff on the web, make a simple click on the capture button. The captured screenshots will be organized automatically and you can access them instantly. Find the best Snipping Tool for Mac for better capture of screenshots. You can also see Video Editing Tools
Snipping Tool for Mac tools can be downloaded for free or accessed online. Search for open source software tools if you need a free tool for capturing screenshots. Be it a grab tool Mac or a snipping tool for iPad, you can find it online. Install the snipping tool on your device for quick capture of screenshots.