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.helper files are generally mini-programs/procedures that run in the background even when the main app is not running. AV software (pointless on the Mac) typically uses them, as do some other apps that have scheduling tasks running independently of, say, iCal or similar software. iTunes has its own .helper program running from login, too regardless of whether you fire up iTunes itself or not.
They are useful so long as you want them to do what they do (like human helpers...). The problem with uninstalling on the Mac is that simply sending the main app to the Trash (mac's only built-in method of uninstalling/removing software) tends to leave them in place (with 3rd party software that is).
Like our (unwanted) human "friends", the only way to get rid of them is to take direct and forceful action yourself... ;)
Phil
On 21 Mar 2012, at 20:59, Dan Goldstein wrote:
> So if I understand correctly, ".helper" files can cause trouble by
> sticking around when they're no longer needed.
>
> Apple named them well; I've met human "helpers" with the same tendency.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Phil Snow Leopard
> Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 9:53 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com (techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com)
> Subject: Re: Uninstalling vs. Removing
>
> ... Where present, .helper files in LaunchDaemons and other LaunchAgents
> are often left untouched and may have to be removed manually to return
> the system to normal behavior (especially true of AntiVirus and other
> utility software).
>
>
>
>
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