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As time goes on, your Mac, like any device, may accumulate clutter and perform less optimally. While purchasing a new machine is one option, optimizing your current system can often yield better results without the additional cost. This article offers practical strategies and applications that can revitalize your existing computer setup, helping it feel refreshed and organized. These methods have been effective since I first shared them in 2021, assisting in keeping my 2018 MacBook Air functioning effectively.
How to clean your Mac’s screen and body
Cleaning your Mac can be simplified by using readily available materials rather than specialized products. A basic cleaning regimen can be executed with just water and a microfiber cloth, a combination Apple supports for maintenance. For optimal results, distilled water is preferable, as it minimizes the likelihood of leaving behind streaks or residue. Distilled water can be purchased easily or made at home using common kitchen items. If you need microfiber cloths, they can be found cheaply online.
Another handy tool is the Giottos Rocket Blower, which can effectively remove dust without the need for wasteful canned air products.
When cleaning, ensure you start with a clean cloth to prevent spreading dirt around. First, power down and unplug your device. Use your blower or a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate dust, paying special attention to the keys if your Mac features a butterfly keyboard.
Moisten one side of the microfiber cloth with water, avoiding direct application on the device to prevent moisture infiltration. Begin cleaning with the display to avoid transferring dirt back to the screen. Lastly, use the dry side of the cloth to carefully buff your device, ensuring no scratches occur. Following these steps will leave your Mac looking refreshed.
How to organize your hard drive
Organizing your Mac’s hard drive can be daunting, especially with applications that may have been installed and forgotten long ago. Fortunately, macOS includes a built-in tool to facilitate this. Access it via System Settings > General > Storage to see a breakdown of your storage into categories such as “Applications,” “Documents,” and more. By selecting a category like Applications, you can view usage statistics and delete unused programs directly.
It’s essential to remove unnecessary applications, but doing so requires a more comprehensive method than simply dragging into the trash. A free utility known as AppCleaner assists in identifying leftover files and folders that might remain after deletion.
After handling unnecessary apps, focus on the Documents section, which encompasses various file types beyond mere text documents. This area can include large files, including obsolete DMG files from installed applications. Additionally, if you’ve backed up your iPhone, check for old iOS backups on your computer that can also be deleted safely.
Tips and tricks for keeping a neat Desktop and Finder
A cluttered menu bar can make your desktop appear chaotic. A useful application called Bartender allows you to manage these elements better by hiding less essential items behind a compact icon, increasing visual organization. You can also streamline your start-up applications by going to System Settings > General > Login Items and removing unneeded apps from your login list.
For an organized desktop, adopting a ‘less is more’ philosophy is beneficial. Utilizing folders and stacks can minimize visual clutter but might not be sufficient for every user who relies on their desktop for quick access.
Consider replacing desktop shortcuts with tagging to organize files more effectively. In Finder Settings (Command + ,), check the Tags section to create and customize tags that will streamline file retrieval. Apply tags to files by right-clicking while holding the ctrl key and selecting a tag from the dropdown. Tags can also be used within applications, providing a more organized storage system.
Tags are not just helpful visually; they are also searchable via Finder or Siri, making file management more efficient. For example, adding specific tags related to different projects can simplify the locating process, enhancing productivity.
Another invaluable tool to enhance your Finder functionality is Alfred. This app acts as an advanced version of Apple’s Spotlight, allowing for quicker access to applications and files, transforming your Mac experience positively.
How to organize your windows and tabs
Compared to Windows 10, macOS’s window management options can feel limited. While you can tile windows using the green full-screen button, this feature falls short when more detailed management is needed. To enhance window organization, consider using a downloadable application designed for this purpose.
My recommendation is Magnet, a paid app known for its user-friendly interface. For those seeking a no-cost alternative, Rectangle provides similar functionality at no charge. Another option is BetterSnapTool, which offers extensive features but with a more complex interface. All three apps significantly enhance window configuration, allowing users to utilize keyboard shortcuts for quick adjustments, thus improving workflow efficiency.
Source
www.engadget.com