My iMac has been running slowly lately, and the performance generally has been mediocre to poor. I ran EtreCheck, and it had this: Could the page-outs (which I really don't understand) be the problem? If not, what should I look at?
Thanks
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
838 MB Free RAM
884 MB Active RAM
831 MB Inactive RAM
898 MB Wired RAM
15.53 GB Page-ins
4.02 GB Page-outs
iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)
The Page-outs value is more a symptom than the cause. The actual cause might be listed somewhere else in your EtreCheck report. Usually, this is simply the result of having insufficient RAM for the software you are trying to run. In some cases, you can upgrade your RAM. Again, EtreCheck would report whether or not that is possible.
Please post the entire Etrecheck report.
OK. I ran it again, and have more "failed" than before. I was wondering whether I should upgrade the RAM. The iMac is 3 ½ or maybe closer to 4 years old.
Is it still easy to just buy more RAM and install it in the slots? I've done that before. Thanks!
Problem description:
Mac running slow
EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)
Report generated March 29, 2015 at 12:45:47 PM EDT
Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck
Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.
Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.
Hardware Information: ℹ️
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) (Technical Specifications)
iMac - model: iMac12,1
1 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 4-core
4 GB RAM Upgradeable
BANK 0/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
BANK 1/DIMM0
2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
BANK 0/DIMM1
Empty
BANK 1/DIMM1
Empty
Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Video Information: ℹ️
AMD Radeon HD 6750M - VRAM: 512 MB
iMac 1920 x 1080
System Software: ℹ️
OS X 10.9.5 (13F34) - Time since boot: 2 days 18:59:15
Disk Information: ℹ️
WDC WD5000AAKS-402AA0 disk0 : (500.11 GB)
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 499.25 GB (304.99 GB free)
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5680H
USB Information: ℹ️
Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
Western Digital My Book 1234 2 TB
EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
iMac (disk1s2) /Volumes/iMac : 750.00 GB (359.94 GB free)
MacBookAir (disk1s3) /Volumes/MacBookAir : 500.00 GB (271.70 GB free)
Media (disk1s4) /Volumes/Media : 749.76 GB (531.74 GB free)
Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Thunderbolt Information: ℹ️
Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
/Applications/TechTool Pro 7.app
[not loaded] com.micromat.driver.spdKernel (1 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.micromat.driver.spdKernel-10-8 (1 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
/Library/Extensions
[loaded] com.symantec.kext.SymAPComm (12.7.1f4 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.symantec.kext.filesecurity (12.7f4 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.kext.fw (5.3.1f4 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.kext.internetSecurity (5.4f4 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.kext.ips (3.10.2f23 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.kext.pf (5.7.1f4 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
/System/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.palm.ClassicNotSeizeDriver (3.2.1) [Click for support]
Launch Agents: ℹ️
[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.micromat.TechToolProAgent.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.symantec.errorreporter-periodicagent.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.nis.application.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.symantec.uiagent.application.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.wdc.raidmanagerstatusmenu.plist [Click for support]
[failed] org.glimmerblocker.updater.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.micromat.TechToolProDaemon.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.symantec.deepsight-extractor.plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.symantec.errorreporter-periodic.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.liveupdate.daemon.ondemand.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.symantec.liveupdate.daemon.plist [Click for support]
[not loaded] com.symantec.nav.migrateqtf.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.symantec.sharedsettings.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.symantec.symdaemon.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.wdc.WDRAIDDriveService.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] jp.co.canon.MasterInstaller.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
[failed] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist [Click for support]
[failed] com.apple.SafariBookmarksSyncer.plist
[loaded] com.citrixonline.GoToMeeting.G2MUpdate.plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist [Click for support]
[loaded] com.shirtpocket.backupbytime.plist [Click for support]
[running] com.spotify.webhelper.plist [Click for support]
[not loaded] jp.co.canon.Inkjet_Extended_Survey_Agent.plist [Click for support]
User Login Items: ℹ️
Mail Application (/Applications/Mail.app)
Stickies Application (/Applications/Stickies.app)
AdobeResourceSynchronizer Application (/Applications/Adobe/Adobe Reader.app/Contents/Support/AdobeResourceSynchronizer.app)
Dropbox Application (/Applications/Dropbox.app)
Canon IJ Network Scanner Selector EX Application Hidden (/Applications/Canon Utilities/IJ Network Scanner Selector EX/Canon IJ Network Scanner Selector EX.app)
Spotify Application Hidden (/Applications/Spotify.app)
WDDriveManagerStatusMenu UNKNOWN (missing value)
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
DirectorShockwave: Version: 11.6.1r629 [Click for support]
o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 5.40.2.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 3.0.0.126 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 10.1.13 [Click for support]
FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
Silverlight: Version: 5.1.10411.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
Flash Player: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8
googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 5.40.2.0 - SDK 10.8 [Click for support]
QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.13 [Click for support]
NortonInternetSecurityBF: Version: 1.11.0 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.8 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
Scorch: Version: 6.2.0 [Click for support]
JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 8 Update 31 Check version
User internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
fbplugin_1_0_3: Version: Unknown [Click for support]
Move-Media-Player: Version: npmnqmp 07076003 [Click for support]
CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: Version: 1.0.105 [Click for support]
RealPlayer Plugin: Version: Unknown [Click for support]
Safari Extensions: ℹ️
AdBlock
Disconnect
F.B. Purity - Cleans Up Facebook
Norton Internet Security
Evernote Web Clipper
Pin It Button
3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
Flash Player [Click for support]
Flip4Mac WMV [Click for support]
Java [Click for support]
Norton\nQuickMenu [Click for support]
TechTool Protection [Click for support]
Time Machine: ℹ️
Skip System Files: NO
Mobile backups: OFF
Auto backup: YES
Volumes being backed up:
Macintosh HD: Disk size: 499.25 GB Disk used: 194.26 GB
Destinations:
iMac [Local]
Total size: 750.00 GB
Total number of backups: 33
Oldest backup: 2014-05-03 16:19:58 +0000
Last backup: 2015-03-29 15:50:05 +0000
Size of backup disk: Adequate
Backup size 750.00 GB > (Disk used 194.26 GB X 3)
Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️
7% Mail
4% WindowServer
1% Safari
1% hidd
0% ocspd
Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
288 MB Evernote
198 MB Safari
163 MB Mail
155 MB com.apple.WebKit.WebContent
90 MB mds_stores
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
21 MB Free RAM
1.23 GB Active RAM
1.22 GB Inactive RAM
971 MB Wired RAM
15.98 GB Page-ins
4.02 GB Page-outs
Diagnostics Information: ℹ️
Mar 29, 2015, 08:17:28 AM /Users/[redacted]/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/com.apple.WebKit.WebContent_20 15-03-29-081728_[redacted].crash
Mar 29, 2015, 07:55:42 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/iBank 5_2015-03-29-075542_[redacted].hang
Mar 28, 2015, 01:20:30 PM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/SymDaemon_2015-03-28-132030_[redacted].crash
Mar 27, 2015, 05:55:30 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/SymDaemon_2015-03-27-055530_[redacted].crash
Mar 26, 2015, 05:44:11 PM Self test - passed
As an initial suggestion. I would UNINSTALL the Symantec A/V software. It is unnecessary (IMHO) on a Mac - and consumes resources.
Barry
I agree with Barry and also I'd remove TechTool. Not needed to be running continuously and very rarely otherwise.
/Users/[redacted]/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/com.apple.WebKit.WebContent_20 15-03-29-081728_[redacted].crash
The webkit issue would suggest removing all Safari extensions and plugins and run for a while without them. Then add back sparingly while checking Safari and webkit in the Activity Monitor to see if there's any unusual activity by them.
I dumped Norton, and will remove TechTool. Do you think something like DiskWarrior is useful?
I'll go ahead and remove the Safari extensions and plug-ins as well. Safari seems to be the most affected. I've also wondered whether I'm running too many applications at once.
Thanks for your help! I'll do these things and let you know how it turns out!
Shari
Do you think something like DiskWarrior is useful?
Only if you're experiencing severe problems.
I'd remove the AdobeResourcesSynchronizer and Adobe ARM. Don't need them running all the time and phoning home to Adobe. I run PS CS3 and don't have amy problems with those not installed and running.
Where do I find those Adobe items? Spotlight didn't find them. Will they get rid of the Adobe updater crap that drives me nuts?
Thanks! Things are running better already!
Download and run Find Any File to search for a file with "ARA" and "AdobeResourcesSynchronizer" in the file name.
FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages. If there's a library hiding somewhere on your hard drive FAF will find it.
Confirmation and probably a doublure:
The most important are:
-- uninstall Norton/Symantic completely, this is a real culprit in choking the mac;
- the same for Micromat/TechTool. No such thing needed, unless you fully understand it and then only in case of severe problems.
-- Uninstall all Safari Extensions (Sarari-Preferences->Extensions, this would help very much also. If you want you can let Adblock there.
Less important but really helping also:
-- In SystemPreferences->Users&Groups->LoginItems remove ALL entries except the Canon IJ scanner driver.
-- Remove all external software in SystemPreferences, except for FlasPlayer.
Lex
Never mind. Found the files. THANKS SO MUCH, Old Toad and Barry!
Thank you.
Old Toad (and many others) are far more knowledgeable than I, however...😉🙂
Barry
I re-ran EtreCheck, and got NO FAILS and 0 page-outs! Very grateful for your help! Thanks!
ShariPotter wrote:
I re-ran EtreCheck, and got NO FAILS and 0 page-outs! Very grateful for your help! Thanks!
Don't get too excited there. You still only have 4 GB RAM. A RAM upgrade is one of the fastest and easiest upgrade you can do. It is your only available user upgrade on an iMac. Should you ever update to Yosemite, you will really want more RAM. Even if you don't update, more RAM always makes things faster. You have an older machine and RAM for that model is only going to get more expensive. Here is a great source for additional RAM: http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=424&type=Memory
For future reference (consider this educational)
... do page outs have anything to do with it?
Paging numbers are from when you booted the system. According to the full EtreCheck report your system was up for almost 3 days (2 days, 18 hours), so 4GB of page-outs spread out over 3 days, averages out to about a megabyte per minute.
A megabyte/minute, even averaged out, is a lot of disk activity. And since it is reasonable to assume your Mac was not doing anything while you were sleeping and not using it, the byes/minute would be much higher.
Now throw in the almost 16GB of page-ins, and you average I/O over 3 days is more like 5 and a half megabytes/minute, which again would be higher if your Mac is idle while you are not using it.
This should help you in the future, should you have additional slowness and you want to look at paging information to see if it is contributing.
The same as EtreSoft, I will also suggest you might want to consider more RAM (I'm running 16GB in my Macbook Pro, and 16GB in my iMac). Crucial.com and MacSales.com (OWC) are well recommended RAM vendors.
And if you want to really speed up your iMac, consider EtreSoft's advice to replace the hard disk with an SSD, or to remove your DVD drive and use a SSD adaptor kit (MacSales.com DataDoubler is what I used on my iMac).
Mac running slow--do page outs have anything to do with it?
