Free health-check script for Mac mini servers
A free diagnostic script is available for desktop Macs that stay on for serious daily use. It checks SMART data so storage problems can be spotted before a drive fails. It shows where storage is being used, including Trash, Downloads, caches, iPhone backups, Docker images, Xcode files, and anything larger than one gigabyte.
It adds together each app and its helper processes, so memory use is shown closer to the real total per app. It also looks for common reasons a Mac feels slow right now, such as Spotlight indexing, Time Machine backup activity, or one process using too many resources. At the end, it gives a health score out of 100, with each penalty tied to a measured result.
It keeps history between runs so changes can be compared over time. On desktop Macs, it detects that there is no battery section and skips it; the tool is free, MIT licensed, and has no dependencies.
Key points
- The script is aimed at desktop Macs, not laptops, so it skips battery checks.
- SMART data is used to check whether the storage device may be unhealthy.
- It maps large storage use across Trash, Downloads, caches, backups, Docker images, and Xcode files.
- It totals each app with its helper processes to show more realistic memory use.
- It gives a 100-point health score and keeps history across runs.
Quick term guide
- Docker image
- A packaged setup that lets software run with the same tools and settings each time.
- Time Machine
- A Mac backup feature that can restore older files or system states.
- MIT license
- A permissive license that usually allows broad reuse if basic conditions are kept.
- dependencies
- Other code, tools, or files that something needs in order to work.
- home server
- A personal computer setup at home used to run services or store files instead of regular daily use.
- memory pressure
- A condition where the computer is close to running out of working memory, which can slow it down.
- background
- Running out of sight while the main app or screen stays focused on something else.
- visibility
- How easily people can discover and notice a product.