CNET Editors' review
OnyX is a utility for Macs that allows you to check the integrity of your startup files, as well as configure some hidden parameters of your system. There are OnyX versions for the latest releases of Mac OS X (and they are not cross-release compatible) so you have to download the appropriate version. The download is free and OnyX installs easily as long as you allow installs from non-App Store sources.
OnyX can verify your startup disk and the System file structure. By itself, this is a useful function in case of system issues. However, OnyX does more, allowing you to configure some parameters not typically accessible for the Finder, Dock, Safari, Mail, and other apps. You can also use OnyX to delete disk caches and logs. The OnyX interface features dialogs, which look a little overwhelming but actually are designed to give you control over all the parameters OnyX can touch. The learning curve is not trivial, but not complex, either.
The flexibility OnyX offers is remarkable, and while you can't get OnyX from the App Store, it is available through the developer's Web site. Since OnyX has been around since 2003 and there's a constant update process from a dedicated developer, this is one of the more useful utilities we've encountered. Recommended.
Publisher's Description
From Titanium's Software:
OnyX is a multifunction utility for OS X. It allows you to verify the Startup Disk and the structure of its System files, to run misc tasks of system maintenance, to configure the hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Spotlight, and of some of Apple's own applications, to delete caches, to remove a certain number of files and folders that may become cumbersome and more.
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All versions:
2.9 starsout of 14 votes
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Current version:
2.7 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-9 of 9
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"Disappointed in CNet Policy"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
OYNX for mavericks behaves like previous versions. Still a good utility
Cons
CNET should not wrap add ons or malware type software on downloads.
I understand their business model since the downloads are free but CNET should state in bold letters when there are add ons and what they are..Summary
What I did and will now continue to do is; once I find software I like on CNET I will go to the developers website and download direct.
I did this for OYNX and all is a-ok. No add ons. -
"Onyx Good - Spigot BAD!!"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Onyx is a great utility, and I won't go into its benefits for now...
Cons
Only after installing did I find out that the download also brought along a complete hijacking of the defaults in all three browsers I use: Safari, Chrome & Firefox. My default home pages and search engines were changed to Yahoo, and Amazon and eBay buttons added to my tool bars. CNET, you should be ashamed to allow this.
I should note this is the second time that's happened to me, after downloading an update from CNET. It will be the last until this changes. -
"Useless Mavericks version"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
OryX used to work fine, until the Mavericks update.
Cons
The software installs OK, does the initial HD check OK, then hangs on my MBA running the maintenance. The Activity Monitor shows 121 hangs over the past 10 minutes while OryX was running. Life is too short. I will uninstall it.
Summary
Avoid. A waste of time.
(Hello, xtremeartist! Post your five cents here :-)) -
"Made my 4-year-old Macbook Pro run faster."
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Easy to use. Gives warnings on why you may not want to perform some cleaning functions and maintenance. Warns when and why some functions might cause the computer to run slower as, for example, rebuilds caches.
Cons
I've experienced none.
Summary
For a couple of hours I had been trying several tips and techniques to make my Mac run faster. It was constantly running at a minimum of 50% CPU load, was heating up, and the fan was always running at high. None of the suggestions helped and then I found OnyX. After I ran through some of OnyX's cleanup routines and restarted the computer, I have had much better performance. Now I only notice a slight difference in performance during a backup.
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"The best Mac utility. The same as always."
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
1. Free
2. Reliable
3. Updated for Mavericks
4. Individual versions for OS X 10.3 through 10.9 on Titanium Software's website (developer).
5. Automation mode works flawlessly
6. Change parameters in Finder, iTunes, Safari and more.Cons
None really.
Summary
I don't know why there are a few negative reviews here on CNET. I can only assume they are paid shills for other paid software,,,,or complete morons.
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"Onyx has lost control of functionality"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Application update was out within 48 hours of the release of Mavericks... Titanium is dedicated to remaining on top of the game and providing it's following with the most current application available.
Cons
Titanium's reputation has built quite the following and high level of expectation. By and Large the application for Mavericks has quite the potential to hold true to the high standards we've become used to; however, this newest version was in my opinion rushed and not fully tested. Has many flaws that still need to be worked out.
Summary
I'd say the application still works at about 90-95% however when it decides to crash it does so... and when i run a maintenance - i get a false report stating my disk needs to be repaired. it's a brand new macbook air... and has been confirmed to be functioning as normal.
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"Wouldn't download."
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Since it wouldn't download I have none.
Cons
During the attempt to download the computer froze.
Summary
The other versions of OnyX I used were great but this version for Mavericks simply won't download.
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"Not as good as previous (Mountain Lion) version"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Useful utility.
Cons
Went through Automation OK until "empty trash" and then it froze.
Summary
Previous versions excellent but this version 2.8.1 needs more work.
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"Freezes instantly on Automatic check"
Version: OnyX (Mavericks) 2.8.1
Pros
Used to work
Cons
Doesn't work
Summary
Get Cocktail as it always works. This one makes me very nervous.
Results 1-9 of 9
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