Best Mac Tools To Troubleshoot Problems

Macs are often very secure devices that rarely give their users problems. However, you have to remember that it is still just a machine. This means that over time, due to continuous use, it is only a matter of time before they start to show small gremlins and issues. In most cases, if you notice that your Mac has suddenly started to act erratically, this can often be as a result of failing hardware components, software errors, and more. It is for this reason that many Mac users are encouraged to purchase a macbook pro leather sleeve at an early stage, as it will ensure that your device remains protected from any possible external damage.


However, this doesn’t mean that if you do spot problems with your Mac that you have to automatically run to a technician for help or even buy a new Mac. There are always ways to fix your ageing Mac or at least keep it operating optimally. But, before we get started, you should always remember that it is always recommended to back-up your Mac’s files in advance. This ensures that even if something does go wrong with your Mac at least your files will remain protected. You will also need an external drive like an SD card to store those files and a usb-c sd card reader to facilitate the transfer. So, if you don’t have these, add them to your shopping basket, they will save you a lot of stress down the road.  

In this respect, there are also a few tools that you can use to try and fix some of the problems that you may be experiencing. Without further ado, let’s get started on our top 3 favorite troubleshooting Mac tools!

 

#1. Disk Utility

 

This is essentially a built-in Mac tool that is used to help users inspect their file systems, format their drives, as well as fix any problems they may be experiencing. Im this respect, during the startup process, your Mac will perform a scan of the partition scheme and also the directory structure. If any issues should pop up, then you will able to pick out the disk you need repaired and select First Aid. You can also use this tool to scan any external drives that you may have been previously corrupted. You only need to use a usb c to usb hub and connect any external devices or drives and the First Aid tool will repair them.


  

#2. OnyX

 

This is another useful troubleshooting tool that can help users carry out a diagnostic scan on their Mac to pinpoint potential hardware and software problems. Moreover, it also features a comprehensive maintenance tool that comes built in and will help you to clean out your system of any excessive temporary files and caches that can slow down your Mac’s performance. It also allows you to access hidden application systems like Network Utility, Wireless Diagnostics, among other system utilities. Additionally, it also helps users by providing them with an easy to understand way to adjust their Mac’s settings that would often require complex inputs through the Terminal program. For example, it can allow you to easily configure aspects of your Mac’s like the Finder, change screenshot locations and more.

 

#3. Apple Diagnostic Test

 

The Apple Diagnostics tool is another useful alternative that essentially scans all your Mac’s hardware components and helps you pinpoint any faults that may be causing you problems. Moreover, the extensive variety of diagnostic tests that comes with this toll make it useful in not only pipetting defects in your Mac, but also allows you to identify whether the problems are hardware or software based. It even offers you possible solution that can help you fix the problem as well.

 

Users are also able to run this tool from an external drive or even from the internet. If you want to run this tool, you will first need to shut down your computer and promptly disconnect any external devices you may have plugged in eg. speakers, flash disks, etc. The only exceptions being your external keyboard, mousepad or ethernet cable that you may have plugged in. It is important that your device remains connected to the internet during the scan. If you have a Mac you can try keeping your device connected by using a usb ethernet adapter and plugging it in directly to your router.

 

After that, you simply press and hold the power button as it starts up again, then press the Command + D keys to begin the diagnostic scan. The scan will take a few minutes, but once it is done, you should be provided with  list of problems that will need you to address and also suggestions on how to fix them.


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