Generally speaking, Mac users are not used to of having frequent troubleshooting with their computer problems. But that doesn’t mean that
Macs don’t behave badly from time to time. Here is a detail of some quick fixes for your Mac’s most frequent troubles.
The procedures to be followed are really simple (usually just involves a key combination or a quick command) which is the first attempt to fix a problem.
Before we move forward, all the fixes you’ll see here are very simple and perfectly safe as long as you perform them as per given instructions.
However, it is necessary to ensure that you arrange a backup of your computer before you apply these fixes to your Mac.
Restart your computer
If something has crashed and is slowing your Mac down or any of its function is having a trouble working, most of the times a restart will fix it quickly.
Restarting the computer re-boots its operating system.
The Fix
Restart your Mac gracefully with a clean shutdown. Try to avoid a forced shutdown by holding the power key unless if all else fails – on latest
Macs it’s not likely to cause more trouble but could make an existing issue even worse.
Moving Unused Apps
A software trouble is sometimes caused by another app which is incompatible.
The Fix
Remove all unused software. This will not only make sure possible incompatibilities are avoided but will also free up disk space
in your Mac.
Removing an app can be done easily through the Application folder or even through Launch pad.
The fix
It’ll free up your hard drive space and will prevent other applications from having issues.
Resetting the NVRAM
Fix Type: Follow the Keyboard Shortcut
The NVRAM reset is a very easy key combination that can be performed at startup. The NVRAM is a part of the system memory that is used to
store particular hardware settings.
The Fix
Your Mac has to be powered off first. Turn it on again and hold the given key combination Command+Option+P+R.
It will sound as if it’s booting and your screen may flicker with a chime. Your Mac then reboots and chimes the second time and now is the time to let
go of the keys.
The NVRAM is reset by holding down these four keys
The Fix
The NVRAM resetting will usually resolve the following problems:
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No sound coming through speakers;
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Screen resolution not changing properly;
-
problems using an external display;
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delays in booting.
Even if your problem is not mentioned above, resetting the NVRAM is a good start point. It is very simple to do and doesn’t harm your Mac in any way.
Disk Permissions
Fix Type: Software issues
Permissions are basically a set of access rights for each file or folder. For example, if your Mac is having multiple user accounts, each user can have
an access to his files only.
Disk Utility will not repair all file permissions. It can only repair Apple-related permissions on files or folders or it addresses operating system
related files only.
The Fix
For repairing disk permissions, just perform the following:
-
Open Disk Utility (Access Applications > Utilities);
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Select a startup disk (it is usually the first in the list);
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Now Click Repair Permissions.
Tip: You can also click Verify Disk and check the physical disk and see if there are any more problems.
The fix
Among the many problems it can fix, some are listed below:
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Printer problems;
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Problems in running software;
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Installation of software and drivers;
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Slow boot timing;
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Freezing or crashing.
Updating Softwares
Fix Type: Software
Most of the time a problem is easily resolved just by updating the software.
Tip: To ensure that your Mac will have no problems, update your daily used software and make sure they are compatible and updated.
Use Terminal
Use Terminal to update your Mac. It is useful when some apps don’t run properly or showing a problem opening a Software Update or the App Store.
If your Mac cannot run updates properly, Terminal is a good option.
In a Terminal, you can give all the available updates for your Mac just by giving the command sudo softwareupdate -l.
To install all recommended updates, you can use the command sudo softwareupdate -ia.
Combo Updates
Whenever an update is released to OS X, Apple releases an update usually termed as a Combined Update or a Combo.
Combo updates do work quite well if your Mac is up to date. The software updates can be reinstalled by downloading and installing a Combo update any time.
The fix
Your Mac may face a problem that Apple releases a software update for and may even be experiencing a problem not exactly the same as the update facilitates but can still fix it anyway.
These tips and their awareness will aid your attempts to resolve problems with your Mac. It is an effort to give you easy solutions to help you fix
minor issues with your Mac by sitting at home.
About the Author
Curtis Taylor is a head geek/writer for RepairLabs.com and fix-iPhones.com. His is also on a mission to create awareness and raise funds for charities.
You can read more about this program called Operation HERO.
