Harman D.

Q: How Can I Test The Health of my Mac?

Hello, I have a Mid-2012 13 inch MacBook Pro with 2.5 GHz, and an Intel Core i5 processor. I got this Mac about 14 months ago for Grade 8 high school work purposes (I'm in a special Digital Immersion program where all work is done on Macs). My Mac's performance and speed while using OS X has started to decline over the past few months, in a slow and gradual manner. I am not sure if this is something that I should be worried of, or not. I have 186 GB free from my 400 GB Mac OS X Mavericks partition, and 54 GB free out of 100 in my Windows partition. I use my Mac quite heavily for things like video editing with Final Cut Pro, photo editing with Photoshop, word processing, surfing the web, and the occasional game on Steam. I want to test the health of my computer to ensure it is okay. I used a Geekbench test and found with a single core my score is 2576, and with multi core 5177. The closest model I have found to mine is a Mid 2012 13 inch Macbook Pro, but with Intel core i7 instead of my i5, and this model on average scored about 2900. My hard drive in the past has failed which about 8 months ago required a wipe and reinstall of OS X. So, do I have anything to worry about? And what are some alternative methods to check the health of my Mac

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 4:16 PM

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Q: How Can I Test The Health of my Mac?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Sep 16, 2014 4:20 PM in response to Harman D.
    Level 9 (53,825 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 16, 2014 4:20 PM in response to Harman D.

    I suggest you download and install EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck

     

    Run EtreCheck and publish report here

     

    Allan

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Sep 16, 2014 4:21 PM in response to Harman D.
    Level 10 (271,406 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 16, 2014 4:21 PM in response to Harman D.

    You have shown no evidence that you have a problem.

     

    Kappy's Personal Suggestions About Mac Maintenance

     

    For disk repairs use Disk Utility.  For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utility is: Disk Warrior;  DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption. Drive Genius provides additional tools not found in Disk Warrior for defragmentation of older drives, disk repair, disk scans, formatting, partitioning, disk copy, and benchmarking. 

     

    Four outstanding sources of information on Mac maintenance are:

     

    1. OS X Maintenance - MacAttorney.

    2. Mac maintenance Quick Assist

    3. Maintaining Mac OS X

    4. Mac Maintenance Guide

     

    Periodic Maintenance

     

    OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) See Mac OS X- About background maintenance tasks. If you are running Leopard or later these tasks are run automatically, so there is no need to use any third-party software to force running these tasks.

     

    If you are using a pre-Leopard version of OS X, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep.  Dependence upon third-party utilities to run the periodic maintenance scripts was significantly reduced after Tiger.  (These utilities have limited or no functionality with Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion and should not be installed.)

     

    Defragmentation

     

    OS X automatically defragments files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive except when trying to install Boot Camp on a fragmented drive. Malware Protection

     

    As for malware protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. Starting with Lion, Apple has included built-in malware protection that is automatically updated as necessary. To assure proper protection, update your system software when Apple releases new OS X updates for your computer.

     

    Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection:

     

    1. Mac Malware Guide.

    2. Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware

    3. Macintosh Virus Guide

     

    For general anti-virus protection I recommend only using ClamXav, but it is not necessary if you are keeping your computer's operating system software up to date. You should avoid any other third-party software advertised as providing anti-malware/virus protection. They are not required and could cause the performance of your computer to drop.

     

    Cache Clearing

     

    I recommend downloading a utility such as TinkerTool System, OnyX 2.4.3, Mountain Lion Cache Cleaner 7.0.9, Maintenance 1.6.8, or Cocktail 5.1.1 that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old log files and archives, clearing caches, etc. Corrupted cache files can cause slowness, kernel panics, and other issues. Although this is not a frequent nor a recurring problem, when it does happen there are tools such as those above to fix the problem.

     

    If you are using Snow Leopard or earlier, then for emergency cleaning install the freeware utility Applejack.  If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the command line.  Note that AppleJack 1.5 is required for Leopard. AppleJack 1.6 is compatible with Snow Leopard. (AppleJack works with Snow Leopard or earlier.)

     

    Installing System Updates or Upgrades

     

    Repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand.

    Update your backups in case an update goes bad.

     

    Backup and Restore

     

    Having a backup and restore strategy is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your computer. Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. You can never have too many backups. Don't rely on just one. Make several using different backup utilities. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):

     

         1. Carbon Copy Cloner

         2. Get Backup

         3. Deja Vu

         4. SuperDuper!

         5. Synk Pro

         6. Tri-Backup

     

    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance and backup and restore.

     

    Always have a current backup before performing any system updates or upgrades.

     

    Final Suggestions

     

    Be sure you have an adequate amount of RAM installed for the number of applications you run concurrently. Be sure you leave a minimum of 10% of the hard drive's capacity or 20 GBs, whichever is greater, as free space. Avoid installing utilities that rely on Haxies, SIMBL, or that alter the OS appearance, add features you will rarely if ever need, etc. The more extras you install the greater the probability of having problems. If you install software be sure you know how to uninstall it. Avoid installing multiple new software at the same time. Install one at a time and use it for a while to be sure it's compatible.

     

    Additional reading may be found in:    

     

    1. Mac OS X speed FAQ

    2. Speeding up Macs

    3. Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance

    4. Essential Mac Maintenance: Get set up

    5. Essential Mac Maintenance: Rev up your routines

    6. Five Mac maintenance myths

    7. How to Speed up Macs

    8. Myths of required versus not required maintenance for Mac OS X

     

    Referenced software can be found at CNet Downloads or MacUpdate.

     

    Most if not all maintenance is for troubleshooting problems. If your computer is running OK, then there isn't really a thing you need to do except repair the hard drive and permissions before installing any new system updates.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Sep 16, 2014 4:57 PM in response to Harman D.
    Level 8 (49,683 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 16, 2014 4:57 PM in response to Harman D.

    My hard drive in the past has failed which about 8 months ago required a wipe and reinstall of OS X.


    A hard disk that has failed requires only that it be scrapped and replaced. It's unclear whether you did that or not.

     

    Geekbench is a crude performance measurement tool at best, and not designed to be used for diagnostic purposes.

     

    Install no software that claims the magical ability to fix nebulous problems. To do so is to follow a well-worn path to misery.

     

    So, do I have anything to worry about?

     

    If you have a backup strategy, no.

  • by Harman D.,

    Harman D. Harman D. Sep 16, 2014 5:01 PM in response to Allan Eckert
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 16, 2014 5:01 PM in response to Allan Eckert

    EtreCheck version: 1.9.15 (52)

    Report generated September 16, 2014 at 4:59:11 PM PDT

     

    Hardware Information: ?

      MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) (Verified)

      MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro9,2

      1 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 2 cores

      4 GB RAM

     

    Video Information: ?

      Intel HD Graphics 4000 - VRAM: 1024 MB

      Color LCD 1280 x 800

     

    System Software: ?

      OS X 10.9.2 (13C64) - Uptime: 3 days 21:25:16

     

    Disk Information: ?

      APPLE HDD ST500LM012 disk0 : (500.11 GB)

      S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified

      EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

      Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 399.25 GB (186.49 GB free)

      Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB

      BOOTCAMP (disk0s4) /Volumes/BOOTCAMP: 100 GB (54.19 GB free)

     

      HL-DT-ST DVDRW  GS41N 

     

    USB Information: ?

      Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)

      Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

      Apple Inc. BRCM20702 Hub

      Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

      Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver

     

    Thunderbolt Information: ?

      Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus

     

    Configuration files: ?

      /etc/hosts - Count: 20

     

    Gatekeeper: ?

      Anywhere

     

    Kernel Extensions: ?

      [loaded] com.avast.AvastFileShield (2.1.0 - SDK 10.9) Support

      [loaded] com.avast.PacketForwarder (1.4 - SDK 10.9) Support

      [loaded] com.globaldelight.driver.BoomDevice (1.1 - SDK 10.9) Support

      [loaded] com.logmein.hamachi (1.0) Support

      [not loaded] com.tomtom.driver.UsbEthernetGadget (1.0.0d1) Support

     

    Launch Daemons: ?

      [loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support

      [loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Support

      [loaded] com.avast.init.plist Support

      [loaded] com.avast.uninstall.plist Support

      [loaded] com.avast.update.plist Support

      [loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist Support

      [running] com.logmein.hamachi.plist Support

      [running] com.memeo.WDMemeod.plist Support

      [loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support

      [loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist Support

      [loaded] com.surfeasy.ShieldService.plist Support

      [loaded] com.teamviewer.Helper.plist Support

      [failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_service.plist Support

      [not loaded] org.eyebeam.SelfControl.plist Support

      [loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist Support

     

    Launch Agents: ?

      [not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support

      [running] com.adobe.AdobeCreativeCloud.plist Support

      [loaded] com.avast.userinit.plist Support

      [loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist Support

      [failed] com.logmein.hamachimb.plist Support

      [loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist Support

      [failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer.plist Support

      [failed] com.teamviewer.teamviewer_desktop.plist Support

      [loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist Support

     

    User Launch Agents: ?

      [loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support

      [failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support

      [loaded] com.avast.home.userinit.plist Support

      [not loaded] com.spotify.webhelper.plist Support

      [loaded] com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist Support

      [failed] com.Wondershare.TunesGoWatchDemo.plist Support

      [running] ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist Support

     

    User Login Items: ?

      uHD-Agent

      Bartender

      MyDriveConnect

      iTunesHelper

      VMware Fusion Start Menu

      SurfEasy VPN

      Inklet

     

    Internet Plug-ins: ?

      JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 8 Update 20 Check version

      o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 5.4.2.18903 Support

      Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9

      AdobeAAMDetect: Version: AdobeAAMDetect 2.0.0.0 - SDK 10.7 Support

      FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 15.0.0.152 - SDK 10.6 Support

      AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 11.0.06 - SDK 10.6 Support

      Flash Player: Version: 15.0.0.152 - SDK 10.6 Support

      QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3

      googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 5.4.2.18903 Support

      SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.1.0 Support

      AdobePDFViewer: Version: 11.0.06 - SDK 10.6 Support

      DirectorShockwave: Version: 12.1.1r151 - SDK 10.6 Support

     

    Safari Extensions: ?

      wrc

      Searchme-2

      Amazon Shopping Assistant

      Ebay Shopping Assistant

      Slick Savings

      AdBlock

     

    Audio Plug-ins: ?

      BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9

      AirPlay: Version: 2.0 - SDK 10.9

      AppleAVBAudio: Version: 203.2 - SDK 10.9

      iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9

     

    iTunes Plug-ins: ?

      Quartz Composer Visualizer: Version: 1.4 - SDK 10.9

     

    User Internet Plug-ins ?

      BlueStacks Install Detector: Version: Unknown

      Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 7.1 Support

     

    3rd Party Preference Panes: ?

      Flash Player  Support

      Java  Support

     

    Time Machine: ?

      Mobile backups: OFF

      Auto backup: NO - Auto backup turned off

      Volumes being backed up:

      Macintosh HD: Disk size: 371.83 GB Disk used: 198.15 GB

      Destinations:

      My Passport- Harman [Local] (Last used)

      Total size: 931.16 GB

      Total number of backups: (null)

      Size of backup disk: Adequate

      Backup size 931.16 GB > (Disk used 198.15 GB X 3)

      Time Machine details may not be accurate.

      All volumes being backed up may not be listed.

     

    Top Processes by CPU: ?

          4% WindowServer

          4% CalendarAgent

          3% hidd

          1% PluginProcess

          1% Creative Cloud

     

    Top Processes by Memory: ?

      238 MB Safari

      217 MB com.apple.WebKit.WebContent

      78 MB installd

      66 MB com.apple.WebKit.Networking

      57 MB softwareupdated

     

    Virtual Memory Information: ?

      632 MB Free RAM

      1.67 GB Active RAM

      496 MB Inactive RAM

      715 MB Wired RAM

      2.77 GB Page-ins

      177 MB Page-outs

  • by Harman D.,

    Harman D. Harman D. Sep 16, 2014 5:10 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 16, 2014 5:10 PM in response to Kappy

    Hi Kappy,

     

    Would you recommend that I upgrade my RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB based on my usages

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Sep 16, 2014 6:08 PM in response to Harman D.
    Level 8 (49,683 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 16, 2014 6:08 PM in response to Harman D.
    1. Time Machine has been configured but it has not been used. Back up your Mac prior to making any changes to its file system. To learn how to use Time Machine read Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac.
    2. Uninstall Avast. It is garbage. Avast's uninstaller is included with its downloaded installation package. Use it.
    3. Uninstall the adware you installed. To do that open Safari's Preferences menu, select Extensions, and uninstall any Safari Extensions that you are not certain you require. None are required for normal operation. For an explanation or how this may have occurred, how to avoid it in the future, and for one possible solution read How to install adware.
    4. Both Teamviewer and Logmein are installed. Both are remote access administration tools. There are legitimate purposes for using them, but they are often used by criminals to gain access to your Mac for nefarious purposes. If you are not certain that you require them, uninstall them.
    5. An apparently modified Hosts file is another concern. If you know the reason for altering Hosts then you can troubleshoot it on the basis of that knowledge. If you do not know the reason, it often occurs as a result of installing pirated or "cracked" software to circumvent its ability to contact an external host to verify their software was legitimately obtained. If that's the case then anything is possible as a result of having installed illegally obtained software.
    6. Update OS X. To learn how to do that read OS X: Updating OS X and Mac App Store apps
    7. You need to be much more circumspect regarding the software you choose to install on your Mac. May I suggest that you review the following setting in System Preferences?


    Screen Shot 2014-09-11 at 7.30.53 PM.png


    Although you may easily override that setting, it will serve to protect you from inadvertently installing garbage.