Tune-up a MacOS Device: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{AboxNew | ||
| name = Tune-up a MacOS Device | |||
| learning = | |||
| instruction = | |||
| community = x | |||
| summ = Refresh your MacOS device and help it run better | |||
| maintained = RS | |||
| year = 2024-2025 | |||
}} | }} | ||
__TOC__ | |||
= General Maintenance Tips = | == General Maintenance Tips == | ||
* | * Prevent data loss: Time Machine backups OR put everything into Google Drive | ||
* Upgrade the operating system to the latest version | * Upgrade the operating system to the latest version | ||
* Keep your software up-to-date in the App Store and elsewhere | * Keep your software up-to-date in the App Store and elsewhere | ||
* Reboot the machine regularly (once per week is good) | * Reboot the machine regularly (once per week is good) | ||
* Delete stale wireless preferred networks in Network Preferences. NOTE: If you use [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204085 iCloud Keychain], any wireless networks you have connected to, ''on any Apple device also connected to iCloud Keychain'', will appear in the list of preferred networks. | * Delete stale wireless preferred networks in Network Preferences. | ||
** NOTE: If you use [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204085 iCloud Keychain], any wireless networks you have connected to, ''on any Apple device also connected to iCloud Keychain'', will appear in the list of preferred networks. | |||
*[https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063 Zap the PRAM] (also called NVRAM) | *[https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063 Zap the PRAM] (also called NVRAM) | ||
** Reboot, then hold command-option-P-R until you hear the chime twice | ** For M version Macs: Shut down the computer. Leave it off for several seconds and the M chip is supposed to detect if there's anything wrong and reset it. Then power it back on. There is no actual keyboard command to reset it anymore. | ||
* Boot into [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262 Safe Mode] by holding Shift during the startup chime | ** Reboot, then hold '''command-option-P-R''' until you hear the chime twice | ||
* Boot into [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262 Safe Mode] by holding '''Shift''' during the startup chime | |||
** This will clear the Mac's cache files; just log in (twice if you have FileVault turned on), and then restart once more | ** This will clear the Mac's cache files; just log in (twice if you have FileVault turned on), and then restart once more | ||
** For M version Macs: | |||
*** Shut down the laptop | |||
*** Power on while HOLDING the power button | |||
*** Options and disks will appear | |||
*** Hold '''SHIFT''' key and click "Continue in Safe Mode" | |||
* Install anti-virus software (we use Sophos at RCS) | * Install anti-virus software (we use Sophos at RCS) | ||
* Review the Trash and empty it | * Review the Trash and empty it | ||
* Review contents of Downloads folder and delete files that you don't need | * Review contents of Downloads folder and delete files that you don't need | ||
* NOTE: You're also welcome to open a ticket and we can assist you with a performance tune-up! | |||
= Browser Fixes = | == Browser Fixes == | ||
* [https://www.lifewire.com/using-task-manager-in-chrome-446159 Chrome Task Manager] - like the Activity Monitor, but for Chrome (if you use Chrome) | * [https://www.lifewire.com/using-task-manager-in-chrome-446159 Chrome Task Manager] - like the Activity Monitor, but for Chrome (if you use Chrome) | ||
* Check browser extensions / add-ons | * Check browser extensions / add-ons: Running a lot of them can slow down your browsing | ||
* Clear your browser (especially Chrome) | * Clear your browser (especially Chrome): history, cache, passwords - these things can dramatically speed up Chrome | ||
* Restart your browser: Especially after clearing things above | * Restart your browser: Especially after clearing things above | ||
* Reset your browser: This is a last-case fix, so come discuss with the Tech Dept before doing this | * Reset your browser: This is a last-case fix, so come discuss with the Tech Dept before doing this | ||
[[Category:Family Resources]] |
Latest revision as of 08:27, 16 September 2024
Summary | Refresh your MacOS device and help it run better |
---|---|
Author | Maintained by Rob Shin |
Help | Get help with this article |
Status | Up-to-date for the 2024-2025 school year. |
General Maintenance Tips
- Prevent data loss: Time Machine backups OR put everything into Google Drive
- Upgrade the operating system to the latest version
- Keep your software up-to-date in the App Store and elsewhere
- Reboot the machine regularly (once per week is good)
- Delete stale wireless preferred networks in Network Preferences.
- NOTE: If you use iCloud Keychain, any wireless networks you have connected to, on any Apple device also connected to iCloud Keychain, will appear in the list of preferred networks.
- Zap the PRAM (also called NVRAM)
- For M version Macs: Shut down the computer. Leave it off for several seconds and the M chip is supposed to detect if there's anything wrong and reset it. Then power it back on. There is no actual keyboard command to reset it anymore.
- Reboot, then hold command-option-P-R until you hear the chime twice
- Boot into Safe Mode by holding Shift during the startup chime
- This will clear the Mac's cache files; just log in (twice if you have FileVault turned on), and then restart once more
- For M version Macs:
- Shut down the laptop
- Power on while HOLDING the power button
- Options and disks will appear
- Hold SHIFT key and click "Continue in Safe Mode"
- Install anti-virus software (we use Sophos at RCS)
- Review the Trash and empty it
- Review contents of Downloads folder and delete files that you don't need
- NOTE: You're also welcome to open a ticket and we can assist you with a performance tune-up!
Browser Fixes
- Chrome Task Manager - like the Activity Monitor, but for Chrome (if you use Chrome)
- Check browser extensions / add-ons: Running a lot of them can slow down your browsing
- Clear your browser (especially Chrome): history, cache, passwords - these things can dramatically speed up Chrome
- Restart your browser: Especially after clearing things above
- Reset your browser: This is a last-case fix, so come discuss with the Tech Dept before doing this