Odds are a few old programs or applications you really don’t use anymore are still loading at startup and robbing your system of memory and processor capacity that could be better used servicing other tasks. Year end is also a great time to review the programs and services that automatically load whenever you start your Mac. Other software programs installed independently require being updated directly from the application. These performance patches and security fixes help your apps run more efficiently and securely while also often introducing new features and enhancements.ĭownload and install updates for applications purchased through Apple’s App Store by opening the App Store, clicking Updates and updating any programs for which updates are available but haven’t yet been installed. Just as it’s important to download and install system updates on your Mac, you should perform the same step for your software programs. Uninstall unnecessary apps either by deleting them from the Mac’s Applications folder or by using a third-party uninstaller app such as Pocket Bits’ App Uninstaller that better deletes programs by also cleaning various associated leftover detritus, too. Year end is an opportune time to review the applications installed on your Mac and remove those you no longer need. Unneeded programs consume disk space – storage space that’s often at a premium due to the popularity of smaller but faster SSDs – and potentially even memory and processor resources if they load automatically at startup or operate in the background. Over time, various software programs and packages often get installed on your Mac for instance, you might download a program to test its features or load an application and use it once. Click the Software Update option, which will display more information regarding the Mac’s installed system version and provide an opportunity to download any available updates. To check for and install Mac updates, click the Apple icon from the Mac’s menu bar, select System Settings, then click General. These performance enhancements, software fixes and security patches, however, help your Apple desktop or laptop run more reliably and securely, so ensure you check the Mac’s Software Update status at year end and then monthly after that. Throughout the year, it’s easy to get distracted and put off installing a Mac’s system updates. Review the results and address any issues that arise with your company’s IT staff or an Apple technician as recommended by the diagnostics utility ( Figure A).įigure A Apple Diagnostics is a built-in utility Mac users can use to confirm the physical health of their desktop or laptop. ( Different steps are required to run the diagnostics using an Intel chip-powered Mac.) Apple’s test checks numerous components, including a Mac’s sensors, battery, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi equipment, storage drive, processor and memory. Using an Apple silicon Mac, run Apple Diagnostics by pressing and holding the Mac’s power button until you see the Options icon display on screen, then release the power button and press and hold both the Command and D keys. SEE: TechRepublic’s comprehensive iCloud guide Check system healthĪfter ensuring your Mac’s files are properly backed up, confirm the Mac itself is operating properly. This is true whether you’re using Time Machine and backing up to an external drive or two or a cloud-based solution such as: So check your backups to confirm they’re working properly and backing up the files you need. Hard drives, whether traditional mechanical drives or SSDs, routinely fail. The most important task and step you should perform first is review your backups to ensure the documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, videos and other files stored on your computer are properly backed up. Here are the year-end steps you should take to ensure your Mac is ready for 2024. Such diligence isn’t just for Windows users, but those using Macs, too. As meetings slow and work schedules and to-do lists often ease, forward-thinking professionals can use the brief lull to ensure the computer powering their daily activities is ready for the coming year. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page.īusiness users often experience a year-end slowdown that presents a timely opportunity to catch up on a few overdue tasks. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. 12 Essential Steps Mac Users Need To Take At Year EndĪs the year comes to a close, Mac users should take these steps to ensure their device's security, performance and organization.
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