Are you looking to improve the performance of your Macbook? If that is the case, it may be a good idea to create a maintenance routine that will function as guidelines for taking care of issues related to an underperforming computer.
Those who are still relatively new and have not had a Mac for long will need some help. And this article will be a good starting point. The tips below will help to create a solid plan to keep your Macbook in good shape.
Tip #1 – Free up Disk Space
More free disk space means that your computer will run smoothly. But since Macbooks do not come with the best drives in terms of space amount, you need to look for ways to free it up.
For starters, you should install a cleanup utility software and remove junk files like caches, old backups, and app extensions.
Deleting applications that you have not used for a while is also an option. After all, you can always download and reinstall them again.
Dropbox and iCloud services are available for free, and transferring some data there will also free up disk space. And if you are willing to spend some money, streaming services and external storage devices could be a good investment. The former is great for eliminating large media files.
Tip #2 – Clean Filth Inside
Dust and dirt that accumulates over the years should not be left idle. Instead, you need to clean the filth inside the computer regularly. A thorough cleaning will remove overheating, reduce the noise of internal fans, and prevent potential damages to hardware.
Some may be afraid of cleaning the dust themselves because it may damage the computer. After all, accessing the inside of a Macbook is difficult. If you are not so keen on overtaking the task yourself as well, take the Mac to someone who is a professional and can clean it for you.
Tip #3 – Look at Activity Monitor
Processes that consume the most memory can be viewed using the Activity Monitor tool. You can sort applications and determine which of them are the hungriest for resources.
The goal is to remove or shut off apps that are running in the background without offering anything of value in return. Yes, there are some applications that are integral to the system and cannot be removed or replaced. Nevertheless, it is still worth going through the list and seeing what you can adjust.
Tip #4 – Declutter Desktop
Similar to how you need to sort out your workspace, the desktop of a Macbook ought to be neatly organized as well. The biggest problem is the number of icons. Some people go overboard and put every file on the desktop.
They believe that it is more convenient having access to everything this way. While that may be true, resources that are consumed due to all the icons on the desktop are a bigger issue than having to navigate a bit in order to find a necessary file.
Each icon has to be rendered every time you make a switch between the desktop and another window. And with how often you switch between windows, it is not hard to imagine the toll files on the desktop take on the system.
Tip #5 – Scan for Malware
Scanning with an anti-malware tool should also be part of the maintenance. There are those who say that they do not need anti-virus because they avoid shady websites and never open files from untrustworthy sources.
While these habits are great, relying entirely on the trust of others and yourself is not recommended when talking about cybersecurity threats. It would be more efficient to have anti-virus in the background. Potential risks are eliminated, and you will have peace of mind when using the Macbook.
Tip #6 – Stop Memory Leaks
After a while, programs start to allocate memory incorrectly. Regular restarts are the best way to prevent memory leaks. As for how often you should restart, it depends on the amount of time you use the computer. But on average, a few restarts every day ought to do the job.
Tip #7 – Optimize Web Browser
In some cases, the biggest problem lies while surfing the internet. And it is not necessarily the fault of the ISP provider or the computer. Poorly optimized browsers make it difficult to enjoy the internet.
Keep the number of open tabs to a minimum. Clear browsing history as well as caches. And remove any extensions and add-ons you do not really need.
To sum it all up, these tips ought to be enough for everyone who is looking to maintain their computer in a good place. It may seem like too much work at times, and you may be even asking yourself whether choosing a Macbook is right. However, everything will be worth the effort once you see the results of proper maintenance.