There is no computer that will continue to perform at top speed forever. Even if Macbooks are known for their reliability and durability, you should also expect to experience some stuttering as well as other performance issues.
The most important point is how you deal with the issue. There are quite a few methods that can help you with speeding up a slow Mac. In case you want to create a solid maintenance strategy to prolong your computer’s lifespan, the information below should be of great use.
Method #1 – Manage Applications
Applications that are running in the background will take a lot of resources. You ought to pay more attention to the Activity Monitor and keep tabs on what is consuming how much memory and other resources.
Power-hungry apps that you can remove should be removed. It is as simple as that. Some stuff is integral and part of the system.
Looking for better alternatives is also one way to go about the issue. For instance, if your current internet browser is not performing that well, try alternatives, and see which of them will do a better job.
The goal is to continue using the computer with as few hiccups as possible. So if you can find more software that requires fewer resources but still does its job, go for it.
Method #2 – Remove Junk Files
Junk files like caches or backups clutter the system and consume resources that could be used for something else.
Temporary junk data is not something you can access immediately. You will have to change the settings first. And once you have the access, remember that creating backups as a safety precaution is a good idea. You may end up accidentally deleting something.
Of course, removing the stuff manually is not the only option. Utility software that will clean all the junk files for you is a better option, especially if you have some money to spare for it.
Method #3 – Make Sure That the Hard Drive Has Enough Free Space
Whether it is an HDD or SSD matters, not that much when talking about the overall availability of drive space.
Macbooks are not the best when it comes to storage space. You may find that you are left with only a few gigabytes of free space left, not before too long.
A separate strategy for maintaining your drive in proper shape is also necessary. Be more wary about the files you have on the computer. Remove useless apps, language packs, old downloads as well as email attachments.
Transferring data to iCloud or Dropbox would help as well. You can even pay some money and upgrade available cloud storage. External storage devices can also come in handy. Lastly, you have an option to consume media from streaming services rather than keeping large files on the device.
Method #4 – Clean Dust and Dirt Inside
Do not let dust and dirt inside accumulate for too long. Neglecting the issue will lead to internal hardware problems. Do not wait around and get to cleaning the moment you notice a loud noise from the internal fans.
If a Macbook is emitting high temperature, dust inside could also be the cause. You may find that purchasing a cooling pad would help with the problem, but do not forget that removing filth inside the Mac regularly still takes priority.
Method #5 – Prevent Potential Cybersecurity Threats
New and dangerous cybersecurity threats are posing threats, even to an average Macbook user. You need to up your security game and do not be afraid to invest some money in a reliable antivirus.
Enabling the firewall and installing an ad blocker on an internet browser you use would also protect you more. Finally, you need to be more wary about questionable links that you may receive from someone.
Even if the person is someone you know and trust, there is no reason to click on a link if you have even the slightest suspicions.
Method #6 – Trim up Startup Item List
Remove applications from the startup item list. This way, you will free up resource usage and shorten the time it takes for the computer to load.
Restarting the Mac regularly stops memory leaks, and doing so is heavily encouraged. But having to wait for random applications to load after each restart can get on one’s nerves quite quickly. But if you were to trim the startup item list, you would not have to wait for so long.
Method #7 – Disable Visual Effects
Some tools and applications, as well as your computer, will have visual effects enabled. There is no real reason to have this in the first place, and more pragmatic users make sure that disabling these effects is the first thing they do after launching the computer for the first time. If you are concerned about system resource usage and battery life, do not hesitate and disable all the visual effects.
