iMac Late '09

[johnchart]

My iMac slowing down. Getting old - got in fall 2009. Any hints on how to speed it up? Thanks for help.

 

[GGJstudios]

My iMac slowing down. Getting old - got in fall 2009. Any hints on how to speed it up? Thanks for help.

If you're having performance issues, this may help:

Performance Tips For Mac OS X​

Beyond those, adding RAM or a SSD can greatly improve performance in some cases. It depends on your typical workload and what configuration you have now.

 

[rambo47]

You might start by booting to an OS X install disk and using Disk Utility (from the boot disk) to repair permissions.

You might also max out the RAM (from a reliable source).

Finally, re-installing OS X can help when nothing else seems to work. Just make sure your hard drive is not dying. You can run Apple Diagnostics by disconnecting all peripherals but the mouse and keyboard, then by restarting while holding down the "D" key. That should open up Apple Diagnostics. When it's done you should get a report of all systems, including your hard drive.

 

[GGJstudios]

You might start by booting to an OS X install disk and using Disk Utility (from the boot disk) to repair permissions.

Some people repair, or recommend repairing permissions for situations where it isn't appropriate. Repairing permissions only addresses very specific issues. It is not a "cure all" or a general performance enhancer, and doesn't need to be done on a regular basis. It also doesn't address permissions problems with your files or 3rd party apps.

Repairing permissions: What you need to know
About Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions feature​

Disk Utility repairs the permissions for files installed by the Mac OS X Installer, Software Update, or an Apple software installer. It doesn’t repair permissions for your documents, your home folder, and third-party applications.

You can verify or repair permissions only on a disk with Mac OS X installed.

Does Disk Utility check permissions on all files?

Files that aren't installed as part of an Apple-originated installer package are not listed in a receipt and therefore are not checked. For example, if you install an application using a non-Apple installer application, or by copying it from a disk image, network volume, or other disk instead of installing it via Installer, a receipt file isn't created. This is expected. Some applications are designed to be installed in one of those ways.

Also, certain files whose permissions can be changed during normal usage without affecting their function are intentionally not checked.

There are times when repairing permissions is appropriate. To do so, here are the instructions:

Repairing Disk Permissions​

If repairing permissions results in error messages, some of these messages can be ignored and should be no cause for concern.

Mac OS X: Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions messages that you can safely ignore​

 

[flopticalcube]

How much RAM do you have? How much empty disk space is left? What OS are you running?

 

[WilliamG]

An SSD is the single, best upgrade you can do. I'm going to assume you have at minimum 4GB RAM in that iMac. I'd add an SSD before adding any more memory.

i.e. 4GB + SSD is a better upgrade than 8GB + HDD.

Both is better, naturally, but start with an SSD and your eyes will pop right open.