While Macbooks are great for their longevity and durability, you cannot expect a computer to last for years without any hiccups. Sooner or later, some problems start to appear. And if you do not know how to deal with them, the situation can snowball out of control and leave you with no other option than to purchase a new computer.
It is necessary to have a proper maintenance routine the moment you get a Macbook. This way, you will know how to respond to problems immediately. And solving them should not be a problem on your own, though there is always an option to take the computer to a repair store.
This step-by-step guide ought to be a good reference for both new and already experienced Macbook users. Macs require attention, so make sure that you are using it properly.
Step #1 – Keep Enough Free Space on the Disk
Lack of hard drive space can become a real bother sometimes. Macbooks are quite notorious for their lack of available storage. You will need to uninstall mac programs, delete email attachments, downloads, and other useless data.
Transferring some stuff to clouds, USB sticks, or other external storage devices would also free up disk space. Make sure that you do not end up having just a few gigabytes of free space.
Step #2 – Pay Attention to Activity Monitor
Managing applications in the background is necessary. The computer does not have unlimited resources. Having fewer power-hungry processes will help to maintain the Macbook in the best possible shape.
Launch the Activity Monitor and see which applications are consuming the most resources. Think about what you can replace or remove completely. Freeing up system resources will boost the performance on top of every other benefit.
Step #3 – Declutter the Desktop
A cluttered Macbook desktop is never a pretty sight. And that is not even the biggest problem. Having multiple files on the desktop reduces the speed and performance of the computer significantly.
People argue that having files accessible immediately is convenient, and they do not think about changing this habit. However, it would be in their best interest to relocate the files in proper locations. And if they are having issues finding them, they should remember about the search feature on the Macbook.
Step #4 – Remove Junk Files
Temporary junk data might not free up the most storage on the hard drive, but removing these files should also be a regular thing. The sheer number puts a strain on the system because of all the processing that the computer has to do.
As for how to get rid of temporary junk, you have two options. The first one is adjusting the settings and making files visible. This way, you can delete them yourself. But it is worth creating backups as you could potentially delete something accidentally.
The second option, and one that is easier of the two, would be to get a cleanup utility tool. This software removes junk files automatically, meaning that you will not have to bother with manual work.
Step #5 – Optimize the Internet Browser
Internet browsers could be causing the most issues. Poorly optimized browsers will stutter and make it almost impossible to browse the internet. You need to pay more attention as to what extensions and add-ons you install. Clearing caches regularly is also known as a good solution to improve your browser’s performance.
You may end up in a situation where switching to another browser might be the best option. There are quite a few options out there. Who knows, you may find that a different browser would perform better and even exceed your expectations.
Step #6 – Disable Visual Effects
Visual effects offer nothing in return for all the resources that they consume. It would be better to disable the backlit keyboard, animated opening application for the Dock, as well as other effects as soon as you start using the Macbook.
Step #7 – Check the Battery Life
Keep closer tabs on the battery life. If you notice that it takes longer to charge, it means that there could be problems. Perhaps you have too many applications running consequently? Or maybe you keep the charger plugged in after the bar is at 100 percent?
Step #8 – Scan for Potential Viruses
Malware and viruses could also lead to a lot of issues. Get yourself a reliable antivirus and have it monitor the system constantly. It should detect and remove any potential threats. And be more wary of what you click on when surfing the net.
Step #9 – Remove Dirt From Inside
The filth that accumulates inside the computer will lead to internal hardware problems and overheating. Some people think that getting a cooling pad is the solution. While the accessory is great, it does not eliminate the problem completely.
Make removing dust and dirt from the inside a habit. And if you are not confident of taking the Macbook apart yourself, remember that you can always take it to a professional who can do the work for you.
