Thats interesting. I should figure out to test my computer with benchmarks etc to make sure its all normal.
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opinion of a switcher on mac osx
- Thread starter bowlesbe
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Thats interesting. I should figure out to test my computer with benchmarks etc to make sure its all normal.
I ended up having to send a data capture packet to Apple using some software they emailed me, and then they called me like 3 days later and told me I was getting a new computer 
. However, unlikely that you have the same issue, there are a million things that can cause a computer to run slower lol. Comparing it to benchmarks is definitely a good idea.
. However, unlikely that you have the same issue, there are a million things that can cause a computer to run slower lol. Comparing it to benchmarks is definitely a good idea.
I ended up having to send a data capture packet to Apple using some software they emailed me, and then they called me like 3 days later and told me I was getting a new computer
Out of curiosity, how is a data capture packet created?
Well good question, I was emailed software that was supposed to log all of the processes and speeds of everything on my system. They told me to start this data capture program and then open every program i could find at the same time. Well, I did this and then sent them via email the packet that resulted. Apple engineers then looked at the data that was recorded and told me I was getting a new computer. You would have to ask for the program from apple, I actually was talking with a guy from executive relations who emailed me the software because no one could figure out what was wrong with my computer. I kept taking it into the genius bar, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then they put me in touch with this guy because I was getting angry that something was not working and no one could figure it out. He told me that I could try this and it showed the problem.
bowlesbe:
There is definitely something wrong with your machine if these problems are consistent... unless you are using a much older machine or are running without enough RAM.
My recommendation is to load up your install DVD (#1) and run the hardware tests. Use Disk Utility to repair permissions, and run a Verify Disk to make sure nothing is wrong with the HDD. If a problem pops up, Repair Disk to fix it (hopefully).
If it isn't already, max out your RAM... you want as much as your system can possibly use. Also make sure you consistently have at least as many GB free on your HDD as you have RAM. So, if you've got 4GB of RAM, have *at least* 4GB free HDD space. I would recommend never dropping below RAM x 2 for HDD free space. I have 8GB RAM, so I would always keep it well above 18GB free.
Now, reboot your Mac and hold the shift key. Hold it until you see the Apple logo (gray screen). Let it load up, log in, and then restart without holding shift this time. Finally, when your system finishes loading up, open up Terminal and type:
sudo periodic daily weekly monthly
Enter your password and wait for the prompt to appear again.
Those are the main "maintenance" steps for your Mac. Permissions repair, verify disk (repair disk), Safe Boot (hold shift), and rotating the log files (Terminal command).
If the problems persist, get ahold of a more comprehensive memory testing tool, and run it for a while. See if any errors pop up.
There is definitely something wrong with your machine if these problems are consistent... unless you are using a much older machine or are running without enough RAM.
My recommendation is to load up your install DVD (#1) and run the hardware tests. Use Disk Utility to repair permissions, and run a Verify Disk to make sure nothing is wrong with the HDD. If a problem pops up, Repair Disk to fix it (hopefully).
If it isn't already, max out your RAM... you want as much as your system can possibly use. Also make sure you consistently have at least as many GB free on your HDD as you have RAM. So, if you've got 4GB of RAM, have *at least* 4GB free HDD space. I would recommend never dropping below RAM x 2 for HDD free space. I have 8GB RAM, so I would always keep it well above 18GB free.
Now, reboot your Mac and hold the shift key. Hold it until you see the Apple logo (gray screen). Let it load up, log in, and then restart without holding shift this time. Finally, when your system finishes loading up, open up Terminal and type:
sudo periodic daily weekly monthly
Enter your password and wait for the prompt to appear again.
Those are the main "maintenance" steps for your Mac. Permissions repair, verify disk (repair disk), Safe Boot (hold shift), and rotating the log files (Terminal command).
If the problems persist, get ahold of a more comprehensive memory testing tool, and run it for a while. See if any errors pop up.
Are you running Norton Antivirus?
If so I humbly suggest you delete it. Norton has a troubled history on the Mac. Many Mac users consider Norton to be a "virus."
I just removed Norton from a colleague's MacBook as Norton was constantly sucking 40%-90% (avg 65%) of her CPU cycles (both processors). Norton would not let go of the CPU. My colleague was also was running Free Agent Backup--which was sucking an additional 30% or more of her CPU. In addition, my colleague only had 1 gig of ram. She was having undisired page outs and swaps.
All the items you mention in your list were dog slow. By adding another gig of ram (i.e. 2 gig total) and by uninstalling Norton plus Free Agent Backup, we turned a dog slow computer to a right snappy one.
I further suggest that you run Activity Monitor (located in Utilities folder) to see if anything is hogging your resources.
If you must run Antivirus, many here suggest ClamAV. I personally have no experience with the program.
If so I humbly suggest you delete it. Norton has a troubled history on the Mac. Many Mac users consider Norton to be a "virus."
I just removed Norton from a colleague's MacBook as Norton was constantly sucking 40%-90% (avg 65%) of her CPU cycles (both processors). Norton would not let go of the CPU. My colleague was also was running Free Agent Backup--which was sucking an additional 30% or more of her CPU. In addition, my colleague only had 1 gig of ram. She was having undisired page outs and swaps.
All the items you mention in your list were dog slow. By adding another gig of ram (i.e. 2 gig total) and by uninstalling Norton plus Free Agent Backup, we turned a dog slow computer to a right snappy one.
I further suggest that you run Activity Monitor (located in Utilities folder) to see if anything is hogging your resources.
If you must run Antivirus, many here suggest ClamAV. I personally have no experience with the program.
I have a 15" Powerbook G4 as my sig says. It's nearly 5 years old and it's faster than most PCs I've ever used, except maybe my friend's custom PC built with 8 GB of RAM running XP. And that was only the initial install. Mine is faster now
i dont know why but when i downloaded a free app called 'secerts' when i enabled quartz 2d extreme under system everything seemed to be a lot faster
just a lil tip
http://secrets.blacktree.com/
just a lil tip
http://secrets.blacktree.com/
I agree, if you leave Microsoft Office running while trying to do other work, you are just asking for trouble and a slow computer. Just switch to iwork... much better!