Logging and Caching

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

geefive - 27 Apr 2007 19:12 GMT

I'm wondering about what all of this data caching/logging is for. I
never use it. For instance, in Safari, there's a feature where a drop
down menu displays URL's close to the one I'm typing. It's a nuisance.
It appears that Safari has stored every URL I've ever used, and they
can't be deleted (which makes me think the data is for someone else's
use).

The same or something similar is the case with many other cache and
data files in the OS. My concern is that the data is sent to Apple or
a software company when I "update," and then it is used to profile me
for commercial purposes. These days, I hate to think what else it is
used for. Political purposes? I don't remember being concerned with
OS7-OS9 in this regard.

The OS is chock full of these kinds behind-the-scenes data files.
Being basically a private person who doesn't want to worry about how
this data is used, I'd like to know, really, what's going on? If I
don't use the data and the files are hidden and very persistent and
non-deletable in some cases, then... what?

My hope was there's an application that addresses this issue and deals
with these kinds of files, so I asked in mac.apps. They suggested that
I ask here. Please don't interpret my message as being antagonistic or
impertinent. Thanks.

Reply to this Message

Jolly Roger - 27 Apr 2007 20:26 GMT

> My concern is that the data is sent to Apple or
> a software company when I "update," and then it is used to profile me
> for commercial purposes.

Fortunately, your concern is unsubstantiated.

Signature

Reply to this Message

Rodger - 27 Apr 2007 20:58 GMT

> I'm wondering about what all of this data caching/logging is for. I
> never use it. For instance, in Safari, there's a feature where a drop
> down menu displays URL's close to the one I'm typing. It's a nuisance.
> It appears that Safari has stored every URL I've ever used, and they
> can't be deleted (which makes me think the data is for someone else's
> use).

The caching is to make the computer work faster and more efficient for
you. The logging is to help experts to trouble shoot if you ever have
problems with the OS. All this data is deleted after a certain amount
of time by other invisible (to you) applications to keep the system
bogging down from too much data stored. You don't need to worry about
this at all. It's the systems way of keeping itself at it's optimum
performance.

> The same or something similar is the case with many other cache and
> data files in the OS. My concern is that the data is sent to Apple or
> a software company when I "update," and then it is used to profile me
> for commercial purposes. These days, I hate to think what else it is
> used for. Political purposes? I don't remember being concerned with
> OS7-OS9 in this regard.

See above. Your concern is unfounded and untrue.

> The OS is chock full of these kinds behind-the-scenes data files.
> Being basically a private person who doesn't want to worry about how
> this data is used, I'd like to know, really, what's going on? If I
> don't use the data and the files are hidden and very persistent and
> non-deletable in some cases, then... what?

There is nothing to worry about. Get a good book on the Mac OS-X system
and learn what those things are.

> My hope was there's an application that addresses this issue and deals
> with these kinds of files, so I asked in mac.apps. They suggested that
> I ask here. Please don't interpret my message as being antagonistic or
> impertinent. Thanks.

You don't need an application. You just need to learn what they do and
your concerns will go away.

Reply to this Message

geefive - 28 Apr 2007 00:39 GMT

>> I'm wondering about

> Fortunately, your concern is unsubstantiated.

Very well, then, I will proceed with that in mind.

Thank you very much Jolly Roger and Rodger for addressing my concerns.

Best wishes.

Reply to this Message

Barry Margolin - 28 Apr 2007 02:24 GMT

Didn't you already start a long thread about this in comp.sys.mac.apps?
Was it really necessary to start another one here?

Signature

Barry Margolin, barmar@alum.mit.edu
Arlington, MA
*** PLEASE post questions in newsgroups, not directly to me ***
*** PLEASE don't copy me on replies, I'll read them in the group ***

Reply to this Message

TaliesinSoft - 28 Apr 2007 03:00 GMT

>> I'm wondering about what all of this data caching/logging is for. I
>> never use it. For instance, in Safari, there's a feature where a drop
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Didn't you already start a long thread about this in comp.sys.mac.apps?
> Was it really necessary to start another one here?

An unfortunate but understandable reality is that not everyone who
participates in usenet discussions participates in each and every group that
may be considered relevant. The best answer to this problem, at least to me,
is to use a newsreader that understands the notion of "subscription" where a
collection of newsgroups can be treated as one and a posting made to more
than one newsgroup in the subscription is only seen once.

Signature

James Leo Ryan ..... Austin, Texas ..... taliesinsoft@mac.com

Reply to this Message

Barry Margolin - 28 Apr 2007 03:03 GMT

> >> I'm wondering about what all of this data caching/logging is for. I
> >> never use it. For instance, in Safari, there's a feature where a drop
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> collection of newsgroups can be treated as one and a posting made to more
> than one newsgroup in the subscription is only seen once.

If the OP had cross-posted his message to both groups, instead of
starting separate threads, most newsreaders would recognize this and
only show the thread once.

Signature

Barry Margolin, barmar@alum.mit.edu
Arlington, MA
*** PLEASE post questions in newsgroups, not directly to me ***
*** PLEASE don't copy me on replies, I'll read them in the group ***

Reply to this Message

TaliesinSoft - 28 Apr 2007 03:07 GMT

> If the OP had cross-posted his message to both groups, instead of starting
> separate threads, most newsreaders would recognize this and only show the
> thread once.

Agreed. But the reality is that a great many persons don't realize that.

Signature

James Leo Ryan ..... Austin, Texas ..... taliesinsoft@mac.com

Reply to this Message

geefive - 28 Apr 2007 04:16 GMT

> > I'm wondering about what all of this data caching/logging is for. I
> > never use it. For instance, in Safari, there's a feature where a drop
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Didn't you already start a long thread about this in comp.sys.mac.apps?
> Was it really necessary to start another one here?

mac.apps is where I usually go. If you look at the second response in
that group, which was all I got after a while, you'll see that I was
advised "comp.sys.mac.system was invented for that type of discussion."

So I came over here. I had no idea that the message would elicit so
many responses in mac.apps after that.

You'll notice that the message was not cross posted. I wrote a unique
message just for this group. I'm using YA-Newswatcher 4.1.1 I moved
from my P-200 to a P-575 then to a G3 Wall Street and on to my G5. So
I've been around for some time and know what the score is. I have
never cross posted or played one group off with another.

When I posted here, I thought the thread was finished over there. I
probably should have mentioned that I was sent over from mac.apps, but
seein's how it was such a short thread and I thought it was over and
done, I innocently posted here.

If I have ruffled any feathers here, please accept my humblest apology.
The last thing I want to do is alienate any Mac aficionados because I
know absolutely nobody else who has a Mac and the Mac groups are all I
have to turn to when I have a need.

Thank you, and best wishes to all.

Reply to this Message

Christian Poecher - 29 Apr 2007 15:32 GMT

In the case of Safari, you can turn on Private Browsing, to turn of
history, cache and cookies.

Cheers,
Chris

Reply to this Message

Mac Forum / General / General / April 2007

Logging and Caching