MacBook Air M1 had been hanging and slower

Question

Level 1

28 points

MacBook Air M1 had been hanging and slower

for some days, my macBook air m1 basic had been hanging and slowing. today, 29.10.23, checking for updates, I found 14.1 ready for download...since 25.10.23. thing is, my laptop is set up for automatic updates, so why didn't it update when 14.1 became available? was it my VPN, Surfshark?

I tried to upgrade and kept getting a message of failure. having had issues with Surfshark on a number of occasions, I uninstalled the app - indeed, Surfshark wasn't even running, although I have been accepting its requests to install extensions each time I have re-installed it, extensions that may be running in the background even when the software is off (Surfshark these days has an inbuilt antivirus.)

what do you know, I was now able to install Sonoma 14.1.

I'd like to know if other macOS users have found an alternative to Surfshark, one that's a bit more macOS-friendly, I'd be grateful for your input.

[Re-titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 29, 2023 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

lth2325

Level 1

22 points

Nov 3, 2023 12:51 PM in response to guycruls

Since installing Sonoma 14.1, Surfshark One, with the antivirus activated, causes my computer to not fully boot to my desktop. I know this because uninstalling the app makes the problem go away. Reinstalling and activating the antivirus, causes my Mac to no longer fully boot to my desktop. Surfshark support is not interested in doing anything on their end to replicate the issue. They want me to supply logs, which are not possible when the program won't allow me to access my desktop.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2024 4:52 PM in response to bjorge

bjorge wrote:

I've been using Surfshark for years and had no issues. Don't listen to that Barney guy, he has no idea what he's talking about. Surfshark does a good job in providing you with a safe and secure connection.

It appears you have bought into the false claims of unnecessary third party apps that claim to protect, clean, manage, etc. Third party apps such as VPNs and antivirus apps use system resources while providing no benefit. And they may extract your data to share/sell with other third parties. Such apps also cause problems.

If you need to create a secure point-to-point tunnel to a company or other organization's private network, get VPN advice and configuration information from the company's network administrator.

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,870 points

Oct 29, 2023 11:14 AM in response to guycruls

The only trustworthy and useful VPN are the ones designed to allow access to company networks from outside the network.

The things like Surfshark are not VPN’s. They are just scams that use FUD to route all of your traffic through their server so they can sell you all wrapped up in a neat little bow.

iCloud Private relay does what those people purport to protect you from.

Nobody is lurking around your home network trying to steal your information.

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Answer 4

bjorge

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2024 9:47 AM in response to guycruls

I've been using Surfshark for years and had no issues. Don't listen to that Barney guy, he has no idea what he's talking about. Surfshark does a good job in providing you with a safe and secure connection.

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Answer 5

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,870 points

Jan 7, 2024 4:41 PM in response to bjorge

bjorge wrote:

I've been using Surfshark for years and had no issues. Don't listen to that Barney guy, he has no idea what he's talking about. Surfshark does a good job in providing you with a safe and secure connection.

It isn't any more safe and secure than my connection without Surfshark.

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,870 points

Nov 3, 2023 4:28 PM in response to lth2325

You should not buy into the FUD both industries are peddling.

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Answer 7

lth2325

Level 1

22 points

Nov 3, 2023 7:16 PM in response to Barney-15E

You’re right. They are more trouble than they are worth.

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