I am pretty amazed with my findings as of late, I have thought of reformatting my computer because it seems sluggish but didn't dare to install snow leopard as it sucked pretty hard for me when I first installed it and how it fucks up all my music softwares etc. so one bad experience has made me decide not to port over to the new 64 bit system ( well i am running a macbook anyways, till i get the mac pro.. )
So if you are having the same issues as me when you experience sluggish system, chances are , you haven't been maintaining it.
You will need to first download this free software called
OnyX . Just Click on it to head to the link.
(Do note there are 2 versions one for 10.6.x and another for 10.5.x)
Install and run this software and you will be ask to verify, this process will take forever but its worth it! After running it i discovered that my Mac Permissions and Volume has some errors ( The cause of the sluggishness i presume )
Just follow the instructions given and fix the necessary errors in my case, I had to fix my volume structure and I did so by inserting my Mac OSX installation Disc that came with my Macbook, Hold C and restart it to boot with your Disc.
While you are booted with the Disc, scroll to the above menu and look for Disk Utility.
Click on the first aid tab and just click REPAIR DISK PERMISSIONS.
It may seem geeky to do all this basic stuff but trust me! My computer is running as if it has just been installed and not only that, it is running all my previously installed softwares too!
I AM SO SMART! :)
Thanks! Hope it helps you like it help me.