Macbooks are some of the best computers you can get for work. However, after a while, you will notice that it is not as good as it was when you started using it at first. And when it happens, there is no reason to consider spending money on something like a new Mac.
Instead, you should look to create a maintenance routine that will help you keep things in check and stick to it. Every computer requires constant attention, and if you neglect it, it will end up in a pretty bad state. You need patience and diligence. Here are some tips to help you come up with a good maintenance routine.
Tip #1 – Pay Attention to Activity Monitor
See which of your applications are consuming the most resources. Activity Monitor is the best tool for that. Launch it and sort the processes by memory or CPU usage.
There will be applications that you cannot replace or delete as they make the system run properly. Nevertheless, the list is pretty big, and you should find ones that are removable. Also, look for some alternatives that do not consume as many resources.
Tip #2 – Remove Viruses
Viruses and other malware can become the biggest issue. You may notice a sudden drop in Mac’s performance one day and have no idea what is causing it.
When it comes to problems like how to get rid of adware, viruses, and other cybersecurity threats, you have a couple of options. The first one is scanning the system with a reliable anti-malware tool.
Any corrupted or even questionable files it detects should be deleted. And when you are finished, make sure to have this antivirus run in the background at all times.
If you have no idea how to pick the best software for this, consider trying some free versions first or asking recommendations from someone you know and trust.
Reinstalling the OS is another option, but it should be left only when the situation is pretty unsalvageable. Giving the computer a fresh start will also help with more than just viruses.
Tip #3 – Disable Visual Effects
Visual effects may seem like a fancy addition to computers, but they are not something that you really need in the first place. Resource consumption and another hindrance to the battery life are what they really offer.
You should see which of the settings are enabled and disable them. It will not make the biggest impact as far as the overall performance goes, but every little bit helps.
Tip #4 – Optimize Browser
Try alternative browsers if your current browser is not performing the way it should. There are instances when the overall system is functioning without any hiccups except for when you are surfing the web.
On the other hand, if you are attached to the current browser and have bookmarks and other information on it, optimizing it is the best option. Start with removing unnecessary extensions and add-ons. Regular cache clearing also helps a lot. Finally, do not go overboard with active tabs as each tab consumes extra resources and puts a toll on the computer system.
Tip #5 – Free up Drive Space
Macbooks are quite notorious for their hard drives. The available storage space is not much, making a lot of users struggle with fitting everything they want on the computer. And leaving only a couple of gigabytes of free space will spell trouble, especially in the long run.
Try to find a way to fight the issue if you are running out of hard drive storage. Other users like to keep their data in external storage devices or clouds. Removing useless files like caches or app extensions occasionally ought to make things easier, too.
Tip #6 – Stop Memory Leaks
Some applications will start to misuse memory and distribute it in places that should not happen. It is not something you can see yourself. Memory leaks happen all the time, and restarting the computer regularly is the best way to fight against the problem.
If you are tired of dealing with logins and loading applications, enable the auto-login feature and trim the startup item menu list. Doing these two things will save you a lot of time, which will add up even more if you are going to restart the Mac every few hours.
Tip #7 – Clean Dirt Inside
The biggest problems may stem from all the dust that has accumulated over the years. Cleaning the computer of the dirt should be a regular thing. If you experience performance troubles, notice overheating, and hear loud fan noises, there is definitely something wrong with the insides of your Macbook.
Take it to a repair store since there are risks involved in doing this stuff yourself. It will cost, but at least you will know that the computer is cleaned thoroughly.
