MacOS – Organizing user home directory between SSD and HDD

foldersmacos

I've installed an SSD into a new Mac mini. I've installed ML, and used the migration tool to copy programs and user settings from the stock 500GB drive.

What doesn't fit onto this 64GB SSD drive though, are the Pictures, Music, and Movies directories. Maybe 200GB worth. I use the Finder's shortcuts often for these directories, and like the different icons.

How can you configure OSX to take advantage of the large HDD for these directories that won't fit onto the SSD?

How can I wipe that HDD of the previous OSX install? A simple 'move to trash'?

I've got external drives to help shuffle directories and files around if need be.

Best Answer

You can use aliases for those directories containing lots of data. Example:

/Users/you/Movies -> /Volumes/MyStuff/Movies
/Users/you/Music -> /Volumes/MyStuff/Music
/Users/you/Pictures -> /Volumes/MyStuff/Pictures

The easiest way to wipe the contents of the previous drive is to open Disk Utility, select your drive, and then select the 'Erase' tab. Choose the options you want and wait until it finishes.

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