A poorly-performing Macbook does not necessarily mean that you need to look for a replacement. Many ways to improve the performance of a Macbook are available. If performance-related issues are not solving themselves (which should not happen anyway), then you will need to take some action.
This article should be a good overview for Mac users who have been struggling with their computers. Create a Mac maintenance strategy using the tips below and stick to it.
Tip #1 – Improve Macbook’s Security
Lack of proper security against cybersecurity threats invites malware. Exposure to malicious threats spells trouble for the overall performance of your computer. For starters, you need to have a reliable antivirus, constantly running in the background.
The firewall is disabled by default, so making a change there is also worth considering. Lastly, you can invest some money in a virtual private network and browse the internet with fewer worries about potential threats.
Tip #2 – Declutter Desktoptechnm
Avoid getting in the habit of cluttering your desktop. Files should be kept in folders in proper locations. It might be convenient to access data with just a single click, but this convenience is not worth it. You are sacrificing performance.
Keep Macbooks’ desktop clutter-free, and you will notice the difference in performance immediately.
Tip #3 – Pay Attention to Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor allows you to find out which processes are consuming the most resources. CPU and memory are limited, and poor management of computer resources will lead to performance problems.
Some applications have to be in the background all the time, even if they are idle. Antivirus is a good example. However, you may find that certain apps are redundant or consuming too many resources.
Replace applications that you can replace. Perhaps your internet browser is not performing that well and is notorious for consuming too much memory? The computer will perform better if you free up more system resources.
Tip #4 – Disable Visual Effects
Visual effects are more or less useless. They are just a pretty sight and a hindrance to the performance of your Mac. For instance, you should be able to survive without having a backlit keyboard, right? Disabling animations and making the Dock panel static will also help.
Tip #5 – Delete Unnecessary Files
Lack of hard drive space is a common problem for Macbook users. The drive itself is not very spacious, meaning that you cannot keep as many files on the computer as you would like.
It is important to manage data properly. Make sure that you delete old applications, temporary junk, redundant downloads, and email attachments regularly. Some files can be transferred to clouds or external storage devices. The most important thing to remember is that more free storage space on a hard drive equals better performance of the Mac.
Tip #6 – Install Updates
System updates should take priority. Install them as soon as there is a new version out. And do not limit yourself to just system updates. Any application that you use will benefit from an upgrade.
Updates usually introduce performance improvements, fixes security holes, and brings better overall stability.
Tip #7 – Manage Startup Items
Applications that load every time you boot the Macbook can become quite annoying. Trim your startup item list in the System Preferences. Untick the boxes next to apps you do not want to see in the startup.
Tip #8 – Reindex Spotlight
Spotlight indexing can be quite a chore, especially on newer versions of macOS. The indexing takes up to a few hours, but that is not the biggest downside. There are instances when the indexing gets stuck or does not finish properly. You are back to square one.
When this happens, go to System Preferences and locate the Spotlight tab. Click on Privacy and drag your HDD icon from Finder into the Privacy List. When you add it, remove the Hard Drive icon. This will manually start the indexing process.
Tip #9 – Remove Dust and Dirt Inside
The filth that accumulates inside the Macbook can lead to internal hardware problems in addition to performance issues. Loud noises and high temperatures are the best indicators that there is too much dust and dirt inside your Macbook.
Taking the computer apart yourself is a bit risky. That is why many people do not bother and take it to a service store. Leaving this job in the hands of professionals will cost, but at least you will have peace of mind knowing that the Mac is in good hands.
Conclusion
All in all, people who are experiencing performance problems on their Macbook should fix most of their issues by following tips in the article. And make it a habit, not a one-time thing. Even if Macbooks are known for their durability, they still require regular maintenance.
MacBook with OSX Yosemite the screen on the table -DepositPhotos
