Caring for your Mac
Whether you’ve been using Apple computers for years, or you’re a newcomer to the world of macOS, here’s some tips and tricks we recommend to keep your machine running smoothly and securely for years to come!
Your data could be corrupted Your hard drive could fail You could accidentally delete your precious data 1. Prevent data disasters
Enable Time Machine Backups
Even a Mac can crash, suffer a hard drive failure, or contend with other issues that could put your data in jeopardy. Don’t risk the heartbreak of having something go wrong and your photos, videos, and other data being lost. By using Time Machine, you can easily make automatic daily or weekly backups to an external drive (or more than one!). When the time comes, you’ll be glad you did.
Time Machine can be enabled by connecting a new external drive to your Mac, opening System Preferences, clicking Time Machine, and selecting that external drive as a backup destination.
2. Think Macs are Virus-Free? Think Again
Install MalwareBytes
Every Mac user has heard the myth that Apple computers are immune to viruses and malware. But that’s just that: a myth.
The amount of viruses, malware, and adware for Mac computers is growing by the day, as Mac adoption grows.
Protect yourself today by using a free and reputable antivirus program like MalwareBytes, and run regular scans of your computer to make sure you don’t become their next victim.
3. Computer Running Slow? In Need of More Space?
Clear Out Your Old Files
It seems like common sense, but it’s easy to overlook! Making sure you regularly go through your files, documents, photos, and videos and delete anything old, outdated, or unnecessary can make a huge difference for your computer. And make sure you empty the trash!
You can check how much storage you have by opening About This Mac and clicking the Storage tab. If you have less than 10% remaining, your computer could be in danger of slowdowns and failed updates causing more problems down the road.
Can’t clean up anything more and you’re still out of space, or do you have plenty of free space but still noticing slowness? It might be time for an upgrade. Replacing traditional spinning hard drives with Solid State Drives makes a world of difference in computer performance, and upgrading your drive to a larger model is a fairly quick fix that will give you the storage you need to use your computer comfortably.
4. Stay Secure
Keep Your Device Up-to-Date
It’s good to check this at least twice a month: Enable automatic security updates, and make sure you’ve installed all the security updates available for your device. Do this by opening System Preferences, clicking Software Update, and installing the updates listed. On that same page, click the Advanced button at the bottom, and make sure at a minimum these options are checked:
- Check for updates
- Download new updates when available
- Install system data files and security updates
You can optionally choose to install all macOS updates and all App Store updates automatically here, too.
However, you might want to hold off on installing non-security “feature” updates, like the upgrade from macOS 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur. Large upgrades like these often come with bugs in the first weeks to release. If this is your main machine, consider waiting on these updates until the next patches come out (i.e. wait for macOS 11.1 instead of installing macOS 11 immediately).
5. Keep Your Hardware Safe
Avoid These Common Issues
We’ve seen a spike in power-surge related problems lately. Keep your device safe by always plugging it in to a surge protector, not just a standard power strip or an outlet; even laptops and phones!
On that same note, take care to keep any liquids far away from your device as well. One misspill can damage numerous components, adding up to a costly repair bill.
We know you’re responsible, but damage to the logic board or display of a computer are the single most costly repairs we offer. Hopefully our reminder in the back of your mind saves you from a $500+ accident!
Accident-prone? We feel you. That’s why we offer our MaxCare+ extended warranty alongside the purchase of any of our excellent pre-owned computer or mobile devices, which covers not only standard hardware warranty issues, but accidental damage like drops, spills, and similar ailments for 2 years since the date of purchase.
Visit Us
Still need help or wondering more? We’re happy to help! Drop by our store in Coon Rapids, MN and we’ll get your Mac on the right track.