by 
The Curious Bag
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A common experience for most computer users is a decrease in system performance over time. There are many causes for this issue and a number of easy ways to address it to keep your computer running smoothly.
Memory
Memory is a key aspect of system performance, and inadequate memory will produce a noticeable decrease in performance. If your Mac is running slowly, consider adding as much memory as your system will support.
Disk Space
Another factor creating slow performance on a Mac is inadequate disk space. The computer needs free disk space for its operation, so if you are low on disk space, consider removing unneeded files or upgrading to a larger hard disk.
Inactive Programs
Even with adequate memory, if too many programs are left running when you are not using them, they will consume resources and reduce performance. Make sure to close applications you are not actively using.
Dashboard
The Dashboard in Mac OS runs programs called widgets in the background. If you have performance issues, consider removing any unneeded widgets or disabling the Dashboard if you don't use it.
Spotlight
Spotlight is the search and indexing feature of Mac OS which, by default, indexes the entire hard drive consuming system resources. You can exclude all but your document folders from Spotlight searches which will increase performance.
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