Q: Why is my iMac slowing down?

I've had my iMac for almost five years and it's been great, but for the last few months most of the apps have become very slow to open and operate. Seems like I get the SBOD almost every time I input a command. Are there steps I can take to clean up my hard drive/system and get back to a normal operation?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Oct 8, 2013 7:17 AM

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Q: Why is my iMac slowing down?

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by Linc Davis,

Linc Davis Oct 8, 2013 11:43 AM in response to nikatnyte
Level 10 (208,037 points)

Applications

Oct 8, 2013 11:43 AM in response to nikatnyte

If this started happening without your having made any changes and without a warning of low disk space, then it's likely that the boot drive, or some other hardware component, is failing. Back up all data immediately, then run the Apple Hardware Test or Apple Diagnostics.
Even if the test is negative, you should make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested more thoroughly.
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by baltwo,

baltwo Oct 8, 2013 12:00 PM in response to nikatnyte
Level 9 (62,256 points)

Oct 8, 2013 12:00 PM in response to nikatnyte

See:

Mac Maintenance Quick Assist,
Mac OS X speed FAQ,
Speeding up Macs,
How to Speed up Macs,
Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance,
Mac troubleshooting: What to do when your computer is too slow,
Essential Mac Maintenance: Get set up,
Essential Mac Maintenance: Rev up your routines,
Maintaining OS X,
Five Mac maintenance myths and
Myths of required versus not required maintenance for Mac OS X for information.
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Q: Why is my iMac slowing down?

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by Linc Davis,

by baltwo,

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