How To Keep Your Mac Running Smoothly

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There are two types of people in the world.  Those who love Windows/Linux based PCs and laptops.  and those who love Macs.  

Only about 10% of people use a Mac as their main computer/laptop (Source: Computer World)  It’s not surprising given that even the cheapest Macbook Air can be three times the price of the equivalent windows laptop.  No doubt about it though, Macs are very well made, high quality and reliable pieces of kit.  

Like all computers, they do need a bit of maintenance from time to time to keep them running smoothly.  If you’ve grown up using Windows-based computers, you’re probably familiar with the system clean-up and disk defragmentation features that clean up your hard drive and keeps everything ticking over nicely.  But what do you do on a Mac? Use the tips below to keep yours in tip-top condition.  

Update Your Operating System (OS) & Software

Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do for your Max.  It will allow you to install any patches or security fixes that have been released and protect your system.  Don’t just let those update alerts pile up, do them regularly.

Make sure you update your operating system too.  If you’re Mac is running super slow and you’re thinking of doing a clean install then check out https://setapp.com/how-to/clean-install-catalina or use the update function on your Mac to automatically upgrade your OS.  

For software that was not bought through the App Store, you will need to check these 

Clear Out Old Files & Programs

Go through your old files and images and delete everything you don’t need anymore.  This includes old software you never use anymore too.  It’s just taking up space and system resources.  

Tidy Your Desk(Top)

Let’s face it, most people are lazy and use their desktop as an ad-hoc filing system. This is a sure-fire way to slow down your system.  Everything on your desktop uses memory, leaving less available for the programs you need.  Create a folder on your desktop and move everything into it. Or, even better, file all of the items away

Run A Virus Scan

You probably have an antivirus which is running realtime protection.  It’s still a good idea to ensure that your antivirus is up to date and run a deep scan on your entire drive.  

Run Disk Utility

If you are noticing that your Mac is starting to freeze or close programs unexpectedly, then you need to rub the Disk Utility to repair the problem.

1. Restart your Mac and hold the Command+R keys until you see the Apple logo appear.  
2. Click Disk Utility
3. Click View > Show All Devices and select the drive you want to repair
4. Click First Aid 
5. Click Run

This should find and repair most errors on your drive.  

How Often Should You Perform Maintenance?

Ideally, you should be updating software, antivirus, and operating systems as soon as updated become available.  

Try and clean up old files every few months and try and get into the habit of shutting down your Mac instead of just closing it when you’re done.  

Most of these tips are just as useful for PC users to keep their systems running well too.  

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