Methods to Keep Macbooks in a Good Shape

Methods to Keep Macbooks in a Good Shape – Every Macbook owner should create a maintenance routine for keeping their computer in good shape. Preventing a drop in performance is more or less impossible as the quality begins to dwindle after a few years. However, those who do not neglect the Mac will be able to use it to the fullest for longer and not spend money on new models frequently.

There are multiple methods that will prolong the lifespan of a Macbook. You can find them below and start creating your maintenance routine by implementing these methods.

Method #1 – Clean Dust and Dirt

Lots of dust and dirt accumulate over time. The problem can get out of hand if you are not cleaning the filth inside regularly. Of course, some would say that taking a Macbook apart is difficult. But if you want to clean it thoroughly, that is inevitable.

The fear of damaging something important is not something to fret yourself about. There are professionals who will clean the dust and dirt and not damage the Mac.

As for why it is important to keep the amount of filth to a minimum, there are a few reasons. The first one is how dust puts a strain on internal fans, overworking them. Not to mention the loud noise. There are other methods to reduce loud noise fans, and you can read more about it on the MacPaw website, but removing the dirt is usually the best option.

No dust will also prevent overheating that could lead to damaging internal hardware. It is worth mentioning, though, that more and more people are purchasing cooling pads, especially those who have to use Macbooks in warmer temperatures throughout the year.

Method #2 – Remove Resource-Hungry Processes

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Activity Monitor allows you to sort active processes by memory or CPU usage. Now some applications have to be active and run in the background all the time. Removing them is not an option.

However, there should also be one or two that can be deleted, replaced, or at least shut off when you are not using it. For instance, anti-virus should be active non-stop since you cannot know when a potential threat might attack the system.

But applications like Dropbox consume memory for no reason and should be active only when you need to transfer files.

As for the changes, you could be running a website browser that is not well-optimized. Installing too many add-ons and plugins only slow things down. You may want to trim the list of extensions or even consider trying another browser that is not so resource-hungry as your current one.

Method #3 – Turn off Visual Effects

Visual effects offer nothing in return and are only consuming valuable resources. Get rid of Mail animations for sending and receiving emails. Launchpad effects can also be disabled.

Finally, go to the Dock via System Preferences and uncheck both “Animate opening applications” as well as “Automatically hide and show the Dock” to reduce further usage of memory that visual effects are consuming.

Method #4 – Use Anti-Malware Software

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Despite their best efforts, even experienced developers tend to fall into the trap of cybersecurity threats. And if someone like that struggles with malware and viruses, an average person also stands to experience issues.

It is imperative to have a reliable anti-malware tool. A sudden decrease in Mac’s performance might be because of a small virus that has infected the system. Removing it without proper software is more or less impossible.

Having anti-virus in the background at all times is a good piece of advice. Do not take unnecessary risks and use the computer with peace of mind knowing that any potential threats will get detected and removed.

Method #5 – Free up Disk Space

Fitting every file on a Macbook can become a challenge. Those who have used the macOS will tell you that you need to be wary about disk space all the time and make the best with what you have. Here are some suggestions that will free up Mac’s storage space:

• Remove old applications. Any apps that you remove from the computer can be reinstalled later in case you are going to use them again. And since the files are not that large, it will not take long to download and install the applications.
• Junk files. Caches, temporary backups, plugins, old update files, language pack data, email attachments and downloads are taking disk space. You can remove them, though when it comes to certain files, like caches, it would be better to use a cleanup utility tool.
• Subscribe to streaming services and forget about keeping large media files. There are various platforms that provide entertainment.
• Use iCloud and Dropbox. Clouds are free, though there is an option to upgrade your plan for extra storage.
• Transfer files to external storage devices. USB memory sticks, hard drives, and even DVDs will help you with freeing up disk space on the Mac
• Empty the trash bin. Keep in mind that dragging files in the trash bin will only transfer them to another location. Do not forget to click on the “empty the trash bin” button to remove these files from the computer for good.

Method #6 – Declutter Desktop

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Ideally, Macbook’s desktop should not have any icons on it. However, there are quite a few people who like to put every file there because they find this method more convenient than organizing everything properly into the folders.

The reality is that each icon on the desktop consumes resources because it gets rendered whenever you switch between the desktop and another window.

Breaking out of the habit of hoarding your desktop with icons can be difficult, but if you are looking to improve overall performance, you should put files in folders and transfer them to another location.

Method #7 – Optimize Web Browser

In some instances, the biggest problem stems from using the browser rather than any other application. And it is not necessarily the Macbook or ISP provider at fault.

Browsers need optimization as well. Plenty of users take things too far with extensions and add-ons. Multiple additions to the browser that might seem useful but offer almost no value in reality only slow the browser down.

Removing unnecessary extensions will boost the performance of a browser. Though you should also look to clear cache and browsing history. Sticking to just one open tab also helps as extra tabs, even when idle, also consume memory.

Method #8 – Buy a Cooling Pad

A cooling pad is a nice addition to the accessory kit. The main purpose of cooling pads is to regulate the temperature. When you have to use the Mac in the summer, it can become too problematic at times due to overheating.

A cooling pad maintains the temperature of the computer at acceptable levels. Moreover, you can use the pad as a resting place for an idle Mac, which, while trivial, is another feature.

Method #9 – Prolong Battery Life

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A struggling Macbook will cause problems to battery life as well. You need to ensure that the battery does not end up dead when you need to use the computer and do not have an opportunity to charge it.

For starters, any applications that are idly running in the background should be shut down. Adjust screen brightness and disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you are not using it. A backlit keyboard is another option to disable.

Finally, do not leave the charger plugged-in non-stop. Give it a rest when the battery is already full.

Method #10 – Reindex Spotlight

The most recent macOS update has made Spotlight indexing a bit problematic. It takes a long time and slows down the computer. But the biggest issue is when the indexing stops, and you need for the Macbook to work without any hiccups.

When this happens, you need to initiate indexing manually. Go to System Preferences, select Spotlight, and click on the Privacy.

Navigate to Finder and drag the hard drive icon to the Privacy List. When the icon of the disk is added, remove it by clicking on the minus sign at the bottom of the window. Reindexing will start again, and it should be completed without any interruptions.

Method #11 – Update the System

System updates bring stability, security, and performance improvements. Apple releases new patches for a good reason, and every user should look to update their system at their earliest convenience.

It is not just the updates for the OS. Applications also benefit a lot from new features. And when you add everything together, it really gives the computer a big boost.

Method #12 – Add new Hardware

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These days, it should not be a problem to find good deals for RAM or SSD. Adding either of the two will significantly improve the overall performance of your Macbook. And while it will cost you money, adding new hardware like this is still a lot cheaper than purchasing a brand-new computer.

Though keep in mind that it is a bit tricky to add RAM or SSD when it comes to Macs. You will need to look for someone who knows how to do it. Risking and taking the task upon yourself might lead to damages to the computer.

Method #13 – Reinstall the OS

When every other method still does not solve the problem of a slow Macbook, reinstalling the OS might be the best solution available. It will give the computer a fresh start and eliminate most of the issues that were behind any sluggishness.

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