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Hi !
Mac OS X isn't a slow operating system and, in fact, it goes
b really fast
! But, some users here keep asking how they can "speed it up" and try to modify some system files, which can be quite dangerous.
Here are some tips in order to have a stable and fast Mac OS X system,
b safely
:
b 1 -
As usual, use the latest version available. There are a lot of free updates available through the Apple Website or the "Software Update" control panel. They speed Mac OS X up, add some functionalities and so on... Don't forget that some people still use the 10.0.4 version, which was released last year...
For more information about the speed improvements in Mac OS 10.1, see this link : http://www.apple.com/macosx/newversion/
b 2 -
Installing Mac OS X is very easy to do. However, some users don't really take the time to do it. It's always better to initialize your hard drive - so you won't have to think about viruses, hard drives drivers and so on - and to partition it. Put Mac OS X on one partition and Mac OS 9 on the other. This will speed the whole system up and it will be a lot easier to manage !
For more information about the partitioning process, just browse the forums, call Apple or search the Apple Knowledge Base. Be especially careful while doing this : it's easy to do but it has to be done right !
b 3 -
Mac OS X is really easy to customize, especially by using the "Terminal" utility. However, as in Mac OS 9, don't forget that modifying some system files or resources can de dangerous ! Be sure to back the files you'll modify up. If the system doesn't allow you to do something by using the Aqua interface, it's perhaps because it's could be dangerous...
b 4 -
Don't forget that Mac OS X ... is Mac OS X ! The Classic system works great and is very convenient while upgrading your software but "Cocoa" or "Carbon" applications work better ! There are a lot of
b free
updates and applications available through the Apple Website.
Just follow this link : http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/
b 5 -
The Aqua interface acts very smoothly and uses only photorealistic icons. But, "smoothly" doesn't mean "slowly". That's not because windows appear already all-drawn or menus fade-out instead of disappearing that the system react slower. In fact, the new file hierarchy, the dock and the new memory management system will allow you to work more efficiently.
If you follow these ground principles carefully, you shouldn't have any speed problem.
Enjoy Mac OS X !
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