We are nearing the end of yet another wonderful year. And as we prepare for a fresh start, it is time to reflect on our experiences. As a Mac user, we can only assume you have had a smooth and efficient computing experience. However, like any technology, these reliable machines are not completely immune to problems disrupting the workflow.
If you are truly praying for the year to end smoothly with no technological obstacles, you are in the right place. This article focuses on the common Mac problems and provides you with the knowledge required to stay prepared and on top of these problems. By understanding the problems, you will be able to handle them without panicking. Let’s go!
Sluggish Performance
The gradual decrease in performance with time is a normal phenomenon. Using the computer regularly results in the accumulation of various processes and files, resulting in system slowdowns.
To stay on top of this problem, ensure to clean out all the unnecessary files and remove the redundant applications. Also, you must keep the macOS software up-to-date.
The Stuck Rainbow Wheel
Rainbows are beautiful to look at, but not when they appear in the form of a persistent wheel on Mac’s screen. When this happens, the cursor remains fixed and unresponsive.
The appearance of the spinning color wheel doesn’t signify a system crash. It simply means your computer is unable to handle all the resource-intensive tasks you have asked it to complete. The process of how to get rid of the rainbow circle on a Mac is simple. Force quit the applications you are running.
You can also restart your computer or uninstall any new app or extension you have installed. Check the Activity Monitor to find out if there are any background processes consuming too much memory or RAM. If the processes are unnecessary, close them.
Trackpad and Keyboard Issues
Encountering problems with the trackpad and keyboard is a major inconvenience. It can disrupt your workflow.
Some of the common problems are repeated keystrokes, sticky keys, or unresponsive trackpads. You can prepare for such problems by keeping your trackpad and keyboard free of debris. If the issue persists, you may have to go to your nearest Apple service center.
Software Incompatibility
If you are running the latest macOS version, chances are that some older applications might not work any longer. In case you rely on these apps regularly, the problem can be frustrating.
You can avoid the issue by researching the compatibility of the apps before upgrading your OS. You can even consider using virtualization software to run older applications within a compatible environment.
Loss of Important Data
This is every Mac user’s dreaded nightmare. Nobody wants to experience data loss. Whether it is due to hardware failure or accidental deletion, the loss of essential data can wreak havoc.
You can avoid this headache by implementing a backup strategy. Time Machine is a powerful and user-friendly option. You can also use iCloud or other cloud storage solutions.
Declining Battery Life
Battery drain is a common concern among most Mac users. To ensure the battery is healthy, you must periodically calibrate it. Also, avoid letting the battery completely discharge on a regular basis.
It could even help to adjust the energy-saving settings so that the screen automatically goes to sleep when there is no activity. You can close all the unused applications and dim the screen to extend the battery life. You can also disable system animations so that your battery lasts longer.
However, if the battery is draining excessively and even when you are not asking your computer to perform resource-intensive tasks, you may need to replace the battery.
Excessive Heating
Overheating results in potential hardware damage or performance issues. It is important to make sure that your Mac is not getting overheated, especially if you are regularly pushing it with resource-intensive tasks.
A surefire way of knowing your Mac is getting overheated is when the fans start to make loud noises.
You can overcome this problem by always working on your Mac on a flat, hard surface. This will allow for proper airflow. Cleaning the fans and vents to avoid dust buildup is essential. You can even use cooling pads to dissipate the heat.
Additionally, you can use apps like iStat Menus to monitor your Mac’s temperature.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your Mac in top-notch condition as you prepare to step into a new year ensures a productive and smooth experience. The problems discussed above are pretty common among Mac users, and understanding them is the first step to resolution.
If you stay prepared and take steps to prevent the mentioned problems, you can avoid disrupting your workflow. Also, remember to have a backup strategy in place so you never lose your essential data.
