Top ways to optimize your PC and Mac devices
When using your computer, you want to make sure that you’re truly getting the best use out of it, especially considering how much money you spend on your devices. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that you can optimize your PC or Mac computer.
Here are some of my best tips for optimizing your computer, whether you are a Mac or a PC user. Remember, the specific steps or settings may vary slightly depending on the version of your operating system.
1. Keep your software updated
Updating your software is probably one of the most important steps when it comes to optimizing your computer. Software updates are meant to fix security issues within a computer’s operating system.
Regular upgrades can also introduce new and improved tools that you might not be able to use on an older software system. Updating your software on a Mac or PC is relatively easy. Here are the steps for both.
How to update your software on a Mac
Open System settings from the Apple menu in the upper right corner of your screenTap GeneralThen click Software UpdateIf an update is available, it will allow you to click Install Now
How to update your software on a PC
Click the Start button Click SettingsScroll down and click Windows Update If an update is available, you will be asked to restart your computer. Click Restart now to install the update
Before you update your software, it’s always a good idea to back up your devices.
2. Scan your device for malware
Malware can be a huge roadblock when it comes to getting your computer to perform to the best of its ability, which is why doing a malware scan is important. Regular malware scans are important because they can help detect any security vulnerabilities or malware infections and address them before they cause significant damage.
Malware includes viruses, spyware, ransomware and other unwanted software that gets secretly installed onto your device. Once malware is on your device, criminals can use it to steal your sensitive information, send you unwanted or inappropriate ads, demand payment to unscramble data encrypted by ransomware, and make your device vulnerable to even more malware.
Protecting your computer with antivirus software
The best and easiest way to scan for malware is by installing antivirus software on your computer. Not only will antivirus software be able to scan your computer and warn you of any viruses, but it will also make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links which may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information.
See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by heading to CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech
3. Remove unnecessary files
Another thing that can certainly slow down your computer immensely is having your storage taken up by unnecessary files. This could be anything from pictures to videos to documents. Both Macs and PCs have solutions for you to clear out your storage. Here are the steps for both.
How to easily clear storage from a Mac
Open your Settings appClick General Select Storage Here you will see a clear representation of what is taking up the most amount of stager on your Mac. You can click around and delete what you don’t want to save anymore. For example, you can select Applications and delete the ones you don’t use to free up more storage
How to easily clear storage from a PC
Click the Start buttonSelect SettingsGo to SystemSelect StorageHere you will see a view of what is taking up the most storage. You can click Cleanup recommendations to get a view of the temporary files and larger files that you can get rid of right away to give you more storage space.
All you have to do is click the square box next to the item you want to delete and then click clean up at the bottom of the list. You will be asked to confirm your decision by hitting Continue.
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4. Use an optimization program
If you want to get a little more advanced, you can install an optimization program onto your PC or Mac computer. An optimization program will help clean up all that redundant junk from your device so that it can perform the way it’s supposed to and serve your needs without you having to do any of the dirty work.
For my top picks for the best performance optimization programs in the industry, head over to Cyberguy.com/Optimize
5. Manage startup programs
When you start your computer, some programs automatically start and run in the background. This can slow down your computer’s performance. By managing startup programs, you can disable unnecessary programs from starting up with your computer and improve its performance.
How to remove startup programs on a Mac
Click the Apple icon in the top left cornerSelect System Settings Click GeneralSelect Login Items Any items that are set to open automatically on your Mac will appear in the Open at Login section. Click the program you want to remove, then tap the – (minus) icon to remove them
How to remove startup programs on a PC
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task ManagerClick on the Startup tabThis will show you a list of all the apps that are set to open automatically when you start up your PCTo remove an app from the list, right-click on it and select Disable
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6. Clean up browser data
Be sure to regularly clear browser caches, cookies and browsing history. This can help improve web browsing performance and prevent slowdowns caused by a buildup of temporary files.
How to clean up browser data on a Mac
Safari
With your Safari app open, click Safari in the upper left cornerClick Settings
Select Privacy tab and click on Manage Website Data
Click Remove All and then confirm it by clicking on Remove Now in the next screen
Select Privacy tab and click on Manage Website DataClick Remove All and then confirm it by clicking on Remove Now in the next screenGo back to the first step above and click Safari in the upper left cornerScroll down and select Clear HistoryAdjust the time limit you want and select Clear History
Chrome
Open the Chrome app and click Chrome in the upper left-hand cornerScroll down and click Clear browsing dataIn the Clear browsing data window, select the time range you want to clear data for from the drop-down menu at the topMake sure that “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checkedClick on the Clear data button
Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click Microsoft Edge in upper left-hand cornerScroll down to Clear browsing dataSelect “Browsing history,” “Download history,” “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.“Click Clear Now.
How to clean up browser data on a PC
Chrome
Open the Google Chrome browserClick on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the windowSelect More tools from the drop-down menu, then click on Clear browsing data In the Clear browsing data window, select the time range you want to clear data for from the drop-down menu at the topMake sure that “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checkedClick on the Clear data button
Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the 3 horizontal dots at the top rightSelect SettingsGo to Privacy and services on the leftSelect Choose what to clearSelect Cookies and other site data and Cached images and filesChoose Clear now
If all fails, it could be time for a new computer
If after doing all these steps, you still have performance issues, it may be time for a new computer.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Optimizing your computer doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might sound. There are steps you can take on your own on your computer, or you can get a program that will help do the work for you if it feels like too overwhelming of a process. Follow my tips above and enjoy the full potential that your computer can achieve.
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What are your tips or methods for optimizing your computer’s performance and ensuring its longevity? Is this something you’ve been putting off, and if so, why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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