Image source: Pexels.com Macbooks are sustainable, and they will last for a long time without any drop in performance. However, if you are not careful, the computer will start to slow down. When that happens, you may find that using it is no longer possible, and buying a new one is the only solution.
To prevent the issue from happening, create a maintenance routine, and follow it. And if you do not know what that routine should look like, here are some tips to help you.
Tip #1 - Ensure Enough Disk Space
Even if you are not hoarding media or other big files, the amount of available disk space will shrink. This happens for a number of reasons, such as:
- Accumulation of junk files like caches, old backups.
- Download and email attachment folders.
- Failure to empty the trash bin.
Of course, having useless files, like applications you no longer use, does not help the cause. Disk cleanup should be one of the priorities as getting rid of junk files will boost the Macbook's performance. You can go through this link and read about cleanup utility software that would make everything easier.
Also, it is worth mentioning that some people like to keep their files in cloud services, such as Dropbox or iCloud. Finally, you could also purchase external drive devices, like USB memory sticks, and transfer some of your files in them.
Some Mac users leave the computer on all the time, even if they are not using it. But that is not the best strategy. Think about your battery, especially if you are looking to use the same Mac for years to come.
Of course, there are other methods to improve Mac's battery life, like turning off visuals and reducing the number of apps running in the background. The bottom line is that you need to ensure long battery life.
Tip #3 - Install Anti-Virus
Despite actively avoiding shady websites, one can never be certain about dodging viruses, malware, and other security threats.
If you do not have anti-virus software installed, get one right now, and perform regular scans at least once every two weeks. After all, you can find such software for free, and the free version does a great job as well.
Tip #4 - Declutter Desktop
Some people have a habit of cluttering their desktop by putting every file they use there. But such behavior only makes things worse. Each icon is rendered whenever you switch between a desktop and another window.
Look to limit the number of desktop icons to a minimum or remove them completely. There are other locations available on the Mac, and you keep your files there.
Tip #5 - Optimize Internet Browser
In some cases, the biggest issue that some experience is how hard it is to use the internet. But that might be the case not due to terrible ISP providers.
Not being careful could lead to the browser with too many extensions and add-ons. This really slows things down and makes it hardly possible to surf the web anymore.
Look at what your situation with extensions and add-ons is like and remove the ones that serve no real purpose. And if you still find that the problem persists, look to install another internet browser or clear caches and history of the one you have been using until now.
Tip #6 - Trim Startup Items
Regular restarts are an excellent way to prevent memory leakage and give your Macbook some breathing room. A few times a day should be more than enough.
However, those who have too many applications in their startup menu will not be so willing to restart the Macbook regularly. It takes too long for everything to load up. But the issue can be solved by trimming the list of startup applications.
Go to System Preferences, select Users and Groups, and click on your profile. You will see a window with Login Items. Select applications and remove them from the list and save the changes. Restart the Mac, and it will not take forever for it to load.
Even small bug fixes or updates to applications can make a difference in the long run. Whenever there is a new version out, press the update button.
As for the macOS itself, there are some instances when changing the version does more harm than good. Therefore, if you immediately notice performance problems after upgrading the version, switching back might solve the problem.
To sum it all up, no Macbook is going to last forever. However, if you are looking to make the most out of the one you have right now, do not neglect it and create a maintenance routine by following the tips in this article.
