Core Tasks
Volume Structure
Verify/repair the file system structure of volumes and customize other settings
File Permissions
Verify and repair the file permissions on system volumes
Spotlight
Re-index volumes and specified file types, and customize other settings
Caches
Clean system/application/web browser cache files, update the Launch Services and Dynamic Linker databases
Preferences
Verify and disable damaged system and application configuration files
Cron Jobs
Run built-in system maintenance scripts to clean log files, update databases, etc
Internet
Optimize networking parameters and buffer sizes for optimal internet performance
Interface
Customize Mac OS's interface with hidden options
Privacy
Clean records of recently visited web sites, files, folders, etc
Force Empty Trash
Easily delete locked and in-use files in the Trash
User Reviews
Mac Update"[Socks has] a very clear interface, that gives you enough control when you want it, but also gives you enough 'just do it for me' options for the normal user. [...] Socks really makes it easy for me to maintain my computer and keeps it running smoothly in a very Mac-like fashion." - joachimr
Mac Update"Socks has been very useful to me. I really like the scheduling abilities and that the whole program is very customizable. The developer has been very kind and responsive too. I'm looking forward to further versions of this great app!" - davidusmusicus
Mac Update"I have used System Optimizer X since version 2.0. It has been excellent in keeping my system running well, on many occasions when my mac was playing up, I have run the program and all has been sweet again. [...] Socks has given me the same overall complete maintenance service as System Optimizer X, with a far better and detailed user interface." - Peaat
Mac Update"I've found [Socks's] maintenance features to be extremely useful. When my Spotlight searches stopped working Socks was able to fix it. [...] Being able to create a queue of tasks and then walk away from my computer while they run is very useful. [...] Socks was able to squeeze some extra speed out of my internet connection. I've been very happy with it!" - ashnazg
"I am a graphic designer with a five year old Power Mac G4. For the past 6 months my system has been crashing, acting sluggish, and [the]
internet has been running at a turtle's pace. I have had two tech guys look at my Mac and said that it was fine. I did some research
online and luckily found your site. I just downloaded Socks and ran the maintenance features. It is so easy to use, that I enjoyed a
cup of coffee while it did all the work!
My Mac is now running like it's on steroids! So unbelievably fast! I cannot thank you enough for this amazing software and I will be
sure to spread the word."
- John
What is Socks?
Socks is a powerful and flexible tool for troubleshooting, maintaining, optimizing, and customizing Mac OS X. Socks allows you to:
- Troubleshoot odd behavior, crashes, and the "spinning beach ball."
- Maintain data structures relied on by the system/applications to keep them running safely and smoothly.
- Optimize system settings to improve performance, save hard drive space, and conserve RAM.
- Customize your system to better fit your needs.
Program Customization and Automation
Socks provides a rich set of features, elegantly implemented with the ability to fully tailor and automate your maintenance routines:
- Configurations: Individual "Tasks" use "Configurations" to define exactly how they do their jobs. Socks comes
with a variety of convenient built-in configurations, and allows you to easily modify existing configurations and create new configurations for your specific
needs and desires.
- Queues: Socks allows you to create lists of tasks, or "Queues," that run tasks in succession, allowing you to leave your
computer while it performs any number of tasks on its own. Socks includes several built-in queues, and the ability to modify existing queues and create
new queues in a similar fashion as task configurations.
- Schedules: Queues can be scheduled to run at specific times of the day and repeat at regular intervals. This allows your computer
to execute tasks automatically. Socks can even run queues automatically in the event your system crashes.
Design and Security
Socks provides powerful features with a uniquely elegant and meticulously designed interface, and this design philosophy is equally reflected in Socks's internals. Socks is scrupulously designed to provide the best reliability and expandability. Unrivaled by other methods, Socks executes tasks that require system authorization through a secondary background process known as a "setuid tool," providing fast, fluid, and secure execution of the low-level tasks that lie at its core. This method is highly recommended by Apple and designated the "best [most secure] way" to perform privileged operations.
New in Version 1.3
- Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard compatibility
- Fixed a bug causing some users to lose their FireFox 3.5 bookmarks -- Socks 1.3 will also bring back these lost bookmarks!
- Fixed a bug preventing some users from updating the dyld shared cache
New Features Since System Optimizer X
- Complete re-design and re-write in Cocoa
- Highly secure execution using a setuid tool
- New highly dynamic configurations system
- New highly dynamic "Queue" feature
- New highly dynamic , multi-entity "Schedule" feature
- Automatic hard restart maintenance
- Live progress updates for most tasks
- Auto-restart
- New "Volumes" feature with fsckhfs volume structure verifying and repairing + more
- New "Spotlight" feature for optimizing and customizing volume settings
- More thorough and highly customizable cache cleaning feature
- New "Preferences" feature checks for, reports, and can remove corrupt preference files
- More thorough and customizable internet optimization feature
- New "Privacy" feature allows for cleaning of many activity records
- New "Interface" feature allows for customization of many hidden Mac OS interface options
- New "Force empty Trash" feature
- Many, many other new features
- A universal and more verbose Log for low-level and task output
System Requirements
- Intel or PPC
- Mac OS 10.3.9 or later (including Snow Leopard)
Technical Support
For technical questions or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
