Macs usually take care of themselves. But once it’s been used for so many years, it starts to get slow, like any computer. It can be anything; hard drive overload, corrupt system files, rogue apps, or just an outdated operating system. There can be a lot of potential flaws and finding the specific culprit on your own will take a long time.
Luckily, Mac has plenty of built-in and third-party cleaning and diagnostic utilities to help you speed up your Mac in no time. Check out the apps/tips listed below.
1. Agate
Onyx is one of the best maintenance tools for Mac. It opens hidden system settings that go far beyond the Mac’s System Preferences. It allows you to clean system or user cache, delete old internet files, system cache, user components etc.
This app has a beginner’s one-click maintenance mode. Use the default settings if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, remember that Onyx is like a vacuum cleaner, not a scanner. Using it daily can really harm your system. So use it once a month and your Mac will always be new.
Check out our in-depth guide to Onyx to get the most out of the app.
2. Reset PRAM and SRC
I have previously written about PRAM, SRC and what they do in detail. I also showed you how to reset them.
Resetting your PRAM is pretty easy, and it’s like clearing the cache, just for your entire operating system. Resetting the PRAM will reset the OS’s internal settings to their default values. This means that if any rogue apps mess something up, resetting the PRAM might solve it.
How to reset PRAM
Step 1: Shut down your Mac. No need to remove the battery or unplug the power cord.
Step 2: Turn on your Mac and hold the . key Request+Select+P+r keys, all at once.
Step 3: Hold down all four keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
A few months ago, when OS X Mavericks on my system would often hang for a few seconds for no apparent reason, resetting the PRAM did the trick.
3.Yasu
Onyx is a great app that keeps everything running smoothly. Yasu is the app to download when your Mac has strange problems. The app is really easy to use and not nearly as overwhelming as Onyx (but not as rich in features either).
Yasu reset permissions, run cron scripts, clear cache and log all from one screen. Check out what you want to do, click ALRIGHT and you’re done.
4. Other Suggestions
Activity Monitor: Mac’s built-in Activity Monitor is pretty powerful. If your Mac suddenly behaves unusually, open the app and see which one is taking up the most CPU or RAM. If there is a rogue app, it will be at the top of the list. Delete and/or reinstall the app to see if it works.
Switch to SSD: While the apps listed here will help your aging Mac, nothing will help with a slow spinning hard drive. The best way to speed up an old Mac is to switch to an SSD. If you have a non-Retina MacBook, the process is pretty easy.
OS X Updates: Unlike Windows, OS X works better on any MacBook, including older ones, with updates. I saw this happen when I updated to Mavericks from Mountain Lion and was surprised again when I switched to Yosemite beta.
Top photos via William Brawley.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
