Everyone comes to a point where they stare at their hard-drive space in amazement. Filled already? How does the time go so fast!

The truth is, with each new application a massive amount of superfluous information is included. Help information, tutorial files, and the translation for all of the components into many, many languages. The eternal question is: How do I keep the stuff I need while trashing these files I will never use?

The answer is four little applications below. Each one does a bang-up job of reducing application bloat and pushing back the inevitable upgrade:

1) AppZapper

Demo: 5-uses
Full Version: $12.95

Start by cleaning house of the old programs gathering dust. If you haven't used it in 6 months, it may be best to move on. AppZapper will not only remove the application, but it will also destroy any hidden files the program may have filed away into your computer.

AppZapper starts with a free trial of 5 test zaps. I'd recommend purchasing the full version for only $12.95 as it is an exceptional piece of software. Or if you're running low on cash, you can zap a few programs and then force quit AppZapper bringing your "free tries" back to 5.

2) WhatSize

Full Version: FREE

Next, determining where your computer is wasting hard-drive space is key. WhatSize will scan your drives and catalog their memory usage. You'll notice that certain areas of your computer may be taking up huge amounts of disk space. This is the most manual of the applications because it asks you to root through and eliminate the items you don't need. The below are some quick tips to get you started:

- Search the Library. Help resources and printer drivers take up huge amounts of room. If you know that a new printer is far off, delete all of the drivers you don't need. If anything should change you can simply swing by the company's website to re-install.

- Remove the extras. I'm a Photoshop user for over 10 years, but most of the installation items are not needed. Removing their stock photography application and sample files saved lots of space.

- When in doubt, don't erase! It should be clear what is not needed. If it isn't it to you then it may be best to leave that file and move on.

3) Monolingual

Full Version: FREE

The next two applications do all the work themselves, so no more rooting through folders!

Monolingual may have one of the worst logos ever (because everyone is enthralled by seeing their country's flag in the trash) but it a handy cleaning tool. Like the name implies, Monolingual will remove all other languages then those you specify. It will pull them from OS X as well as all other applications.

ONE GIANT NOTE: Monolingual defaults do not include United States English. If this is your preferred language then be sure to view the preferences to double-check the ideal set-up for you. If you move ahead and remove these fonts without checking your preferred language they will be removed for good, and an entire system install would be needed. Not to mention the reinstall of non-standard applications. In other words: Check your preferences!

4) Youpi Optimizer

Full Version: FREE

Youpi Optimizer does the exact same thing Monolingual does, but both seem to miss files individually. By running them both you can be sure your Mac is optimized to your preferred language.

GIANT NOTE NUMBER TWO: Youpi Optimizer defaults do not include United States English. If this is your preferred language then be sure to view the preferences to double-check the ideal set-up for you. If you move ahead and remove these fonts without checking your preferred language they will be removed for good, and an entire system install would be needed. Not to mention the reinstall of non-standard applications. In other words: Check your preferences!

I hope you've enjoyed this mini-guide. Using this method I saved over 10 Gigs!

Best,
Josh