First, remember to check the cables. Most folks think that either the cable is attached properly and the machine is working or it is not attached and the computer will not work. In reality, a loose cable can have unusual affects.

Acting Quirky

If your computer is still responding but has slowed down or is acting “quirky,” the first thing to do is to close all applications that you are not using. Click on the Applications Menu (the icon on the top far right), and a drop-down list will show you all the running applications. Running too many applications can tie up memory and confuse the computer. Highlight the application you want to quit, then select Quit from the File Menu, and close all applications that you don’t need.

Frozen Desktop

First of all, be patient. When the mouse doesn’t seem to respond, sometimes the computer is simply working in the background. Wiggle your mouse around. If the cursor on screen moves and/or it has changed into a clock whose hands are moving, you may have to wait for the computer to complete its tasks.

Still having a problem? Or the computer is really frozen? Type Command +Q to try to close the program. If that doesn’t work, press Apple-Option-Escape together at once. This will usually force any errant program to close. A window will appear asking if you really want to quit. Choose OK. You will lose any unsaved work, but this may be your only escape.

Reboot

For Mac models other than the iMac, you can try a soft boot by pressing CTRL+Command+the Power On key at the same time. To restart the iMac, unbend a paperclip, and open the little door on the side of the iMac. Then insert the end of the paperclip into the tiny hole with a triangle label above it. You can also use the power button to restart your computer. Rebooting the computer will clear out much of the junk that has accumulated in it. However, rebooting without a proper shutdown should be used sparingly, rather than as a regular habit.

Rebuilt the Desktop

Another way to correct a messed up Mac is to rebuild the desktop. Restart your computer, and hold down the Apple and Option key while the computer starts. A box will appear asking if you want to rebuild your desktop. Select Yes or OK. (Say OK to any warnings that may appear.)

The desktop file keeps a record of all files and items added to or deleted from your hard drive. When you install or delete software, the computer adds the new information wherever it finds room. After a lot of use, the desktop file can start to look like a ten year old, handwritten address book. Rebuilding the desktop creates a clean, orderly index that helps the computer run much more smoothly. It is a good idea to rebuild the desktop occasionally. If you use your computer a lot, once a week is a good interval

Internet Woes

Internet Explorer is notorious for freezing Macs because of a cache overload. The cache is where the computer stores recently visited Web sites. If you surf for long periods of time, you can fill up the cache, which may cause a lock-up.

If your Mac often freezes when on the Internet, go to Preferences and look in the Web Browser area. Choose Advanced. You will see a button where you can empty or clear your cache. (Older versions will find the Advanced button in the Edit menu.)

While you are there, you will also see a box showing the allowable size of the cache. By default, it is set to 5MB or 10MB. Increase the size to 50 MB or 100 MB, and see if that makes a difference.

Reliable Macs

In the computing world, no one is sacrosanct. Even Macs have occasional problems. But the great word here is occasional. Historically, the Mac computer has a much more stable, reliable operating system. Mac users are spared the too-often reoccurring blue screen of death seen by many Windows users. And when the trusty Mac does develop an occasional problem, the get-you-out-of-trouble tips are few and easy to follow. I hope that these five Mac troubleshooting tips will come in handy if you ever need them.