How to Optimize Mac Computers 101

Macs are top-of-the-line computers that are worth the investment. Despite this, it’s still possible for Macs to succumb to slowing down and freezing up.

The most common issues are malware, viruses or spyware, bloatware, and full internal storage. Sometimes, issues with your hard drive can also affect performance.

This is why it’s important that you know how to optimize Mac computers. Doing so will likely fix your problems, and it’s not as difficult as you think it is. Get started with optimizing your Mac today.

Don’t settle for a computer that operates at half capacity. You don’t need to be a tech whiz with these simple solutions. Read on to discover how to optimize your Mac for better performance.

1. Optimize Mac Storage

Storage plays a huge role in a computer’s system, especially if it’s full to the brim. Your Mac turtles with every old file, unused applications, and software. Clearing your storage will help your computer to run and stop it from acting up.

Before you Google “optimize storage Mac,” start by checking your Mac’s storage space. Do this by selecting the Apple menu, choose “About this Mac,” and click on “Storage.” This will give you a good idea of what’s taking up your computer’s storage.

If you find that it’s almost full, free some space by emptying your trash if you haven’t recently done so. Next is going through your files, apps, and software. Delete files, media, and documents you no longer need or use.

Duplicate media files are always unavoidable. Movies, audio and music, photos, and videos are some of the most common culprits. They tend to eat up a lot of storage, so it’s best to manage and clear them on a regular basis.

With the help of Finder (blue face icon) or the hard disk icon, look for the apps or software you no longer use. Drag them to the trash and make sure to delete them too.

A downside of this is that it can be time-consuming, especially when you do it manually. One way to get around this is through reliable services like those from Setapp.com. It’s a personalized solution designed for meticulous Mac owners.

2. Update Mac Software

Outdated software is another common reason for a slow or buggy Mac. When your Mac is running on software that’s not updated, chances are it’s not going to perform its best.

Software updates are necessary to keep up with the increasing quality of innovation. The internet, for example, has more and more websites that opt for HD photos and videos. The same holds for the growing complexity of website UIs and backend development.

These, on top of the overloaded servers, may put outdated computers at a stand-still. If you don’t update your software, your Mac will have difficulty loading web pages. That said, newer apps are also demanding and will take a lot for older software to run.

If you’re prompted for a software update or alert – don’t ignore it. Those who do a lot of demanding and creative work will want to keep everything updated. Having outdated editing software and graphics drivers, or even skipping security updates, will drag you down.

3. Take Care of Your Mac

This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to optimize your Mac is to care for it. Keeping it in tip-top condition does wonders for both longevity and performance. Proper care and maintenance range from temperature and dust control to restarting your device from time to time.

If keeping your Mac updated is key for optimization, giving it time to rest is also important. Don’t run your computer into the ground for days straight or doing demanding tasks if you can avoid it. Allow your Mac time and space to recover.

Restarting your Mac often refreshes your system, which often fixes optimization issues. Turning it off overnight to rest from time to time also helps. Aside from refreshing your system, resting also helps deal with temperature control.

It’s a fact that all computers create heat and dust. Innovative cooling, fan, and exhaust systems exist to mitigate this, but it’s unavoidable. Your Mac may be your workhorse, but you are bound to suffer optimization issues if you overheat it.

Keeping your Mac cool and monitoring its temperature is important for optimal performance. Managing dust build-up and cleaning the insides on a regular basis is also crucial. You should do this cleaning with a vacuum, dust cloths, and Q-tips – never allow water or moisture near it!

No amount of system and software optimization will matter if you don’t take care of your Mac. Keeping it clean, cool, and free of moisture and debris is vital.

4. Protect Your Mac from Viruses

Unfortunately for Mac users everywhere, the claim that Macs can’t get viruses is a myth. It stems from the fact that most malicious software and viruses target Windows PCs by design. There is a plethora of viruses and potential intruders developed to target Mac iOS.

It’s essential to protect your Mac by getting good anti-virus software. You should double down by getting anti-malware programs too. Scan your Mac on a regular basis, and don’t ignore the security alerts you receive.

Don’t trust free or shady optimization software. Many unscrupulous companies use them to sneak malware, adware, spyware, and viruses in. These will hurt your performance, damage your computer, and may even allow for data and financial theft.

Viruses and many types of malware slow down and damage your system. They can cause lag, freezing, rolling restarts, and total system failure. Adware and spyware are notorious for clogging up your computer and slowing it down.

Good anti-virus and anti-malware programs protect you. Many programs also offer optimization, allowing you to have the best of both worlds. Protection helps ensure your Mac’s optimal performance.

Now You Know How to Optimize Mac Computers

Keeping your Mac running in its best condition isn’t rocket science. Cleaning out unused files, keeping things updated, and taking care of your Mac all help. Protecting yourself from malicious programs also goes a long way, as does a Mac optimizer.

If you find yourself still hunting around for how to optimize Mac computers, look no further. Our site has plenty of additional advice and information for you to explore.