3 Maintenance Hacks to Get Your Mac Back in Tip-top Shape
Whether you have a brand new computer or you have had yours for several years, you will, from time to time, bum into some problem. This is true with Macs, just as it is with any other laptop. You’ll have to deal with the problems that come with age, like lost files, slow-downs and broken apps among others. Below are some tips you or your IT services Sydney provider can apply to get your machine back in shape without breaking too much of a sweat:
1. Updating software and OS versions
You can keep apps updated easily through the Mac app store, but many people click the ‘Ignore’ button all too often when prompted to download and install crucial updates. Keeping your software updated is about the easiest thing you can do to maintain proper function. You can do this by clicking the update tab in the app store, checking for updates and installing them. If you have Mac support Sydney services, this is usually part of the service package.
There’s little reason to not accept an update when it comes. However, the most important updates are the OS X security updates, which must always be installed to curb any system vulnerabilities.
A spin-off from software updates is the opportunity to install new OS X versions when they come around. Generally, new OS versions are good, given that technology moves towards making systems more user friendly and adding features to increase capability among others. Conversely, installing new updates may also slow down your computer, especially if you have older machines. You may also find buttons rearranged and functions reworked, meaning that you have to relearn how to use it.
The rule of thumb is to skip OS updates that majorly change things you’re used to using. Alternatively, be prepared for the sacrifice required to reprogram your habits if it’s an update that will make your life easier in the longer term. Of course, if you’re dealing with someone else’s system, such as those offering IT services Sydney, be sure to ask them first!
2. Disabling unwanted startup apps
You know which apps you use most often, and the ones you’ve never opened since you bought your machine. A useful tip may be to ensure that unnecessary apps aren’t being loaded into your memory at every startup and guzzling useful space. You can do this by clicking on the Apple on your screen’s top left corner, and the going to System preferences>>Users &Groups>>Login Items tab. This tab opens all apps which load at startup. Now, checking or unchecking the boxes only controls whether or not you see them, not whether or not they open. Instead, click on the app you don’t need then click the minus button below it.
3. Uninstalling unnecessary apps and programs
Before you go ahead and drag all your icons into your dock, think about the apps you most often need. If you’re offering Mac support Sydney, do not mess with the owner’s dock, just like you wouldn’t go rearranging their living room.
What you might do instead is to remove files and apps that have never or are rarely used, beginning with the biggest memory guzzlers. You can start by looking at the Downloads folder which often piles files that are no longer necessary. For those offering support, showing the owner how to get rid of the files and apps is better than doing it yourself.