#information that is VITAL for nefarious usage
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does your history show up using a vpn
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does your history show up using a vpn
VPN history privacy
Title: The Evolution of VPNs: Safeguarding Privacy Through History
In today's digitally interconnected world, concerns about online privacy have become more pronounced than ever. As a response to growing surveillance and data breaches, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a vital tool for safeguarding privacy. However, the history of VPNs traces back several decades, evolving alongside advancements in technology and the changing landscape of online privacy concerns.
The concept of VPNs first emerged in the late 20th century when businesses sought secure ways to connect remote offices and employees to their corporate networks. This early iteration of VPN technology relied on leased lines and protocols like Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) to create secure connections over public networks.
As internet usage expanded beyond corporate settings, individuals began to recognize the value of VPNs in protecting their personal data from prying eyes. The 2000s saw a proliferation of consumer VPN services, offering encrypted tunnels to shield internet traffic from hackers, government surveillance, and data-hungry ISPs.
The increasing importance of VPNs in preserving privacy led to advancements in encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN and IPSec, enhancing the security and reliability of VPN connections. Additionally, the rise of mobile devices spurred the development of VPN apps, allowing users to protect their privacy on smartphones and tablets.
Today, VPNs have become ubiquitous tools for internet users worldwide, offering not only privacy protection but also access to geo-restricted content and enhanced security on public Wi-Fi networks. However, as VPN usage grows, so do concerns about the transparency and accountability of VPN providers, highlighting the need for robust regulations and industry standards to ensure user privacy.
In conclusion, the history of VPNs reflects a continual effort to balance the convenience of online connectivity with the imperative to protect individual privacy. From their origins in corporate networking to their widespread adoption by consumers, VPNs have played a crucial role in empowering individuals to reclaim control over their online identities and data privacy.
Online activity anonymity
In today's digital age, online activity anonymity has become increasingly important for individuals seeking to protect their privacy and security. With the vast amount of personal information shared and stored online, maintaining anonymity can help prevent identity theft, data breaches, and unwarranted surveillance.
One of the primary reasons individuals seek anonymity online is to safeguard their personal information from being exploited by malicious actors. By masking their identity, users can browse the internet, communicate, and engage in various online activities without revealing sensitive data such as their name, address, or financial information.
Moreover, online anonymity fosters freedom of expression and encourages open communication without fear of repercussion or censorship. This is particularly important in regions where freedom of speech is restricted, allowing individuals to voice their opinions and participate in discussions without the risk of persecution.
Furthermore, anonymity plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable populations, such as whistleblowers, activists, and journalists, who may face retaliation for exposing wrongdoing or challenging oppressive regimes. By concealing their identities, these individuals can safely disseminate information and advocate for social change without putting themselves at risk.
However, it's essential to note that while online anonymity provides numerous benefits, it can also be exploited for nefarious purposes, such as cyberbullying, harassment, and illegal activities. Therefore, striking a balance between privacy and accountability is crucial to ensure a safe and secure online environment for all users.
In conclusion, online activity anonymity serves as a fundamental tool for safeguarding privacy, promoting freedom of expression, and protecting vulnerable individuals. By leveraging technologies such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encrypted messaging services, and anonymity networks like Tor, users can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and peace of mind.
Browsing securely with VPN
When it comes to browsing securely online, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a game-changer. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, ensuring that your online activities are private and protected from prying eyes.
One of the key benefits of using a VPN is that it masks your IP address, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location and identify you. This not only helps protect your privacy but also allows you to access region-restricted content and bypass censorship in certain locations.
Furthermore, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing hackers, government agencies, and even your internet service provider from monitoring your online activities. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, where your data could be intercepted by cybercriminals.
In addition to enhancing your online security and privacy, using a VPN can also help improve your browsing experience. By bypassing internet restrictions and geo-blocks, you can access websites and services that may be unavailable in your current location. This can be particularly useful for streaming services, online gaming, and accessing global news and information.
Overall, browsing securely with a VPN is a smart choice for anyone looking to protect their online privacy, access unrestricted content, and enhance their internet security. With the increasing threats to online security and privacy, investing in a reliable VPN service is a proactive step towards ensuring a safe and secure browsing experience.
Tracking prevention using VPN
Tracking prevention using VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a crucial method to safeguard your online privacy and security. VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server, masking your IP address and location. This not only protects your data from potential hackers and cyber threats but also prevents websites, advertisers, and internet service providers from tracking your online activities.
By using a VPN, you can prevent tracking technologies like cookies, web beacons, and browser fingerprinting, which are commonly used by websites to monitor your behavior and preferences. This helps in maintaining anonymity while surfing the internet and ensures that your online activities remain private.
Moreover, VPNs are particularly useful when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, airports, or hotels, as these networks are often unsecured and prone to data breaches. By using a VPN, you create a secure and encrypted connection, protecting your data from potential eavesdroppers on the same network.
It is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN service provider to ensure maximum protection. Look for features like a no-logs policy, strong encryption protocols, and a large server network to enhance your online privacy and security.
In conclusion, utilizing a VPN for tracking prevention is a proactive measure to safeguard your online presence. By encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, you can protect your data from trackers and maintain anonymity while browsing the web. Stay safe and secure online with the help of a VPN.
Internet history protection
Internet history protection is a crucial aspect of maintaining online privacy and security in the digital age. Your internet history contains a record of all the websites you have visited, searches you have made, and online activities you have engaged in. This information can be valuable to third parties, including advertisers, hackers, and even government agencies.
To protect your internet history, it is essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your online data. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for others to track your online activities. Additionally, it masks your IP address, providing you with anonymity while browsing the web.
Another important step in protecting your internet history is to regularly clear your browsing history and cookies. Most web browsers offer the option to delete your browsing history, cache, and cookies, which can help prevent websites from tracking your online behavior.
Furthermore, using secure and unique passwords for your online accounts can also enhance your internet history protection. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your login credentials.
In conclusion, safeguarding your internet history is essential for maintaining your online privacy and security. By utilizing tools such as VPNs, clearing browsing data regularly, and using secure passwords, you can better protect your online data from prying eyes. Remember, taking proactive measures to protect your internet history is key to ensuring a safe and secure online experience.
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does norton secure vpn really prevent tracking
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does norton secure vpn really prevent tracking
Norton Secure VPN efficacy
Norton Secure VPN is a virtual private network service aimed at providing users with a secure and private online browsing experience. The efficacy of Norton Secure VPN lies in its ability to encrypt data transmitted over the internet, ensuring that user information remains confidential and protected from cyber threats.
One of the key features of Norton Secure VPN is its encryption technology, which scrambles data to make it unreadable to unauthorized parties. This encryption process helps to safeguard sensitive information such as passwords, bank details, and personal messages from potential hackers and cybercriminals.
Furthermore, Norton Secure VPN offers users the ability to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP address. This feature helps prevent third parties from tracking user activities online and enhances privacy while surfing the web.
Additionally, Norton Secure VPN allows users to access geo-restricted content by masking their location and providing access to websites and streaming services that may be blocked in their region. This feature is particularly useful for users looking to bypass censorship or access content that is not available in their country.
In conclusion, Norton Secure VPN is an effective tool for enhancing online security and privacy. By utilizing advanced encryption technology, anonymous browsing capabilities, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, Norton Secure VPN provides users with a comprehensive solution for safeguarding their online activities and data.
Tracking prevention by Norton Secure VPN
Title: Enhancing Online Privacy: Norton Secure VPN's Tracking Prevention
In today's digital age, safeguarding our online privacy has become more critical than ever. With the proliferation of data tracking and surveillance by both advertisers and malicious entities, internet users are increasingly seeking reliable solutions to protect their sensitive information. Norton Secure VPN stands out as a robust tool in this regard, offering advanced tracking prevention features to ensure users can browse the web with confidence and peace of mind.
One of the key functionalities of Norton Secure VPN is its ability to block tracking attempts from various sources across the internet. By encrypting the user's internet connection and routing it through secure servers, Norton Secure VPN effectively shields their online activities from prying eyes. This includes preventing advertisers from tracking browsing habits, ISPs from monitoring internet usage, and malicious actors from harvesting personal data for nefarious purposes.
Moreover, Norton Secure VPN employs state-of-the-art technology to detect and block tracking cookies, which are commonly used by websites to monitor user behavior and serve targeted advertisements. By eliminating these tracking mechanisms, users can enjoy a more private and personalized browsing experience without compromising their anonymity or security.
Additionally, Norton Secure VPN offers customizable privacy settings, allowing users to tailor their level of tracking prevention based on their preferences and needs. Whether they require maximum privacy protection or prefer a more balanced approach, Norton Secure VPN empowers users to take control of their online privacy.
In conclusion, Norton Secure VPN's tracking prevention features play a vital role in safeguarding users' online privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and offering customizable settings, Norton Secure VPN enables users to browse the web securely and anonymously, ensuring their sensitive information remains private and protected.
Norton VPN privacy protection
Title: Enhance Your Online Privacy with Norton VPN
In today's digital age, safeguarding your online privacy is paramount. With cyber threats on the rise and concerns over data breaches, internet users are increasingly turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) for added protection. Norton VPN stands out as a reliable solution, offering robust privacy features to ensure a secure browsing experience.
Norton VPN operates by encrypting your internet connection, shielding your online activities from prying eyes. Whether you're browsing the web, accessing sensitive information, or connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, Norton VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data, preventing unauthorized access.
One of the key features of Norton VPN is its no-log policy, which means it doesn't track or store your online activity. This commitment to privacy ensures that your browsing history, search queries, and personal information remain confidential. By keeping your online footprint private, Norton VPN gives you peace of mind knowing that your data isn't being collected or sold to third parties.
Moreover, Norton VPN offers a wide selection of server locations worldwide, allowing you to browse the internet anonymously and access geo-restricted content. Whether you're traveling abroad or simply want to bypass regional restrictions, Norton VPN enables you to enjoy unrestricted internet access while maintaining your privacy.
Additionally, Norton VPN includes advanced security features such as ad and malware blocking, further enhancing your online protection. By blocking intrusive ads and malicious websites, Norton VPN helps safeguard your devices from potential threats, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
In conclusion, Norton VPN is a reliable solution for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy. With its robust encryption, no-log policy, and advanced security features, Norton VPN offers comprehensive protection against cyber threats, allowing you to browse the web with confidence.
Effectiveness of Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN is renowned for its effectiveness in safeguarding users' online privacy and security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, having a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes increasingly crucial for individuals and businesses alike.
One of the primary benefits of Norton Secure VPN is its robust encryption protocols. By encrypting data transmitted over the internet, it prevents unauthorized access by hackers, governments, or other malicious entities. This ensures that sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, and personal messages remains secure from prying eyes.
Moreover, Norton Secure VPN offers a diverse network of servers located across the globe. This allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region. Whether streaming your favorite shows while traveling abroad or accessing restricted websites, Norton Secure VPN enables seamless and unrestricted browsing.
Additionally, Norton Secure VPN prioritizes user anonymity. By masking IP addresses and browsing activity, it prevents ISPs (Internet Service Providers), advertisers, and other third parties from tracking and profiling users' online behavior. This enhances privacy and prevents targeted advertisements or data mining.
Furthermore, Norton Secure VPN includes features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which add layers of security and ensure uninterrupted connectivity even in the event of network disruptions.
In conclusion, Norton Secure VPN stands out for its effectiveness in providing comprehensive online protection. With its robust encryption, global server network, and focus on user privacy, it offers a reliable solution for individuals and businesses seeking to safeguard their digital presence. Whether browsing the web, accessing sensitive information, or streaming content, Norton Secure VPN offers peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world.
Norton Secure VPN tracking prevention analysis
Norton Secure VPN offers advanced tracking prevention features to enhance user privacy and security while browsing online. By blocking tracking technology used by advertisers and websites, Norton Secure VPN helps users maintain anonymity and avoid targeted ads.
Tracking prevention is a critical component of online security, as many websites and advertisers use tracking technology to monitor user behavior and collect data for targeted advertising. With Norton Secure VPN, users can browse the web without the fear of being tracked or having their personal information harvested.
Norton Secure VPN utilizes encryption technology to create a secure connection between the user's device and the VPN server. This encryption helps prevent hackers and cybercriminals from intercepting sensitive data transmitted over the internet, such as login credentials or financial information.
Furthermore, Norton Secure VPN offers a no-log VPN policy, meaning that user activity is not recorded or monitored. This commitment to user privacy ensures that browsing history and online activity remain confidential and secure.
In summary, Norton Secure VPN provides robust tracking prevention features to safeguard user privacy and security while browsing the web. With encryption technology, no-log policy, and advanced tracking prevention tools, Norton Secure VPN is a reliable solution for individuals looking to enhance their online privacy and security.
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can isp see past vpn
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can isp see past vpn
ISP monitoring VPN traffic
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are known to monitor online activities of their users. This monitoring includes tracking the websites visited, downloads, and even the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs are popular for providing users with privacy and security by encrypting their internet traffic and masking their IP addresses.
However, ISPs have the capability to detect VPN usage and monitor the traffic passing through these secure networks. By analyzing data packets and endpoints, ISPs can identify VPN traffic and potentially block or throttle it. Some ISPs take measures to discourage or prevent the use of VPNs by their customers, as VPNs can bypass content restrictions and affect the ISP's ability to track user activity for marketing or legal purposes.
There are ways for ISPs to detect VPN traffic, such as analyzing the size and timing of data packets, identifying common VPN server IP addresses, and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns. In some cases, ISPs may collaborate with authorities or governmental agencies to monitor and block VPN usage, especially in regions with strict internet censorship laws.
Users concerned about ISP monitoring of VPN traffic can explore using VPN protocols that are less detectable, such as OpenVPN with obfuscation features or using a VPN over the Tor network for additional anonymity. It's essential for internet users to stay informed about the potential risks of ISP monitoring and take necessary steps to protect their online privacy and security.
Encryption bypass detection
Encryption bypass detection refers to the methods and techniques used to identify and counter attempts to circumvent encryption protocols. With the growing prevalence of encryption in various online activities, such as communication, data storage, and financial transactions, there has been a parallel increase in efforts to bypass these security measures for malicious purposes. Therefore, the need to detect and prevent encryption bypassing has become crucial in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining cybersecurity.
One common approach to encryption bypass detection is through the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). These systems monitor network traffic in real-time, analyzing patterns and anomalies that may indicate attempts to bypass encryption. By setting up rules and signatures based on known attack vectors, IDS and IPS can effectively identify suspicious activities and block potential threats before they cause damage.
Another method of encryption bypass detection is through the analysis of metadata associated with encrypted data. While the content of encrypted messages may be hidden, metadata such as size, timing, and source/destination addresses can still provide valuable insights into potential bypass attempts. By tracking and analyzing metadata, security experts can detect and investigate any anomalies that may indicate encryption bypassing activities.
In conclusion, encryption bypass detection plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and security of encrypted data. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategies such as IDS/IPS and metadata analysis, organizations can effectively identify and mitigate threats posed by individuals seeking to evade encryption protocols for nefarious purposes. Investing in robust encryption bypass detection mechanisms is essential for staying ahead of cyber threats and protecting critical information in today's digital landscape.
Deep packet inspection techniques
Deep packet inspection (DPI) techniques are a crucial aspect of network management and security, offering a granular level of examination into data packets traversing a network. DPI involves scrutinizing the content of these packets, including header and payload information, to gain insights into the nature of the traffic and to enforce various policies.
One of the primary purposes of DPI is to enhance network security by identifying and blocking malicious or unauthorized activities. By examining the contents of packets, DPI can detect suspicious patterns or signatures associated with malware, intrusions, or other cyber threats. This proactive approach helps organizations safeguard their networks and sensitive data from potential breaches.
Moreover, DPI plays a vital role in network optimization and traffic management. By analyzing packet data, network administrators can identify bandwidth-intensive applications or services consuming excessive resources. With this information, they can prioritize traffic, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure optimal performance for critical applications.
Additionally, DPI enables advanced functionalities such as Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement and content-based routing. QoS mechanisms utilize DPI to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice or video streams, to ensure a consistent user experience. Content-based routing, on the other hand, directs packets based on their content, allowing for intelligent routing decisions tailored to specific applications or services.
However, DPI also raises concerns related to user privacy and net neutrality. Since it involves inspecting the contents of data packets, DPI has the potential to intrude on users' privacy by monitoring their online activities. Moreover, there are debates about whether DPI should be used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to prioritize or throttle certain types of traffic, which could violate the principles of net neutrality.
In conclusion, while deep packet inspection techniques offer significant benefits in terms of security, optimization, and network management, their implementation should be balanced with considerations for user privacy and the principles of an open and neutral internet.
VPN tunnel visibility to ISP
A VPN tunnel is a secure and encrypted connection established between a user's device and a remote server. While VPNs provide enhanced privacy and security by masking your online activities from prying eyes, it is essential to understand that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) still has visibility into the fact that you are using a VPN.
When you use a VPN, your ISP can see that you are connecting to a remote server through an encrypted tunnel. However, they cannot decipher the actual content of your communication due to the encryption protocols used by the VPN service. This means that while your ISP can detect VPN usage, they cannot monitor your browsing history, downloads, or any other specific activities conducted through the VPN tunnel.
It's worth noting that some ISPs may have measures in place to detect VPN usage, which could potentially lead to slower connection speeds or other restrictions. Additionally, in some countries with strict internet regulations, the use of VPNs may be restricted or monitored by the government authorities.
To enhance your privacy further and prevent even your ISP from detecting your VPN usage, you can opt for obfuscated VPN servers or VPN protocols with built-in obfuscation techniques. These methods make VPN traffic appear more like regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for ISPs to identify VPN usage.
In conclusion, while your ISP can detect the use of a VPN tunnel, the actual content of your online activities remains secure and private. By choosing the right VPN service and protocols, you can maintain a high level of anonymity and protect your online data from prying eyes.
Network traffic analysis by ISP
Network traffic analysis by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, security, and overall performance of networks. By monitoring the flow of data packets across their infrastructure, ISPs can detect and prevent potential network issues, security breaches, and unauthorized access.
One of the primary reasons ISPs perform network traffic analysis is to optimize network performance. By analyzing the traffic patterns and identifying congestion points or bottlenecks, ISPs can make informed decisions to improve the overall speed and reliability of their networks. This proactive approach helps in delivering a seamless browsing experience for end-users.
Moreover, network traffic analysis enables ISPs to enhance network security. By monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic, ISPs can detect suspicious activities, such as malware infections, DDoS attacks, or unauthorized access attempts. Prompt identification of such threats allows ISPs to take immediate action to mitigate risks and safeguard their customers' data and privacy.
Additionally, network traffic analysis helps ISPs in capacity planning and resource allocation. By analyzing the volume and type of traffic, ISPs can predict future bandwidth requirements and make necessary upgrades to meet the growing demands of their customers. This proactive planning ensures that the network remains scalable and capable of supporting increased traffic without compromising performance.
In conclusion, network traffic analysis by ISPs is a critical practice that helps in optimizing network performance, enhancing security, and improving overall service quality. By leveraging advanced analytics tools and technologies, ISPs can effectively monitor, analyze, and manage network traffic to provide a seamless and secure internet experience for their customers.
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Also people are now finding out if you say Estirâs name and she CAN show up then she HAS TO SHOW UP it is not a voluntary thing just âoop there she is!â
#Down Your Spine ;; OOC#Fall of Dark Yhtil ;; Estir#Granted All Your Wishes ;; Estir HCs/About#information that is VITAL for nefarious usage#stated jic people miss talking to her and triggering that exchange#tbf Ln'eta can also Just Appear as we see when we shout for her#but it is not Mandatory like it seems to be with Estir#so it seems like a specific thing to her or just smth she hasn't Figured Out yet#which like woof girl what the FUCK are you doin'
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Intelligence is a hot topic of discussion these days. Human intelligence. Plant intelligence. Artificial intelligence. All kinds of intelligence. But while the natures of human and plant intelligence are subjects mired in heated debate, derision, and controversy, the subject of artificial intelligence inspires an altogether different kind of response: fear. In particular, fear for the continued existence of any human civilization whatsoever. From Elon Musk to Stephen Hawking, the geniuses of the Zeitgeist agree. AI will take our jobs and then, if weâre not careful, everything else too, down to every last molecule in the universe. A major Democratic presidential candidate, Andrew Yang, has turned managing the rise of AI into one of the core principles of his political platform. It is not a laughing matter.
But artificial general intelligence is not the type of intelligence that humanity should fear most. Far from the blinking server rooms of Silicon Valley or the posh London offices of DeepMind, another type of intelligence lurks silently out of human sight, biding its time in the Lovecraftian deep. Watching. Waiting. Organizing. Unlike artificial intelligence, this intelligence is not hypothetical, but very real. Forget about AGI. Itâs time to worry about OGIâoctopus general intelligence.
In late 2017, it was reported that an underwater site called âOctlantisâ had been discovered by researchers off the coast of Australia. Normally considered to be exceptionally solitary, fifteen octopuses were observed living together around a rocky outcropping on the otherwise flat ocean floor. Fashioning homesâdensâfor themselves out of shells, the octopuses were observed mating, fighting, and communicating with each other. Most importantly, this was not the first time that this had happened. Another similar site called âOctopolisâ had been previously discovered in the vicinity in 2009.
One of the researchers, Stephanie Chancellor, described the octopuses in âOctlantisâ as âtrue environmental engineers.â The octopuses were observed conducting both mate defense and âevictionsâ of octopuses from dens, defending their property rights from infringement by other octopuses. The other âOctopolisâ site had been continuously inhabited for at least seven years. Given the short lifespans of octopuses, lasting only a few years on the high end, it is clear that âOctopolisâ has been inhabited by several generations of octopuses. We are presented with the possibility of not only one multi-generational octopus settlement chosen for defense from predators and engineered for octopus living, but two. And those are just the ones weâve discovered. The oceans cover over 70% of Earthâs surface.
None of the three experts I spoke with for this article would rule out the possibility of further octopus settlements.
The octopus is a well-known creature, but poorly understood. The primal fear inspired by the octopus frequently surfaces in horror movies, pirate legends, political cartoons depicting nefarious and tentacled political enemies, and, understandably, in Japanese erotic art. For all that, the octopus is, to most people, just another type of seafood you can order at the sushi bar. But the octopus is more than just sushi. Itâs more than the sum of its eight arms. A lot more, in factâit may be the most alien creature larger than a speck of dust to inhabit the known ecosystems of the planet Earth. Moreover, itâs not just strange. Itâs positively talented.
Octopuses can fully regenerate limbs. They can change the color and texture of their skin at will, whether to camouflage themselves, make a threat, or for some other unknown purpose. They can even âseeâ with their skin, thanks to the presence of the light-sensitive protein rhodopsin, also found in human retinas. They can shoot gobs of thick black ink with a water jet, creating impenetrable smokescreens for deceit and escape. Octopuses can use their boneless, elastic bodies to shapeshift, taking on the forms of other animals or even rocks. Those same bodies allow even the larger species of octopuses to squeeze through holes as small as one inch in diameter. The octopusâ arms are covered in hundreds of powerful suckers that are known to leave visible âocto-hickeysâ on humans. The larger ones can hold at least 35 lbs. each. The suckers can simultaneously taste and smell. All octopus species are venomous.
Despite all of these incredible abilities, the octopusâ most terrifying feature remains its intelligence. The octopus has the highest brain-to-body-mass ratio of any invertebrate, a ratio that is also higher than that of many vertebrates. Two thirds of its neurons, however, are located in its many autonomous arms, which can react to stimuli and even identify and grab food after being severed from the rest of the octopus, whether still dead or alive. In other words, the intelligence of an octopus is not centralized. It is decentralized, like a blockchain. Like blockchains, this makes them harder to kill. It has been reported that octopuses are capable of observational learning, short- and long-term memory, tool usage, and much more. One might wonder: if octopuses have already mastered blockchain technology, what else are they hiding?
We can see octopuses frequently putting this intelligence to good use, and not only in their burgeoning aquatic settlements. Some octopuses are known to use coconut shells for shelter, even dismantling and transporting the shell only to reassemble it later. In laboratory settings, octopuses are able to solve complex puzzles and open different types of latches in order to obtain food. They donât stop there, though. Captive octopuses have been known to escape their tanks, slither across the floor, climb into another tank, feast on the helpless fish and crabs within, and then return to their original tank. Some do it only at night, knowingly keeping their human overseers in the dark. Octopuses do not seem to have qualms about deceiving humans. They are known to steal bait from lobster traps and climb aboard fishing boats to get closer to fishermenâs catches.
One octopus in New Zealand even managed to escape an aquarium and make it back to the sea. When night fell and nobody was watching, âInkyââhis human name, as we do not know how octopuses refer to themselves in privateâclimbed out of his tank, across the ground, and into a drainpipe leading directly to the ocean.
Given the advanced intelligence and manifold abilities of octopuses, it may not be a surprise, in hindsight, that they are developing settlements off the coast of Australia. By establishing a beachhead in the Pacific Ocean, a nascent octopus civilization would be well-placed to challenge the primary geopolitical powers of the 21st century, namely, the United States and China. Australia itself is sparsely inhabited and rich in natural resources vital for any advanced civilization. The countryâs largely coastal population would be poorly prepared to deal with an invasion from the sea.
I spoke with Piero Amodio, a graduate student at the University of Cambridge who has been interviewed by The New York Times on his research into octopus intelligence. â[Octopuses] live in almost all marine habitats, from ocean depths to shallow waters, and from tropical to polar regions,â he said. âThe fact that octopuses tend to have a solitary lifestyle is something extremely interesting because they differ from many other groups of large-brained animals.â Amodio linked me to a paper documenting food and den sharing among octopuses. What if they are, in fact, not so different? What if they become social on a scale matching or surpassing humans? Is humanity prepared to grapple with an organized challenge rising from all corners of the globe?
This new information does raise one important question: what are the state of human-octopus relations, and how might they develop in the future? Currently, octopuses are more than just aware of us. They are able to recognize individual human beings and develop preferences for them. If you are on good terms with an octopus, you may be grabbed and pulled into a tank, perhaps for a hospitable visit to the den. Alternately, you may be blasted and soaked with cold water. No octo-hickeys for you. Although many octopuses have shown obvious displeasure with captivity, they are fortunately not generally known to attack humans. There is, however, video footage of at least one dangerous altercation with a human diver. Graziano Fiorito, a senior researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy, told me that aggression is âvery rareâ and done in self-defense. But with an animal as intelligent and disciplined as the octopus, could that same peaceful nature become warlike aggression if provoked?
Rokoâs Basilisk is a well-known thought experiment postulating that a supremely powerful artificial intelligence might retroactively punish humans who did not work to bring it into existence. In this light, it is fortunate that octopuses have been legally protected by animal welfare laws during experimentationâthe only invertebrates to receive this protection. We can only imagine what horrible, tentacled punishments for humanity may have been avoided in the event of an octopus intelligence singularity.
Animal welfare laws notwithstanding, human-octopus relations are clearly insufficiently advanced to guarantee stable and productive cooperation in the future. Octopus meat remains a fixture of many national cuisines. Octopus farming is a major industry, despite warnings and objections from the scientific community. Not one national government in the world has clarified its policies regarding octopus civilization. (Emails to the White House requesting the administrationâs comment on this matter went unanswered.)
The first step to improving human-octopus relations would be a global shutdown of all consumption and internment, whether for research or commercial purposes, of octopuses. As this plan is patently unrealistic and completely absurd, more creative solutions will have to be developed in order to route around sclerotic global institutions unwilling or unable to meet the challenge of intelligent cephalopod life. One option may be to establish persistent contact with leaders in the octopus community to communicate our goodwill. While the linguistic barrier remains an unsolved problem, the incentives to solve it are enormous. Cultural and scientific exchange with octopuses could greatly enrich humanityâs understanding of undersea life, blockchain technology, and non-standard tactile numeracies.
Hostile approaches must also remain on the table in case peaceable cooperation proves to be impossible. Although the advents of aviation and long-range missiles have rendered coastal fortifications somewhat deprecated in modern military conflict, human regimes would do well to bolster their brown water borders in the event of a kinetic assault by octopodal forces. Extension of maritime frontiers into international waters would also provide a much-needed geopolitical buffer zone, provided it did not veer into encroachment upon cephalopod territory. With powerful suckers studding an arm span up to 4 meters long, distance is key to defense from the octopus. Sanctions could prove useful in denying octopuses any strategic reserves of coconut shells or other armor.
There is a more speculative moonshot option as well. Given the relatively short lifespans of octopuses, it would be possible to intern a number of them in a research station with the goal of selectively breeding them for intelligence, combat aptitude, and most importantly, loyalty to humans. With adequate funding, a team could make significant progress in just a few decades towards developing a new species of killer octopus bred to defend humanity against the threat of a rival octopus civilization. Just as OpenAI took the lead in confronting the problem of artificial intelligence by aiming to deliberately develop friendly AI, OctoAI may need to take the lead in confronting the problem of octopus intelligence by developing it ourselves in a humanity-friendly direction. We may have to fight ink with ink.
A moonshot project such as this has the added perk that it could be easily funded and carried out by a rogue government agency or single eccentric billionaire, such as SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. The Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco, for example, would provide an ideal research site. They are a short boat ride away from the capital of unconventional moonshot projects in Silicon Valley, as well as being located in the natural territory of the Giant Pacific Octopus. The islandsâ status as a nature preserve would provide a convenient cover story for the public. Intruders, spies, and conscientious objectors could be thrown into the octopus tank for disposal and their disappearances blamed on harsh Pacific weather. In fact, given the ideal conditions of the site, this may already be happening. Is it a coincidence that the Farallon Islands are closed to the public?
If all fallbacks fail, mutually assured destruction will be the only surefire way to prevent octopus civilization from annihilating humanity and conquering the cosmos. âI tend to think that future-of-evolution questions are always limited by how long this planet continues to sustain life,â said Joseph Vitti, a doctoral student at Harvard University who has published on cephalopod cognition. âI tend to think that a natural or man-made disaster could easily wipe us out before enough evolutionary time passes for such major changes [in octopus social systems] to occur in the coleoid cephalopod lineage.â If we cannot save ourselves, we just may have to produce such a man-made disaster in order to save the rest of the universe.
The future may look bleak. Just as our social institutions enter a time of stagnation, crisis and despair, a heavily armed challenger surfaces from the untraversed depths. But humanity has faced terrible problems before and emerged not only victorious, but stronger too. To survive, our governing institutions will need to have robust but flexible coordination, quick and skilled decision-making, and the capacity for subterfuge, dissimulation, and intelligence. Just like the octopus. And that is what Palladium Magazine is all about.
This story is satire. Itâs April 1st. All quotes, however, are real, as are more of the octopus facts than you would like to believe.
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The Extraordinary Ordinaries of Colonial Dumfries
The Extraordinary Ordinaries of Colonial Dumfries
By: Emma Tainter
Emma Tainter is a current M.Phil of Public History and Cultural Heritage student at Trinity College Dublin. Emma grew up in the Dumfries area and is thrilled to be able to help share its history and that of the Weems-Botts Museum, which is also the first museum she volunteered at.
When a constructing a town, there are many things one must take into consideration. Where will the main road be? Where will people live? Where will the courthouse be built? And lastly, where will the people eat, drink, and generally be merry? Â
The answer to the last question lies within Colonial Dumfriesâ many ordinaries â or what today we would refer to as a tavern, bar, or inn. Ordinaries served a multifaceted and vitally important role in the social fabric of a colonial town.
The establishment of ordinaries was a constructed effort on the part of the local government to sow a reputation for hospitality â a crucial ingredient for a reputable town. Before the court would enter into a bond (or an agreement) with a potential ordinary owner, the owner had to prove that they could financially support a welcoming space for locals and travelers alike. Although courts issued a majority of the ordinary licenses in Dumfries in men during the 18th century, it was not uncommon for women to own and operate their own ordinaries.
While ordinaries could be built as standalone buildings, some of them were attached to the ownerâs home. It seems the popular choice in Dumfries was to operate an ordinary attached to your home; between 1783 and 1784, Dumfries residents John Chick, William Lynn, William Tyler, Catherine Blancett, John Shute, Susanna Franklin, Joshua Baker, William Skinner were all granted licenses to keep an ordinary or tavern at their house. [1]
Either way, the ordinaries had to follow strict rules in terms of their rates for accommodation, food, and beverages in addition to keeping a tidy and clean space. Ordinary owners took pride in their businesses, as we can see from William Tebbsâ advertisement from April 1785:
Virginia Journal & Alexandria Advertiser 14 Apr 1785
THE SUBSCRIBER begs leave to inform the public that he has opened a Tavern, in the house lately occupied by Miss Susanna Franklin, in the town of Dumfries, where he is accommodated with every thing requisite for the regularly keeping a genteel house. Those gentlemen who [would] please to favor him with their custom may be assured that every exertion in his power shall be used in order to render them the most agreeable satisfaction, and such favors be gratefully acknowledged, by their most humble servant.
The Ordinaries became an extension of a personâs home into the community, and a place of community itself. It was in ordinaries where the townsfolk gathered to exchange business dealings, enjoy a meal, and most importantly, catch up on the gossip.
If you wanted to hear the latest court proceedings, you could head down to an ordinary to chat with your neighbors, or you may even be lucky enough to sit next to a witness who was waiting to be called to the stand â as the ordinaries were often filled with âwitnesses waiting to be heardâ in hearings in the neighboring courthouse.[2] Â If you happened to stop by Mitchellâs Tavern on November 7th, 1796, you would have bumped into a meeting of the Overseers of the Poor, where of Thomas Lee, John McMillion, Alexander Bruce, Philip Dawe, and Thomas Harrison met to discuss various accounts.[3] Â
A depiction of a lively American tavern. Krimmel, John Lewis. (1813-1814) Oil on canvas. Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH.
The outside of the ordinary was often full of activity as well. It was common for people to hold auctions on the doorstep of ordinaries for the sale of land, property, and enslaved persons. The central locations of the ordinaries, as well as its already established usage as a gathering place, made it a sensible place for those wanting to buy or sell. The Virginia Journal & Alexandria Advertiser is full of advertisements such as the one below posted in February 1785:
TO BE SOLD on Monday the 7th of March next, before Mr. William McDaniel's Door, in the town of Dumfries, TWELVE SLAVES, belonging to the personal estate of the Rev. James Scott, deceased, consisting of Men, Women, and Children; and on Friday in the same week at Westwood, in Prince William County, the remainder of the Household Furniture, belonging to the said estate, consisting of tables, chairs, bedspreads, one bed and furniture, a neat pier glass, and other articles too tedious to enumerate. Credit will be allowed for all sums exceeding Forty Shillings for 12 months, the purchasers giving bond and approved security to bear interest from the date, if not punctually paid.
T. Blackburn, Administrator.[4]
Newspapers of the era, such as the Virginia Journal & Alexandria Advertiser and the Virginia Gazette & Agricultural Repository served as bulletin boards for these auctions and continue to be a great source of information about the inhabitants of 18th century Dumfries. Those newspapers mention the ordinaries of Mr. Tebbs, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Smock, but the one that current Dumfriesâ residents might be most familiar with is Mr. William McDanielâs ordinary, or the Williams Ordinary. Later owned by George Williams, Williams Ordinary is still standing on Main Street, and today houses the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. Williams Ordinary hosted many famous figures during its heyday, including Thomas Jefferson, the Comte de Rochambeau, the Marquis de Lafayette, and George Washington.[5]
The reputation of an ordinary varied: while one could be known as the local meeting house of the Overseers of the Poor, another could be associated with more nefarious dealings. While people filled the ordinaries during the day and evening, the night could draw a very different (and perhaps a much rowdier crowd). Ordinaries that were discovered allowing gambling and overindulging were quickly reprimanded by the courts; a lesson Hugh Guttray learned the hard way. Just two months after opening an ordinary in his home, he was appealing his suspended license in court after he was found to be âpermitting excessive gaming in his ordinary.ââ[6]
The ordinaries all had different personalities and atmospheres. Some were known for their excellent food, such as the case of a woman who owned an ordinary attached to her home near the Bull Run Mountains. Her name is lost to history, but her food became legendary. So legendary, in fact, that George Washington himself is purported to have named a peak of the Bull Run Mountains in her honor. She was known to wear a leather apron and jacket all year round, and so the peak west of the Thoroughfare Gap became Mother Leathercoat Mountain.[7]
There are many things we can know for certain about Dumfriesâ ordinaries, but the everyday conversations and meetings will have to be left to our imagination. Perhaps they werenât so different than our own conversations today â something to ponder as we are able to venture into our modern-day ordinaries more and more.
Note: Thanks to Emma for the excellent research and interesting blog!Â
Enjoying our blog? Consider supporting us through memberships! Our memberships cost anywhere from $10-$30 for the entire year! From free tours & research to discounts on our popular programs, we have a lot to offer. Click here to learn more and here for our store.
[1] Prince William County, Virginia Court Orders 1783-1784. http://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitalLibrary/PDF/PWC%20Court%20Orders%201783-1784%20Final.pdf
[2] The Early History of Dumfries, Virginia. Carrol E. Morgan. April 21, 1994. 34.
[3] Records of Dettingen Parish.
[4] Prince William County Virginia 1784-1860 Newspaper Transcripts. Ronald Ray Turner. http://pwcvirginia.com/documents/PWC1784-1860NewspaperTranscripts.pdf
[5] Prince William: A Past to Preserve. 30-31.
[6] The Early History of Dumfries, Virginia. Carrol E. Morgan. April 21, 1994. 35.
[7] An Anthology of American Folktales and Legends. Frank Caro. 320.
(Sources: Morgan, Carrol E. 1994. âThe Early History of Dumfries, Virginia.â; de Caro, Frank. 2015. An Anthology of American Folktales and Legends. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group; Prince William County Virginia 1784-1860 Newspaper Transcripts. Ronald Ray Turner. http://pwcvirginia.com/documents/PWC1784-1860NewspaperTranscripts.pdfl; Wieder, L. C., ed. 1998. Prince William: a past to preserve. Prince William County Historical Commission.; Prince William County, Virginia Court Orders 1783-1784. RELIC: Prince William County Library System. http://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitalLibrary/PDF/PWC%20Court%20Orders%201783-1784%20Final.pdf; HDVI Archives: Records of Dettingen Parish PWC)
#localhistory#museumfromhome#taverns#virginiahistory#politics#townlife#primarysources#socialhistory#culturalhistory#enslaved
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How to Speed Up Your Mac
How to Speed Up Your Mac
Is your Mac running slower than a sloth? Are you missing the days of lighting-fast computing? All computers slow down gradually with time, but you donât have to put up with it â learn how to speed up your Mac with our comprehensive guide right here.
Why your Mac is running slow
Before we learn how to make your Mac run faster, itâs helpful to determine why your Mac is getting slow. The age of your machine and how much you use it has some effect, but that doesnât explain everything. There are many possible causes for a slow Mac, so letâs try to identify the reasons why itâs happening before we troubleshoot.
Why is my Mac running slow? It could be due to:
Insufficient RAM:Â If your computer doesnât have enough short-term memory (RAM), it will struggle to complete everyday tasks like running programs and browsing the internet.Â
Full hard drive: To compensate for low short-term memory, your computer is forced to store things on the hard drive. If itâs chock-full of apps and large files, there wonât be enough space left to help apps and other processes run. And if youâre using a hard disk drive (HDD), lack of space means you canât defrag your disk to help boost performance.Â
Out-of-date software:Â Apple generally produces new macOS versions because the newer versions run faster and better. The same applies to most apps and programs. If youâre running old versions, they could very well be slowing you down.Â
Too many startup programs and background processes:Â You may have apps that start automatically every time you boot up your system and/or run quietly in the background while you work on other tasks. These unnecessary processes can eat up precious CPU power and RAM.Â
Visual effects:Â macOS contains a lot of visual effects that can be taxing on older Mac computers, draining your battery and slowing you down.
Slow internet connection: If your browsing and video streaming are too slow or stuttering, the problem might not be your Mac at all â it may be caused by a slow internet connection.
Age and overuse:Â If youâre still rocking a 2004 MacBook, or if you constantly use lots of process-heavy apps like video editors or games on an older machine, your computer is going to be a little worse for the wear.
Âť Check your internet speed
Before we dive into our top ten ways to speed up macOS, letâs check your internet speed. Go to www.speedtest.net and run their test â it only takes a few seconds!
If youâre not getting fast enough speeds, try our favourite methods for boosting your home Wi-Fi signal. If youâre still struggling with slow speeds after that, itâs time to call your internet service provider to see whatâs going on and whether they can fix it on their end.
Once youâve determined that your internet service isnât the issue, then itâs time to jump into our tips to speed up macOS.
1. Install any updates
Are you one of the many people always clicking âRemind me tomorrowâ on update notifications? No judgement here, but by delaying your updates, you may have delayed your speed as well. Older versions of Mac operating systems and other apps tend to slow down over time. And as annoying as updates are, the developers wouldnât bother you with them unless your software would be actually, well, updated. Updated versions will include fixed bugs, updated security, and better resource utilization.
Long ago, new system updates on older Mac devices slowed down performance. Apple has since corrected the issue, and new updates should be lean and mean. They focus on trimming down unnecessary features and making sure your Mac runs its best.
Hereâs how to update your Mac:
To check if you need to update, click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your desktop.
Click on System PreferencesâŚÂ to see if thereâs a macOS update. If there is, click Update.
Make sure to check the box to keep your system updated automatically.
Your computer will take some time to update your system, and will then need to restart.
If you have outdated apps, you should update those as well. Click the Apple again, and select App StoreâŚÂ if you see that there are updates available.
The App Store will then display all the apps you own that have possible updates, including the reason they should be updated â such as âbug fixesâ or âstability and performance improvements.â
Click on the individual app you want to update and follow the instructions. If you see apps you donât actually use here, skip to the next section to get rid of them.
2. Uninstall unused apps
Do you know how many apps you have on your computer that youâre not even using? These large programs can take up lots of space and bog you down, and they may be another reason why your Mac is running slow. Luckily, the process to remove them isnât too onerous. Hereâs how to uninstall apps:
Open Finder and select Applications.
Find the little grid icon and select Date Last Opened.
Scroll down to the bottom to find apps you havenât used in a long time. Select the app you want to delete.
Drag the app to your Trash to uninstall it, and then make sure to empty the Trash.
Boom! Now the app is off your computer, where it can no longer eat up your space or CPU power. Repeat the process to get rid of other apps you no longer use. And donât worry; you can always download the app again from the App Store if you find yourself missing it later.
Not sure which apps will give you the most bang for your buck, space-wise? Letâs find out which programs take up the most space and power on your system.
Âť Find and disable the most power-hungry processes
Letâs dig a little deeper and see whatâs really dragging your Mac down.
Open Finder, click Go and then select Utilities.
Select Activity Monitor, which will show you a variety of information about your system and device performance.
Click the tab for CPU at the top. Your central processing unit is what computes everything you do. If it gets bogged down by a resource-hungry process, itâll slow everything else down.
Click the arrow on % CPU to sort by the highest percentage.
Here you can see whatâs taking up the most computing power. Some tasks canât be stopped, such as those necessary for vital computing functions. Check the User column. Anything listed as _windowserver or root cannot be disabled. Instead, look for apps that are listed under your username.
Look for anything that consumes 5â10% of CPU usage.
Here YouTube is consuming 4.4% of CPU power, which is a lot. You can easily get those resources back by closing YouTube. If the app tries to resist, click Force Quit.
If you see any processes on this list that you arenât familiar with, itâs best to Google them before deleting â make sure itâs nothing important before you give it the boot.
Check out the other tabs in the Activity Monitor: Memory, Energy (aka battery life), Disk, and Network to see what apps or processes are taking up other valuable resources.
Check Energy to see which of your apps are taking up the most of your power. Sort by 12 hr Power to see which apps have used the most power in the last half a day.
If you see anything thatâs taking up a lot of power, avoid using it when you want faster speeds for other priorities on your Mac.
If you check regularly and find out that a single app is taking up way too much power, uninstall it using the steps above.
Âť Remove malicious software
Itâs a myth that Macs canât get viruses. Just like PCs, Macs are susceptible to malicious software, or malware. Historically, hackers focused more of their efforts on PCs simply because there are many more Windows machines in use than Macs. But lately, more and more cybercriminals are turning their efforts towards Apple. Rogue code can get onto your system, damage performance, slow you down, and steal your sensitive data.
Check out our ultimate guide to Mac security and remove anything nefarious that might be lurking underneath your machineâs hood. Then equip your Mac with AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac to make sure you stay protected against hackers, rogue code, and the growing number of other Mac malware threats out there.
Download AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac
 3. Remove unwanted files
Files can also take up a lot of space and memory, and a cluttered Mac can experience unresponsive apps and reduced disk space. What kind of files might be taking up space on your Mac?
Movies and TV shows youâve already watched.
Blurry and duplicate photos:Â Do you tend to take five shots of everything, trying to get the perfect angle? You probably donât need all of these hanging around.
Temporary files:Â macOS and other apps create temporary data and thousands of cache files during their necessary running process, and they donât delete these excess files once theyâre no longer needed.
Files in Trash:Â The files still exist until you actually empty out the Trash.
All of these can really add up and bog you down. Thatâs why removing unnecessary files can fix a slow-running Mac. Letâs start with tracking down your largest files and documents.
Open up Finder and hit Command + F to open up a search window.
Click on the Kind menu and select Other.
Scroll down through the options and find File Size; check the blue box on the right.
Back on the Search screen, make sure you select to search This Mac. To the right of File Size, go to the next drop-down menu and select is greater than. Then type in a number, such as 100, and select MB from the last drop-down menu.
You can now see the biggest items on your system, including apps and large files.
Now you can go through every item one by one and move everything you no longer want or need into the trash.
Make sure to empty the Trash so the files actually get removed.
Depending on how many old files and apps youâve been hoarding, this process can take longer than Frodoâs quest to Mordor. Not only that, but this process doesnât even cover all the temporary data and cache files that macOS and other apps leave behind as they run. Even if you could find all those files yourself (which are scattered all across your hard drive in difficult-to-find folders), they would accumulate again after just a few days of normal computer use.
The best, easiest, and fastest way to track down all the junk on your Mac is to use a dedicated cleanup tool. And we happen to have just the thing for that:Â AVG TuneUp for Mac. Hereâs how to use it to scour your machine for all the junk you no longer need, then whip your machine into shape.
 Download AVG TuneUp for Mac by clicking the button above.
Complete the installation process.
On the main dashboard, under Clean Clutter, click SCAN.
AVG TuneUp will show you just how much-hidden clutter is lurking in your system.
Hit CLEAN to get rid of these unnecessary application caches, log files, and trash!
Go back to the main dashboard and click SCAN under Find Duplicates. This scan will detect all of the duplicate files that you have saved accidentally. Itâll give you the option to scan just your user folder, your whole hard drive, and even your external storage. Note that scanning entire disks can take a while.
Once the scan finishes, review the list of duplicates and remove whatever you no longer need.
Back on the main dashboard again, click FIND under Find photos that are bad or similar. Select all the locations where you have photos stored.
Itâll scan your computer thoroughly and sort photos you might want to get rid of into two categories: bad photos and similar photos. Click Review and then Compare these to see your photos (nothing will be deleted unless you specify!).
Select all the photos you no longer want and click REMOVE.
Now that you have AVG TuneUp, you can choose your settings for automatic maintenance so your Mac stays fresh, clean, and speedy!
Âť Clean up your desktop
Your desktop screen can easily get cluttered. Depending on your settings, any screenshots you take will end up right here. Downloads and other files, icons, and widgets may be stuck on your desktop too. Desktop items reside inside your RAM (short-term memory), taking up valuable resources that your Mac could be using for other tasks. A cluttered desktop consuming lots of RAM could be another cause for why your Mac is running slow.
Having a few things on your desktop is unlikely to have a significant impact. But if you have hundreds of icons, pictures, movies, etc. stored on your desktop, you can see an increase in performance and speed by cleaning things up. Thatâs especially true if you donât have much RAM to spare.
Go to your crowded desktop. Right-click (or click with two fingers) and select New Folder.
Name your new folder anything you want, such as Files from Desktop.
Hit COMMAND + A to select everything.
Hold down COMMAND and click on the new folder to deselect it.
Drag all of your highlighted files into the new folder.
Drag the folder into your Documents folder in the sidebar.
Enjoy your clean new desktop!
Âť Move your photos to iCloud and adjust other storage settings
As mentioned, photos are some of the largest files, and todayâs smartphones make it very easy to amass a large photo library. But having too many files can quickly fill up your storage capacity and slow down your Mac.
If you arenât willing to part with any of your photos, a good solution is to move them into the cloud. That way your photos will be saved and accessible, but they wonât take up space on your system. Hereâs how to host your photos in iCloud.
Click the Apple icon and select About this Mac.
Click the Storage tab, and then select ManageâŚ
Here youâll see a few options of how to increase space on your Mac.
Click Store in iCloudâŚÂ and then youâll choose exactly what you want to store.
Optimize storage settings
Back on the previous screen, you also have options to optimize file storage.
Optimize Storage: Hit OptimizeâŚÂ This will save space by getting rid of TV shows and movies that youâve already watched on Apple TV and iTunes. (You can download them again later if you want.)Â
Empty Trash Automatically: Click Turn onâŚÂ When you put files into Trash, they donât actually get deleted until you remember to empty it. This setting allows you to have all files left in trash for longer than 30 days removed automatically.
Reduce Clutter: Click Review and youâll be able to see large files you have saved in Documents, Applications, Music, and Music Creation. You can sort through and delete whatever large files you no longer need.
4. Empty caches
When you browse the web, your browser stores pieces of the web pages into the cache, which helps things like images load faster the next time you want to see them. Other apps store things in caches as well, such as photo and video editors that retain temporary data. Even Appleâs own apps, like Spotlight and Maps, create cache data, but these tend to be small enough that you donât need to worry about them.
When your cache builds up with excess data from apps or other programs, that may be yet another reason why your Mac is running slow. Clearing your browser cache will help it run faster and make sure you arenât viewing any outdated content. While youâre at it, you can clear out your browser cookies as well. And clearing out the photo and video editor caches can free up additional space in your system, which will in turn help speed up your Mac.
Letâs clear out your browser cache in Safari first.
Click on Safari and then hit Preferences.
Click Advanced and then tick the box for Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
Develop will now be an option on the Safari menu bar; click it and select Empty Caches.
Click it and youâre good to go!
Now letâs clear out your system and user (also called application) caches. Note that this isnât necessary unless you have a lot of large files cached, such as those from a photo or video editors. Before we get started, make sure you have a current backup saved on your Mac. When you go messing around in your caches, you could break something if youâre not careful. Letâs clear out the user cache first.
Open up Finder and hit Go, then Go to Folder...
A window will pop up. Type in /Users/[your username]/Library/Caches and hit Go.
Youâll now see all the user or application caches saved on your system. You can drag anything you donât need to the Trash and then empty it.
Again, be careful not to delete anything you might need.Â
To clear out the system cache, navigate again to Finder > Go> Go to folderâŚÂ and then type in ~/Library/Caches/.
Youâll see your system cache and can delete what you wish by dragging it to the Trash and then emptying the trash.
Again, be careful not purge anything that might be important. Because that can be a little tricky to determine, we recommend you use a dedicated cleaning tool, such as AVG TuneUp, that helps you safely remove all the junk while keeping anything essential.
5. Cut down on startup programs
Many apps are programmed to start automatically as soon as you boot up your computer, but they often arenât necessary and can negatively impact your speed from the moment the system is switched on. You can choose to limit your startup programs to just the essentials.
Click the Apple icon in the top left and then open System Preferences.
Choose Users & Groups.
Select Login Items. Here you can see all the programs that start automatically and disable the ones you donât need.
Click the lock and enter your password to make changes.
To find even more hidden startup items, click finder and then Go.
With the Go menu open, hold down the OPTION key on your keyboard. This will make a new option, Library, appear in the list â click it.
Scroll down the list of folders and select LaunchAgents. Here youâll see apps and processes that are set to launch automatically upon startup.
If you see anything you donât need, delete it! (If youâre not sure what something is, Google it before you get rid of it.)
6. Turn off visual effects
Visual effects â such as animations, transitions, and icons bouncing around â arenât really necessary. They can negatively impact your performance, especially if you have an older iMac or MacBook. You can easily boost your speed a few notches by disabling visual effects like this:
Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences. Then click on Accessibility.
Once youâre in Accessibility, click on the Display tab. Check the box for Reduce motion.
Done! This will especially make a difference in speed for older Macs.
7. Rebuild your Spotlight index
Your Macâs performance can take a nosedive if Spotlight indexing gets stuck. This may happen after you apply a major macOS update. If you notice that Spotlight search isnât working properly, hereâs how to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac.
Click the Apple icon, select System Preferences, and click on Spotlight.
On the Spotlight screen, click Privacy.
Hit the + sign and select a folder or disk that needs to be indexed again into the white box.
Once itâs there, click on the folder and then click the â sign at the bottom. Thatâs it!
8. Try an SSD
Are you still working with an out-of-date hard disk drive (HDD)? Switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) will give you a huge jump in performance, including speed. The difference between an HDD and an SSD is significant: when loading data and programs, youâll go from 100 MB per second all the way up to 3,500 MB per second. SSDs are cheaper than ever, so getting one is one of the best ways to upgrade your Mac.
9. Upgrade your RAM memory
Another hardware adjustment you can make is to upgrade your RAM (your short-term memory). RAM is your computerâs working memory, where it computes all temporary tasks you do, like using apps, checking your email, and browsing the internet. If you have less than 4 GB of RAM, you could easily be overtaxing your system.
Even normally daily computing like using Facebook, Youtube, and email can take up a lot of short-term memory. If you use more than your deviceâs capacity, your operating system is forced to move something youâre not currently using into long-term memory (your hard disk) for a time â and then when you switch back to that app, your computer needs to retrieve that data all the way from the hard drive. This process is called paging or swapping, and it takes a lot of extra time, slowing down your overall performance.
So how powerful does your computer really need to be? The short answer is that it depends on how you use it. If you have a larger RAM capacity, your computer can keep more apps and processes running in your short-term memory, which eliminates delays. Depending on what your current capacity is, you can make a big difference by upgrading your RAM.
If you have less than 4 GB of RAM and youâre a normal computer user (web browsing, email, Office or Google applications, etc.) you should upgrade to at least 4 GB.
If you do a lot of multitasking, video and photo editing, or light gaming, youâll want to upgrade to at least 8 GB of RAM.
If youâre a heavy gamer, a programmer, or a video editor by profession, weâd recommend 16+ GB of RAM.Â
Unlike PCs, Macs arenât as personally configurable, but upgrading RAM is usually possible. See Appleâs support pages for their official guidance on upgrading MacBooks, Mac Pro, or iMac.
10. Reset SMC and PRAM
Sometimes an easy fix is all you need. Your Macâs System Management Controller (SMC) controls its basic functions like managing hardware, Wi-Fi connection, and power. Its Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) manages essential settings such as performance information, your audio volume, and keyboard lighting. If things are out of whack on your Mac, a quick reset of the SMC and PRAM should help right the ship, no matter if you have a MacBook Pro, Macbook Air, or something else.
Resetting your SMC varies a bit depending on what type of Mac you have:
For Macs with a non-removable battery: Turn off your MacBook. Hold down SHIFT + CONTROL + OPTION and the power button and hold for ten seconds. Then reboot your Mac normally.
For MacBooks with a removable battery:Â Turn off your MacBook, unplug the cord, and take the battery out. Hold the power button for five seconds. Then reinsert the battery, plug your MacBook in, and restart it.
For Mac Minis, Mac Pros, and iMacs:Â Shut your Mac down and unplug it. Wait 20 seconds, and then plug it in and restart. Thatâs it!
Resetting your PRAM is the same on all Macs. Hereâs how to do it: Shut down your Mac. Hold down COMMAND + OPTION + P until your Mac restarts. Then youâre done!
Boost your Macâs performance the easy way
If you followed all the steps in our guide, you can see that it might take you a significant amount of time to properly clean your Mac from top to bottom. And after you do it, a lot of temporary files and other junk will quickly return during the process of normal computer use.
The best way to speed up your Mac in the long term is to use a special Mac cleaning tool like AVG TuneUp for Mac. Itâll hunt down background processes, startup items, cache files, temporary files, duplicate photos, and anything else that may be slowing you down. Not only that, but youâll also get automatic maintenance with the touch of a button so your Mac stays a lean, mean, speedy machine.
from Blogger http://quicksolvocom.blogspot.com/2020/06/how-to-speed-up-your-mac.html
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How to Speed Up Your Mac
How to Speed Up Your Mac
Is your Mac running slower than a sloth? Are you missing the days of lighting-fast computing? All computers slow down gradually with time, but you donât have to put up with it â learn how to speed up your Mac with our comprehensive guide right here.
Why your Mac is running slow
Before we learn how to make your Mac run faster, itâs helpful to determine why your Mac is getting slow. The age of your machine and how much you use it has some effect, but that doesnât explain everything. There are many possible causes for a slow Mac, so letâs try to identify the reasons why itâs happening before we troubleshoot.
Why is my Mac running slow? It could be due to:
Insufficient RAM:Â If your computer doesnât have enough short-term memory (RAM), it will struggle to complete everyday tasks like running programs and browsing the internet.Â
Full hard drive: To compensate for low short-term memory, your computer is forced to store things on the hard drive. If itâs chock-full of apps and large files, there wonât be enough space left to help apps and other processes run. And if youâre using a hard disk drive (HDD), lack of space means you canât defrag your disk to help boost performance.Â
Out-of-date software:Â Apple generally produces new macOS versions because the newer versions run faster and better. The same applies to most apps and programs. If youâre running old versions, they could very well be slowing you down.Â
Too many startup programs and background processes:Â You may have apps that start automatically every time you boot up your system and/or run quietly in the background while you work on other tasks. These unnecessary processes can eat up precious CPU power and RAM.Â
Visual effects:Â macOS contains a lot of visual effects that can be taxing on older Mac computers, draining your battery and slowing you down.
Slow internet connection: If your browsing and video streaming are too slow or stuttering, the problem might not be your Mac at all â it may be caused by a slow internet connection.
Age and overuse:Â If youâre still rocking a 2004 MacBook, or if you constantly use lots of process-heavy apps like video editors or games on an older machine, your computer is going to be a little worse for the wear.
Âť Check your internet speed
Before we dive into our top ten ways to speed up macOS, letâs check your internet speed. Go to www.speedtest.net and run their test â it only takes a few seconds!
If youâre not getting fast enough speeds, try our favourite methods for boosting your home Wi-Fi signal. If youâre still struggling with slow speeds after that, itâs time to call your internet service provider to see whatâs going on and whether they can fix it on their end.
Once youâve determined that your internet service isnât the issue, then itâs time to jump into our tips to speed up macOS.
1. Install any updates
Are you one of the many people always clicking âRemind me tomorrowâ on update notifications? No judgement here, but by delaying your updates, you may have delayed your speed as well. Older versions of Mac operating systems and other apps tend to slow down over time. And as annoying as updates are, the developers wouldnât bother you with them unless your software would be actually, well, updated. Updated versions will include fixed bugs, updated security, and better resource utilization.
Long ago, new system updates on older Mac devices slowed down performance. Apple has since corrected the issue, and new updates should be lean and mean. They focus on trimming down unnecessary features and making sure your Mac runs its best.
Hereâs how to update your Mac:
To check if you need to update, click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your desktop.
Click on System PreferencesâŚÂ to see if thereâs a macOS update. If there is, click Update.
Make sure to check the box to keep your system updated automatically.
Your computer will take some time to update your system, and will then need to restart.
If you have outdated apps, you should update those as well. Click the Apple again, and select App StoreâŚÂ if you see that there are updates available.
The App Store will then display all the apps you own that have possible updates, including the reason they should be updated â such as âbug fixesâ or âstability and performance improvements.â
Click on the individual app you want to update and follow the instructions. If you see apps you donât actually use here, skip to the next section to get rid of them.
2. Uninstall unused apps
Do you know how many apps you have on your computer that youâre not even using? These large programs can take up lots of space and bog you down, and they may be another reason why your Mac is running slow. Luckily, the process to remove them isnât too onerous. Hereâs how to uninstall apps:
Open Finder and select Applications.
Find the little grid icon and select Date Last Opened.
Scroll down to the bottom to find apps you havenât used in a long time. Select the app you want to delete.
Drag the app to your Trash to uninstall it, and then make sure to empty the Trash.
Boom! Now the app is off your computer, where it can no longer eat up your space or CPU power. Repeat the process to get rid of other apps you no longer use. And donât worry; you can always download the app again from the App Store if you find yourself missing it later.
Not sure which apps will give you the most bang for your buck, space-wise? Letâs find out which programs take up the most space and power on your system.
Âť Find and disable the most power-hungry processes
Letâs dig a little deeper and see whatâs really dragging your Mac down.
Open Finder, click Go and then select Utilities.
Select Activity Monitor, which will show you a variety of information about your system and device performance.
Click the tab for CPU at the top. Your central processing unit is what computes everything you do. If it gets bogged down by a resource-hungry process, itâll slow everything else down.
Click the arrow on % CPU to sort by the highest percentage.
Here you can see whatâs taking up the most computing power. Some tasks canât be stopped, such as those necessary for vital computing functions. Check the User column. Anything listed as _windowserver or root cannot be disabled. Instead, look for apps that are listed under your username.
Look for anything that consumes 5â10% of CPU usage.
Here YouTube is consuming 4.4% of CPU power, which is a lot. You can easily get those resources back by closing YouTube. If the app tries to resist, click Force Quit.
If you see any processes on this list that you arenât familiar with, itâs best to Google them before deleting â make sure itâs nothing important before you give it the boot.
Check out the other tabs in the Activity Monitor: Memory, Energy (aka battery life), Disk, and Network to see what apps or processes are taking up other valuable resources.
Check Energy to see which of your apps are taking up the most of your power. Sort by 12 hr Power to see which apps have used the most power in the last half a day.
If you see anything thatâs taking up a lot of power, avoid using it when you want faster speeds for other priorities on your Mac.
If you check regularly and find out that a single app is taking up way too much power, uninstall it using the steps above.
Âť Remove malicious software
Itâs a myth that Macs canât get viruses. Just like PCs, Macs are susceptible to malicious software, or malware. Historically, hackers focused more of their efforts on PCs simply because there are many more Windows machines in use than Macs. But lately, more and more cybercriminals are turning their efforts towards Apple. Rogue code can get onto your system, damage performance, slow you down, and steal your sensitive data.
Check out our ultimate guide to Mac security and remove anything nefarious that might be lurking underneath your machineâs hood. Then equip your Mac with AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac to make sure you stay protected against hackers, rogue code, and the growing number of other Mac malware threats out there.
Download AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac
 3. Remove unwanted files
Files can also take up a lot of space and memory, and a cluttered Mac can experience unresponsive apps and reduced disk space. What kind of files might be taking up space on your Mac?
Movies and TV shows youâve already watched.
Blurry and duplicate photos:Â Do you tend to take five shots of everything, trying to get the perfect angle? You probably donât need all of these hanging around.
Temporary files:Â macOS and other apps create temporary data and thousands of cache files during their necessary running process, and they donât delete these excess files once theyâre no longer needed.
Files in Trash:Â The files still exist until you actually empty out the Trash.
All of these can really add up and bog you down. Thatâs why removing unnecessary files can fix a slow-running Mac. Letâs start with tracking down your largest files and documents.
Open up Finder and hit Command + F to open up a search window.
Click on the Kind menu and select Other.
Scroll down through the options and find File Size; check the blue box on the right.
Back on the Search screen, make sure you select to search This Mac. To the right of File Size, go to the next drop-down menu and select is greater than. Then type in a number, such as 100, and select MB from the last drop-down menu.
You can now see the biggest items on your system, including apps and large files.
Now you can go through every item one by one and move everything you no longer want or need into the trash.
Make sure to empty the Trash so the files actually get removed.
Depending on how many old files and apps youâve been hoarding, this process can take longer than Frodoâs quest to Mordor. Not only that, but this process doesnât even cover all the temporary data and cache files that macOS and other apps leave behind as they run. Even if you could find all those files yourself (which are scattered all across your hard drive in difficult-to-find folders), they would accumulate again after just a few days of normal computer use.
The best, easiest, and fastest way to track down all the junk on your Mac is to use a dedicated cleanup tool. And we happen to have just the thing for that:Â AVG TuneUp for Mac. Hereâs how to use it to scour your machine for all the junk you no longer need, then whip your machine into shape.
 Download AVG TuneUp for Mac by clicking the button above.
Complete the installation process.
On the main dashboard, under Clean Clutter, click SCAN.
AVG TuneUp will show you just how much-hidden clutter is lurking in your system.
Hit CLEAN to get rid of these unnecessary application caches, log files, and trash!
Go back to the main dashboard and click SCAN under Find Duplicates. This scan will detect all of the duplicate files that you have saved accidentally. Itâll give you the option to scan just your user folder, your whole hard drive, and even your external storage. Note that scanning entire disks can take a while.
Once the scan finishes, review the list of duplicates and remove whatever you no longer need.
Back on the main dashboard again, click FIND under Find photos that are bad or similar. Select all the locations where you have photos stored.
Itâll scan your computer thoroughly and sort photos you might want to get rid of into two categories: bad photos and similar photos. Click Review and then Compare these to see your photos (nothing will be deleted unless you specify!).
Select all the photos you no longer want and click REMOVE.
Now that you have AVG TuneUp, you can choose your settings for automatic maintenance so your Mac stays fresh, clean, and speedy!
Âť Clean up your desktop
Your desktop screen can easily get cluttered. Depending on your settings, any screenshots you take will end up right here. Downloads and other files, icons, and widgets may be stuck on your desktop too. Desktop items reside inside your RAM (short-term memory), taking up valuable resources that your Mac could be using for other tasks. A cluttered desktop consuming lots of RAM could be another cause for why your Mac is running slow.
Having a few things on your desktop is unlikely to have a significant impact. But if you have hundreds of icons, pictures, movies, etc. stored on your desktop, you can see an increase in performance and speed by cleaning things up. Thatâs especially true if you donât have much RAM to spare.
Go to your crowded desktop. Right-click (or click with two fingers) and select New Folder.
Name your new folder anything you want, such as Files from Desktop.
Hit COMMAND + A to select everything.
Hold down COMMAND and click on the new folder to deselect it.
Drag all of your highlighted files into the new folder.
Drag the folder into your Documents folder in the sidebar.
Enjoy your clean new desktop!
Âť Move your photos to iCloud and adjust other storage settings
As mentioned, photos are some of the largest files, and todayâs smartphones make it very easy to amass a large photo library. But having too many files can quickly fill up your storage capacity and slow down your Mac.
If you arenât willing to part with any of your photos, a good solution is to move them into the cloud. That way your photos will be saved and accessible, but they wonât take up space on your system. Hereâs how to host your photos in iCloud.
Click the Apple icon and select About this Mac.
Click the Storage tab, and then select ManageâŚ
Here youâll see a few options of how to increase space on your Mac.
Click Store in iCloudâŚÂ and then youâll choose exactly what you want to store.
Optimize storage settings
Back on the previous screen, you also have options to optimize file storage.
Optimize Storage: Hit OptimizeâŚÂ This will save space by getting rid of TV shows and movies that youâve already watched on Apple TV and iTunes. (You can download them again later if you want.)Â
Empty Trash Automatically: Click Turn onâŚÂ When you put files into Trash, they donât actually get deleted until you remember to empty it. This setting allows you to have all files left in trash for longer than 30 days removed automatically.
Reduce Clutter: Click Review and youâll be able to see large files you have saved in Documents, Applications, Music, and Music Creation. You can sort through and delete whatever large files you no longer need.
4. Empty caches
When you browse the web, your browser stores pieces of the web pages into the cache, which helps things like images load faster the next time you want to see them. Other apps store things in caches as well, such as photo and video editors that retain temporary data. Even Appleâs own apps, like Spotlight and Maps, create cache data, but these tend to be small enough that you donât need to worry about them.
When your cache builds up with excess data from apps or other programs, that may be yet another reason why your Mac is running slow. Clearing your browser cache will help it run faster and make sure you arenât viewing any outdated content. While youâre at it, you can clear out your browser cookies as well. And clearing out the photo and video editor caches can free up additional space in your system, which will in turn help speed up your Mac.
Letâs clear out your browser cache in Safari first.
Click on Safari and then hit Preferences.
Click Advanced and then tick the box for Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
Develop will now be an option on the Safari menu bar; click it and select Empty Caches.
Click it and youâre good to go!
Now letâs clear out your system and user (also called application) caches. Note that this isnât necessary unless you have a lot of large files cached, such as those from a photo or video editors. Before we get started, make sure you have a current backup saved on your Mac. When you go messing around in your caches, you could break something if youâre not careful. Letâs clear out the user cache first.
Open up Finder and hit Go, then Go to Folder...
A window will pop up. Type in /Users/[your username]/Library/Caches and hit Go.
Youâll now see all the user or application caches saved on your system. You can drag anything you donât need to the Trash and then empty it.
Again, be careful not to delete anything you might need.Â
To clear out the system cache, navigate again to Finder > Go> Go to folderâŚÂ and then type in ~/Library/Caches/.
Youâll see your system cache and can delete what you wish by dragging it to the Trash and then emptying the trash.
Again, be careful not purge anything that might be important. Because that can be a little tricky to determine, we recommend you use a dedicated cleaning tool, such as AVG TuneUp, that helps you safely remove all the junk while keeping anything essential.
5. Cut down on startup programs
Many apps are programmed to start automatically as soon as you boot up your computer, but they often arenât necessary and can negatively impact your speed from the moment the system is switched on. You can choose to limit your startup programs to just the essentials.
Click the Apple icon in the top left and then open System Preferences.
Choose Users & Groups.
Select Login Items. Here you can see all the programs that start automatically and disable the ones you donât need.
Click the lock and enter your password to make changes.
To find even more hidden startup items, click finder and then Go.
With the Go menu open, hold down the OPTION key on your keyboard. This will make a new option, Library, appear in the list â click it.
Scroll down the list of folders and select LaunchAgents. Here youâll see apps and processes that are set to launch automatically upon startup.
If you see anything you donât need, delete it! (If youâre not sure what something is, Google it before you get rid of it.)
6. Turn off visual effects
Visual effects â such as animations, transitions, and icons bouncing around â arenât really necessary. They can negatively impact your performance, especially if you have an older iMac or MacBook. You can easily boost your speed a few notches by disabling visual effects like this:
Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences. Then click on Accessibility.
Once youâre in Accessibility, click on the Display tab. Check the box for Reduce motion.
Done! This will especially make a difference in speed for older Macs.
7. Rebuild your Spotlight index
Your Macâs performance can take a nosedive if Spotlight indexing gets stuck. This may happen after you apply a major macOS update. If you notice that Spotlight search isnât working properly, hereâs how to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac.
Click the Apple icon, select System Preferences, and click on Spotlight.
On the Spotlight screen, click Privacy.
Hit the + sign and select a folder or disk that needs to be indexed again into the white box.
Once itâs there, click on the folder and then click the â sign at the bottom. Thatâs it!
8. Try an SSD
Are you still working with an out-of-date hard disk drive (HDD)? Switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) will give you a huge jump in performance, including speed. The difference between an HDD and an SSD is significant: when loading data and programs, youâll go from 100 MB per second all the way up to 3,500 MB per second. SSDs are cheaper than ever, so getting one is one of the best ways to upgrade your Mac.
9. Upgrade your RAM memory
Another hardware adjustment you can make is to upgrade your RAM (your short-term memory). RAM is your computerâs working memory, where it computes all temporary tasks you do, like using apps, checking your email, and browsing the internet. If you have less than 4 GB of RAM, you could easily be overtaxing your system.
Even normally daily computing like using Facebook, Youtube, and email can take up a lot of short-term memory. If you use more than your deviceâs capacity, your operating system is forced to move something youâre not currently using into long-term memory (your hard disk) for a time â and then when you switch back to that app, your computer needs to retrieve that data all the way from the hard drive. This process is called paging or swapping, and it takes a lot of extra time, slowing down your overall performance.
So how powerful does your computer really need to be? The short answer is that it depends on how you use it. If you have a larger RAM capacity, your computer can keep more apps and processes running in your short-term memory, which eliminates delays. Depending on what your current capacity is, you can make a big difference by upgrading your RAM.
If you have less than 4 GB of RAM and youâre a normal computer user (web browsing, email, Office or Google applications, etc.) you should upgrade to at least 4 GB.
If you do a lot of multitasking, video and photo editing, or light gaming, youâll want to upgrade to at least 8 GB of RAM.
If youâre a heavy gamer, a programmer, or a video editor by profession, weâd recommend 16+ GB of RAM.Â
Unlike PCs, Macs arenât as personally configurable, but upgrading RAM is usually possible. See Appleâs support pages for their official guidance on upgrading MacBooks, Mac Pro, or iMac.
10. Reset SMC and PRAM
Sometimes an easy fix is all you need. Your Macâs System Management Controller (SMC) controls its basic functions like managing hardware, Wi-Fi connection, and power. Its Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) manages essential settings such as performance information, your audio volume, and keyboard lighting. If things are out of whack on your Mac, a quick reset of the SMC and PRAM should help right the ship, no matter if you have a MacBook Pro, Macbook Air, or something else.
Resetting your SMC varies a bit depending on what type of Mac you have:
For Macs with a non-removable battery: Turn off your MacBook. Hold down SHIFT + CONTROL + OPTION and the power button and hold for ten seconds. Then reboot your Mac normally.
For MacBooks with a removable battery:Â Turn off your MacBook, unplug the cord, and take the battery out. Hold the power button for five seconds. Then reinsert the battery, plug your MacBook in, and restart it.
For Mac Minis, Mac Pros, and iMacs:Â Shut your Mac down and unplug it. Wait 20 seconds, and then plug it in and restart. Thatâs it!
Resetting your PRAM is the same on all Macs. Hereâs how to do it: Shut down your Mac. Hold down COMMAND + OPTION + P until your Mac restarts. Then youâre done!
Boost your Macâs performance the easy way
If you followed all the steps in our guide, you can see that it might take you a significant amount of time to properly clean your Mac from top to bottom. And after you do it, a lot of temporary files and other junk will quickly return during the process of normal computer use.
The best way to speed up your Mac in the long term is to use a special Mac cleaning tool like AVG TuneUp for Mac. Itâll hunt down background processes, startup items, cache files, temporary files, duplicate photos, and anything else that may be slowing you down. Not only that, but youâll also get automatic maintenance with the touch of a button so your Mac stays a lean, mean, speedy machine.
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Captain America vs. Thanos Who's on the Facet of Science
Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the place the Avengers battle on the large display screen, the mathematics appears fairly easy. Captain America equals good, Thanos equals unhealthy. Captain America equals proper, Thanos equals fallacious. Cap was designed by science, the Mad Titan makes use of magic to revamp the galaxy.
Or does he? If we take a look at these two characters, the alternatives they make, how they got here to be and what they do, who's actually on the facet of science?
To reply this query, we should enter the realm of gene enhancing the place we meet one thing that feels like one thing out of 1950s B film: CRISPR! A Nature Information article printed in 2015 even carried the B-movie title "CRISPR, The Disruptor." However whereas CRISPR has a sci-fi, cosmic-sounding ring to it, it's really derived from the interior workings of essentially the most historical life right here on earth: micro organism.
A puzzle about sequencing patterns within the genome of bacterium Escherichia coli that started in 1987, deepened additional in 1995 when it was found that different microbes confirmed the identical sample of "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats." That lengthy stretch of phrases birthed the acronym "CRISPR."
So, the puzzling sequence had a reputation, however what did it do and why was it there? In 2007, meals scientists at Danisco observed that CRISPR represented DNA from viruses that assault micro organism. Similarly to your immune system sustaining a "hit list" of pathogens to assault, CRISPR represents an historical a part of the bacterial immune response that enables instantaneous recognition and concentrating on throughout a viral invasion. All of this could be neat and helpful however CRISPR would not be so "avenging" if all it may do was assist acknowledge an invader. It wants to have the ability to assault invaders too.
That is the place CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, all the time discovered close to the CRISPR sequences within the DNA, make a grand entrance. Scientists realized in 2012 that CRISPR could possibly be used within the best organic assault mission ever: gene enhancing. Cas proteins go in and chop up the DNA of viral attackers, thus destroying the virus and stopping it from replicating. Cas9 is essentially the most generally used enzyme and comes from Streptococcus pyogenes--the bacterium notorious for providing you with strep throat.
DNA strands are then repaired if it is a gene deletion, or a brand new sequence (that may be both useful or damaging to the organism) may be inserted to change the host genome. More moderen discoveries like CRISPR-Cas3 are much more highly effective. Cas3 would not chop up the DNA however quite erases enormous stretches of it. If exact management of the erasure boundaries may be enabled, this holds much more energy and promise for gene enhancing.
Utilizing these procedures in an embryonic (egg or sperm) cell permits the "edits" to be a part of the genetic code that goes to the following era as "inherited characteristics". So long as you already know the fitting sequence--a information RNA--to give the Cas9, you are able to do a cut-and-paste job into any genome.
That is each thrilling and terrifying. In 2019 a mind-boggling document 13,200 modifications has been made to DNA of a single human cell utilizing CRISPR.
This potential energy of CRISPR stimulated one of many principally hotly debated biomedical ethics problems with all time. There have been requires a moratorium on the usage of CRISPR for enhancing the human germ line--those cells like sperm and egg cells that cross genetic data to the following era. A number of teams ignored the calls, pressed forward, and used human embryos as take a look at beds to find out how nicely the method would possibly work.
It did work, however there have been some points. Focusing on errors related to the information RNA gave "off-target repeats". Which means, it wasn't practically as exact as wanted for routine use in people and suggesting that it could be untimely to provide the method a scientific utility. Regardless of that, on November 28, 2018 researcher He Jiankui, from the Southern College of Science and Expertise in Guangdong, China, revealed that, in contravention of world moral protocols and regulatory oversight, he had carried out ex-vivo gene enhancing on two human embryos.
The controversy rages on in our actuality, however within the fictional world of the Marvel Universe there isn't a controversy about utilizing gene enhancing to remodel the frail Steve Rogers into the superhuman super-soldier Captain America. Myostatin gene deletion for tremendous energy? Examine. APOE for cover in opposition to dementia? Examine. BDNF enhancement for reminiscence? Examine. IGF2R for calculating vital conundrums throughout fight? Examine and examine. Most folk haven't got an issue with such organic tinkering if it helps with illness or enhances people to battle for what's proper alongside the Avengers.
CRISPR, although, is a way that cuts each methods and may be each good and unhealthy. Right here the unhealthy is how Thanos would possibly use gene enhancing to realize his finish objective of deleting half the lifetime of the universe. CRISPR methodology can be utilized to create and activate a "gene drive" mechanism that may have affect over a complete species inside a given inhabitants. Within the case of a gene drive, modifications may embrace intentionally "infecting" a inhabitants with defective genes mutated to be dysfunctional and pathological. Positively feels like a part of Thanos' job description!
Spreading a genetic mutation in a complete inhabitants of organisms normally takes a very long time as a result of a mutation on considered one of a pair of chromosomes is inherited by solely half of the offspring. However a gene drive utilizing CRISPR produces a focused mutation that's then copied to each associate chromosome in each era. The mutation spreads extraordinarily quickly by a complete inhabitants. Whereas it isn't as quick as "the snap" Thanos used with the Infinity Gauntlet in Avengers: Infinity Struggle to instantly kill half the life within the galaxy, it is nonetheless extremely quick in organic phrases.
In our actuality, inside a single season a gene drive could possibly be used to brush by and destroy a complete mosquito inhabitants carrying malaria or West Nile virus. This is able to represent an amazing advance for infectious illness management. Molecular biologists are involved with off-target propensities of the information RNA. The hazard is that the information RNA itself will most likely mutate whereas passing by successive generations. This can result in concentrating on different areas of the genome, which might then subsequently race by the inhabitants with unexpected penalties. However it could additionally disrupt predator-prey interactions that will be compromised by wiping out a complete inhabitants and will result in widespread collapse of complete ecosystems.
Which brings us to the character of science. Scientific discoveries aren't good or unhealthy in the way in which we are able to consider characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Discoveries do not care about your intentions. As soon as data is acquired it may be utilized in many ways in which have been by no means supposed and even imagined by the discoverer. Knowledge to associate with data takes time to accumulate and we are sometimes too impatient to attend.
Developed ecosystems reside in an natural steadiness. This steadiness is sustained by interactions throughout all species and all life throughout the ecosystem. If we contemplate the universe depicted by Marvel as a macro ecosystem, Thanos's makes an attempt to wipe out half of all life would consequence not in higher dwelling for the survivors (as he appears to suppose) however in a whole collapse of the dwelling world. Eliminating half of all organisms would destroy the net of relationships that connects all species.
Equally, there are issues in our present actuality we could not learn about as implications of our choices, but we take them anyway and so can unwittingly convey on the downfall of our personal and associated ecosystems after we begin utilizing issues like gene drives.
The late, nice Stan Lee mentioned "With great power must also come great responsibility." He was speaking about Spider-Man's origin story, however this phrase ought to resonate with us all on daily basis with each resolution we take. Scientific advances assist each the genetic engineering wanted to supply Captain America and the means to allow the cataclysmic and nefarious plan of Thanos.
It could be okay to plunge forward with a dangerous galaxy-saving plan within the just-released film Avengers: Endgame, however in actual life gene enhancing we aren't taking part in video games. As a substitute of simply doing what may be performed as a result of we expect it is proper, we have to pause, replicate and train the accountability that's commensurate with our ever-increasing energy.
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Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics
âWhat you know you canât explain, but you feel it. Youâve
felt it your entire life, that thereâs something wrong with the
world. You donât know what it is, but itâs there, like a splinter
in your mind, driving you mad.â â Morpheus, The Matrix
~~~~~
âHow much of the internet is fake?â pondered the headline of a
late-December
New York Magazine feature, before answering its own question:
âA lot actually.â What followed was a systematic unpacking of that
premise, via author Max
Read. Though somewhat cynical and harsh, his argument was
backed by facts and evidence at every turn. He documented case
after case of fake traffic and fraudulent metrics. He shared videos
of phony engagement factories known as click farms. He cited real
stories and statistics that verify the prominence, pervasiveness,
and pestilence of these issues. Readâs article shook me out of my
restful holiday contentment. This wasnât all news to me, but never
had I seen so many examples compiled into one grim, gut-wrenching
montage. The internet is an inherently murky place â you canât
physically count visitors to a blog post, as you could with
attendees at a conference speech or customers in a store â so the
success of a digital marketplace hinges on our collective faith in
the integrity of data (and intentions). Itâs not the number of
non-human âusersâ that troubles me. Weâve known for some time
that
bots make up a large portion of website traffic, and any
analyst worth their salt is accounting for that reality. What
troubles me is the potential (inevitable?) existence of nefarious
actors seeking to deceive and benefit â and the repercussions
thereof. Mr. Read puts it best with this poignant observation:
âWhatâs gone from the internet, after all, isnât
âtruth,â but trust: the sense that the people and things we
encounter are what they represent themselves to be.â
Taking a Toll on Trust The digital world saw its share of
bombshells in 2018, and Iâd argue few were bigger than the filing
of an
amended lawsuit from a group of small advertisers, alleging
that Facebook knowingly delivered false video metrics back in
2015/16, and that the extent of this inflation was greater than
previously believed. Though just one isolated incident (hopefully),
itâs the kind of headline that serves to further erode a
diminishing level of trust between people and the institutions
they rely on. These occurrences send shockwaves through the digital
universe that are felt in every corner, with wide-reaching
implications. Â Â When
polled by CMO Council last year, 62% of marketers indicated
that reports about false and faulty metrics have caused them to
pull back on spend with Facebook and Google. Meanwhile, the latest
Edelman Trust Barometer shows pervasive global drops in trust
toward platforms â most sharply in the U.S. For digital
marketers that value accuracy and honesty, it can be tempting to
ignore these kinds of stories and headlines, going about our own
business and letting all that noise play out on its own. This would
be a mistake. We can only control what we can control, but
within that realm, there are steps we can take to counteract these
troubling narratives. Two Key Opportunities for Digital
Marketers Internally and externally, marketers are dealing with
uphill battles that are steepened by these developments.
Internally, we have to be able to confidently trust our metrics and
present them to our bosses. Externally, weâre facing an audience
that is growing more distrustful by nature. From my view, the
growing recognition of fake web traffic and fraudulent metrics
should compel marketers to reflect thoughtfully, and double-down on
two vital cornerstones in the digital era: transparency and organic
content. #1: Transparency is More Essential Than Ever Itâs
getting harder for people to take things at face value. So donât
force them to. The more we can be open and honest about our
processes, practices, and principles, the more we can distance
ourselves from shady actors who are damaging the industryâs
reputation. Data measurement and analysis is hard. Errors and
mistakes happen. If your agency or business is frontal in the way
it identifies and addresses these situations, youâre more likely
to sustain trusting relationships with your clients, customers, and
business partners. One company that has impressed me with the way
it embraces transparency is Lemonade, a tech-driven insurance
company out of New York. In line with its overarching mission to
combat trust issues that have plagued the insurance industry,
Lemonade runs a content series on its website and social media
called The
Transparency Chronicles, introspectively discussing the
business with a stunning level of candor. âWe suck, sometimes,â
was the
title of a post from co-founder Shai Wininger last June,
reflecting on the first half of 2018. He didnât shy away from his
companyâs shortcomings and failures; he acknowledged them, tried
to learn from them, and invited the brandâs community to take
part in the conversation. Beyond refreshing to see.
Lemonade is basically bringing a new model to the market: insurance
claims submitted directly through an app, with a personable AI bot
as your guide, removing brokers and conflicts of interest from the
equation. There are bound to be unforeseen snags and hiccups along
the way with such an endeavor. The companyâs openness about its
journey makes customers more comfortable in taking part. As a
marketer, you canât guarantee everything you try is going to
work. You canât even guarantee every view counted by a
third-party platform is a genuine human being. But if youâre
open, honest, and transparent, you can mitigate these uncertainties
and ambiguities. #2: Investing in Organic Content Programs Now
Makes More Sense Than Ever Paid media and digital advertising will
forever remain important. But they represent a short-term, finite
usage of marketing spend, whereas organic content is a long-term
play that can keep on giving. Itâs like renting traffic versus
investing in traffic. In an age of shaky consumption metrics, the
latter becomes all the more appealing. Â Smart, strategic content
marketing that aligns with your target audience and
adheres to modern SEO principles will build equity over time.
Itâs more qualitative, and not as reliant on short bursts of
traffic volume, so brands donât need to concern themselves as
much with the value of each view and click. Â Speaking of which,
we also need to move away from superficial measurement and toward
meaningful measurement. It was encouraging to see, per
Demand Genâs 2018 Marketing Impact Report, that volume,
pipeline, and revenue metrics are being prioritized, but still a
bit puzzling that two out of three respondents are using activity
data as proof of marketingâs value: At TopRank Marketing weâve seen the bottom-line impact of
content marketing demonstrated through program after program. One
client, Welter Heating, saw a 590% combined increase in organic
conversions during its busiest month over a four-year span with a
best (local) answer content strategy. Another client,
Innovatech, boosted conversion rates by 34% year-over-year through
CRO and search optimization. As I alluded earlier when talking
about transparency, people tend to believe what they can see. The
value of content marketing remains plainly evident, even in a hazy
digital climate. A Clear of View of Digital Marketing in 2019 In
the movie The Matrix, quoted at the outset of this article,
Morpheus presents Neo with an ultimatum: Take the blue pill and
youâll continue to live in blissful ignorance, believing whatever
you wish to believe; take the red pill and youâll see the truth,
unpleasant as it might be. That article from New York Magazine
served as a red pill of sorts for me. Thereâs a seedy underbelly
to this digital environment, one which has long dug at me like a
splinter in my mind, but Iâm ready to come to terms with it. And
Iâm ready to do all I can in 2019 beyond to make sure that our
team is part of the solution, not part of the problem. âThe
frustration across the marketing ecosystem is palpable, and new
headlines that breach trust and showcase systemic carelessness have
inflamed the issue,â says Liz Miller, senior
vice-president of marketing at CMO Council. âThe industry as a
whole must align on transparency and reliability.â Hear, hear.
Through transparent practices and the reliability of integrated
content strategy, digital marketing and its reputation can thrive
as much as ever. Â Looking for further information on the
subject? Hereâs
how marketers can use the art of storytelling to build and regain
trust.
The post
Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and
Fraudulent Metrics appeared first on Online Marketing Blog â
TopRankÂŽ.
Read more: toprankblog.com
0 notes
Text
Helpful Tips to Make Your New App More Secure
Up to 92 percent of all apps available today have security weaknesses or flaws that can be easily exploited by nefarious cyber-criminals. If you are creating an app or planning to launch one in the near future, then making sure it is secure is a must. After all, thereâs no one who wants to use an insecure app.
While using the services of third party service providers, like https://thinkwgroup.com/, is a great start, there are other steps you need to take to achieve a level of true security. Keep reading to learn what you can do to safeguard all the hard work you have done.
Image Source
Ground Up Protection
When it comes to any type of software project, including apps, you need to make sure that security is the main priority from the very first day you begin working on it. However, it is crucial to remember, a native app is extremely different from a web application.
If you have a web application, software and data are found exclusively on a service and the client-side is essentially just an interface. However, with a native app, the code that is found on the device after it has been downloaded makes it much more accessible to individuals who have any type of malicious intent.
There are quite a few vulnerabilities that are present in the source code of the app. However, that isnât where the majority of businesses focus the security dollars. Data and network security components are both vital elements of the bigger security picture. While this is true, the security has to begin with your actual app.
There is a wide array of reasons that vulnerabilities may occur, ranging from your failure to test your code, a developer error, or that your app has become the target of a hacker.
Back End Security
Cloud servers and servers that your apps APIs are accessing (a third partyâs or your own) need to have set security practices in place to provide adequate protection for data and to help and prevent any unauthorized access.
The APIs, along with those who are accessing them, need to be verified. This can help to prevent cases of eavesdropping on ay type of sensitive information that may be passing from the appâs database and server to the client.
Utilize a Smart Encryption Policy for Mobile Device Use
Although it was stated above, it is a good idea to mention it again â much more of an appâs data and code will have to be stored on your device than with a typical web app.
Why?
Because you are now accounting for the often-varying bandwidth, performance, and the quality of the devices being used. With more data being stored locally on devices (regardless of if it is temporarily or permanently), itâs going to be more vulnerable.
A âleakyâ app may release your customerâs data without them being aware of the problem. This is done with mobile data points that have been collected or entered in the background, such as usage habits for the device, location, and age.
Security is a Must-Have for Any App
If you want a secure app, you have to take steps to ensure this happens. There are more than a few methods you can use to ensure security but be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind. While the professionals can offer some layer of help, itâs also important that you take your own security steps to minimize the possibility of problems when actual users begin accessing the app that you have created.
The post Helpful Tips to Make Your New App More Secure appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
0 notes
Text
Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics
âWhat you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.â â Morpheus, The Matrix
~~~~~
"How much of the internet is fake?" pondered the headline of a late-December New York Magazine feature, before answering its own question: "A lot actually." What followed was a systematic unpacking of that premise, via author Max Read. Though somewhat cynical and harsh, his argument was backed by facts and evidence at every turn. He documented case after case of fake traffic and fraudulent metrics. He shared videos of phony engagement factories known as click farms. He cited real stories and statistics that verify the prominence, pervasiveness, and pestilence of these issues. Read's article shook me out of my restful holiday contentment. This wasn't all news to me, but never had I seen so many examples compiled into one grim, gut-wrenching montage. The internet is an inherently murky place â you can't physically count visitors to a blog post, as you could with attendees at a conference speech or customers in a store â so the success of a digital marketplace hinges on our collective faith in the integrity of data (and intentions). It's not the number of non-human "usersâ that troubles me. We've known for some time that bots make up a large portion of website traffic, and any analyst worth their salt is accounting for that reality. What troubles me is the potential (inevitable?) existence of nefarious actors seeking to deceive and benefit â and the repercussions thereof. Mr. Read puts it best with this poignant observation:
"Whatâs gone from the internet, after all, isnât 'truth,' but trust: the sense that the people and things we encounter are what they represent themselves to be."
Taking a Toll on Trust
The digital world saw its share of bombshells in 2018, and I'd argue few were bigger than the filing of an amended lawsuit from a group of small advertisers, alleging that Facebook knowingly delivered false video metrics back in 2015/16, and that the extent of this inflation was greater than previously believed. Though just one isolated incident (hopefully), it's the kind of headline that serves to further erode a diminishing level of trust between people and the institutions they rely on. These occurrences send shockwaves through the digital universe that are felt in every corner, with wide-reaching implications. Â Â When polled by CMO Council last year, 62% of marketers indicated that reports about false and faulty metrics have caused them to pull back on spend with Facebook and Google. Meanwhile, the latest Edelman Trust Barometer shows pervasive global drops in trust toward platforms â most sharply in the U.S. For digital marketers that value accuracy and honesty, it can be tempting to ignore these kinds of stories and headlines, going about our own business and letting all that noise play out on its own. This would be a mistake. We can only control what we can control, but within that realm, there are steps we can take to counteract these troubling narratives.
Two Key Opportunities for Digital Marketers
Internally and externally, marketers are dealing with uphill battles that are steepened by these developments. Internally, we have to be able to confidently trust our metrics and present them to our bosses. Externally, weâre facing an audience that is growing more distrustful by nature. From my view, the growing recognition of fake web traffic and fraudulent metrics should compel marketers to reflect thoughtfully, and double-down on two vital cornerstones in the digital era: transparency and organic content.
#1: Transparency is More Essential Than Ever
Itâs getting harder for people to take things at face value. So donât force them to. The more we can be open and honest about our processes, practices, and principles, the more we can distance ourselves from shady actors who are damaging the industry's reputation. Data measurement and analysis is hard. Errors and mistakes happen. If your agency or business is frontal in the way it identifies and addresses these situations, youâre more likely to sustain trusting relationships with your clients, customers, and business partners. One company that has impressed me with the way it embraces transparency is Lemonade, a tech-driven insurance company out of New York. In line with its overarching mission to combat trust issues that have plagued the insurance industry, Lemonade runs a content series on its website and social media called The Transparency Chronicles, introspectively discussing the business with a stunning level of candor. âWe suck, sometimes,â was the title of a post from co-founder Shai Wininger last June, reflecting on the first half of 2018. He didnât shy away from his companyâs shortcomings and failures; he acknowledged them, tried to learn from them, and invited the brandâs community to take part in the conversation. Beyond refreshing to see. Lemonade is basically bringing a new model to the market: insurance claims submitted directly through an app, with a personable AI bot as your guide, removing brokers and conflicts of interest from the equation. There are bound to be unforeseen snags and hiccups along the way with such an endeavor. The companyâs openness about its journey makes customers more comfortable in taking part. As a marketer, you canât guarantee everything you try is going to work. You canât even guarantee every view counted by a third-party platform is a genuine human being. But if youâre open, honest, and transparent, you can mitigate these uncertainties and ambiguities.
#2: Investing in Organic Content Programs Now Makes More Sense Than Ever
Paid media and digital advertising will forever remain important. But they represent a short-term, finite usage of marketing spend, whereas organic content is a long-term play that can keep on giving. Itâs like renting traffic versus investing in traffic. In an age of shaky consumption metrics, the latter becomes all the more appealing. Â Smart, strategic content marketing that aligns with your target audience and adheres to modern SEO principles will build equity over time. Itâs more qualitative, and not as reliant on short bursts of traffic volume, so brands donât need to concern themselves as much with the value of each view and click. Â Speaking of which, we also need to move away from superficial measurement and toward meaningful measurement. It was encouraging to see, per Demand Genâs 2018 Marketing Impact Report, that volume, pipeline, and revenue metrics are being prioritized, but still a bit puzzling that two out of three respondents are using activity data as proof of marketingâs value: At TopRank Marketing weâve seen the bottom-line impact of content marketing demonstrated through program after program. One client, Welter Heating, saw a 590% combined increase in organic conversions during its busiest month over a four-year span with a best (local) answer content strategy. Another client, Innovatech, boosted conversion rates by 34% year-over-year through CRO and search optimization. As I alluded earlier when talking about transparency, people tend to believe what they can see. The value of content marketing remains plainly evident, even in a hazy digital climate.
A Clear of View of Digital Marketing in 2019
In the movie The Matrix, quoted at the outset of this article, Morpheus presents Neo with an ultimatum: Take the blue pill and youâll continue to live in blissful ignorance, believing whatever you wish to believe; take the red pill and youâll see the truth, unpleasant as it might be. That article from New York Magazine served as a red pill of sorts for me. Thereâs a seedy underbelly to this digital environment, one which has long dug at me like a splinter in my mind, but Iâm ready to come to terms with it. And Iâm ready to do all I can in 2019 beyond to make sure that our team is part of the solution, not part of the problem. "The frustration across the marketing ecosystem is palpable, and new headlines that breach trust and showcase systemic carelessness have inflamed the issue," says Liz Miller, senior vice-president of marketing at CMO Council. "The industry as a whole must align on transparency and reliability.â Hear, hear. Through transparent practices and the reliability of integrated content strategy, digital marketing and its reputation can thrive as much as ever. Â Looking for further information on the subject? Hereâs how marketers can use the art of storytelling to build and regain trust.
The post Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics appeared first on Online Marketing Blog - TopRankÂŽ.
from The SEO Advantages https://www.toprankblog.com/2019/01/transparency-organic-content-marketing/
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Text
Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics
âWhat you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.â â Morpheus, The Matrix
~~~~~
"How much of the internet is fake?" pondered the headline of a late-December New York Magazine feature, before answering its own question: "A lot actually." What followed was a systematic unpacking of that premise, via author Max Read. Though somewhat cynical and harsh, his argument was backed by facts and evidence at every turn. He documented case after case of fake traffic and fraudulent metrics. He shared videos of phony engagement factories known as click farms. He cited real stories and statistics that verify the prominence, pervasiveness, and pestilence of these issues. Read's article shook me out of my restful holiday contentment. This wasn't all news to me, but never had I seen so many examples compiled into one grim, gut-wrenching montage. The internet is an inherently murky place â you can't physically count visitors to a blog post, as you could with attendees at a conference speech or customers in a store â so the success of a digital marketplace hinges on our collective faith in the integrity of data (and intentions). It's not the number of non-human "usersâ that troubles me. We've known for some time that bots make up a large portion of website traffic, and any analyst worth their salt is accounting for that reality. What troubles me is the potential (inevitable?) existence of nefarious actors seeking to deceive and benefit â and the repercussions thereof. Mr. Read puts it best with this poignant observation:
"Whatâs gone from the internet, after all, isnât 'truth,' but trust: the sense that the people and things we encounter are what they represent themselves to be."
Taking a Toll on Trust
The digital world saw its share of bombshells in 2018, and I'd argue few were bigger than the filing of an amended lawsuit from a group of small advertisers, alleging that Facebook knowingly delivered false video metrics back in 2015/16, and that the extent of this inflation was greater than previously believed. Though just one isolated incident (hopefully), it's the kind of headline that serves to further erode a diminishing level of trust between people and the institutions they rely on. These occurrences send shockwaves through the digital universe that are felt in every corner, with wide-reaching implications. Â Â When polled by CMO Council last year, 62% of marketers indicated that reports about false and faulty metrics have caused them to pull back on spend with Facebook and Google. Meanwhile, the latest Edelman Trust Barometer shows pervasive global drops in trust toward platforms â most sharply in the U.S. For digital marketers that value accuracy and honesty, it can be tempting to ignore these kinds of stories and headlines, going about our own business and letting all that noise play out on its own. This would be a mistake. We can only control what we can control, but within that realm, there are steps we can take to counteract these troubling narratives.
Two Key Opportunities for Digital Marketers
Internally and externally, marketers are dealing with uphill battles that are steepened by these developments. Internally, we have to be able to confidently trust our metrics and present them to our bosses. Externally, weâre facing an audience that is growing more distrustful by nature. From my view, the growing recognition of fake web traffic and fraudulent metrics should compel marketers to reflect thoughtfully, and double-down on two vital cornerstones in the digital era: transparency and organic content.
#1: Transparency is More Essential Than Ever
Itâs getting harder for people to take things at face value. So donât force them to. The more we can be open and honest about our processes, practices, and principles, the more we can distance ourselves from shady actors who are damaging the industry's reputation. Data measurement and analysis is hard. Errors and mistakes happen. If your agency or business is frontal in the way it identifies and addresses these situations, youâre more likely to sustain trusting relationships with your clients, customers, and business partners. One company that has impressed me with the way it embraces transparency is Lemonade, a tech-driven insurance company out of New York. In line with its overarching mission to combat trust issues that have plagued the insurance industry, Lemonade runs a content series on its website and social media called The Transparency Chronicles, introspectively discussing the business with a stunning level of candor. âWe suck, sometimes,â was the title of a post from co-founder Shai Wininger last June, reflecting on the first half of 2018. He didnât shy away from his companyâs shortcomings and failures; he acknowledged them, tried to learn from them, and invited the brandâs community to take part in the conversation. Beyond refreshing to see. Lemonade is basically bringing a new model to the market: insurance claims submitted directly through an app, with a personable AI bot as your guide, removing brokers and conflicts of interest from the equation. There are bound to be unforeseen snags and hiccups along the way with such an endeavor. The companyâs openness about its journey makes customers more comfortable in taking part. As a marketer, you canât guarantee everything you try is going to work. You canât even guarantee every view counted by a third-party platform is a genuine human being. But if youâre open, honest, and transparent, you can mitigate these uncertainties and ambiguities.
#2: Investing in Organic Content Programs Now Makes More Sense Than Ever
Paid media and digital advertising will forever remain important. But they represent a short-term, finite usage of marketing spend, whereas organic content is a long-term play that can keep on giving. Itâs like renting traffic versus investing in traffic. In an age of shaky consumption metrics, the latter becomes all the more appealing. Â Smart, strategic content marketing that aligns with your target audience and adheres to modern SEO principles will build equity over time. Itâs more qualitative, and not as reliant on short bursts of traffic volume, so brands donât need to concern themselves as much with the value of each view and click. Â Speaking of which, we also need to move away from superficial measurement and toward meaningful measurement. It was encouraging to see, per Demand Genâs 2018 Marketing Impact Report, that volume, pipeline, and revenue metrics are being prioritized, but still a bit puzzling that two out of three respondents are using activity data as proof of marketingâs value: At TopRank Marketing weâve seen the bottom-line impact of content marketing demonstrated through program after program. One client, Welter Heating, saw a 590% combined increase in organic conversions during its busiest month over a four-year span with a best (local) answer content strategy. Another client, Innovatech, boosted conversion rates by 34% year-over-year through CRO and search optimization. As I alluded earlier when talking about transparency, people tend to believe what they can see. The value of content marketing remains plainly evident, even in a hazy digital climate.
A Clear of View of Digital Marketing in 2019
In the movie The Matrix, quoted at the outset of this article, Morpheus presents Neo with an ultimatum: Take the blue pill and youâll continue to live in blissful ignorance, believing whatever you wish to believe; take the red pill and youâll see the truth, unpleasant as it might be. That article from New York Magazine served as a red pill of sorts for me. Thereâs a seedy underbelly to this digital environment, one which has long dug at me like a splinter in my mind, but Iâm ready to come to terms with it. And Iâm ready to do all I can in 2019 beyond to make sure that our team is part of the solution, not part of the problem. "The frustration across the marketing ecosystem is palpable, and new headlines that breach trust and showcase systemic carelessness have inflamed the issue," says Liz Miller, senior vice-president of marketing at CMO Council. "The industry as a whole must align on transparency and reliability.â Hear, hear. Through transparent practices and the reliability of integrated content strategy, digital marketing and its reputation can thrive as much as ever. Â Looking for further information on the subject? Hereâs how marketers can use the art of storytelling to build and regain trust.
The post Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics appeared first on Online Marketing Blog - TopRankÂŽ.
Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics posted first on http://www.toprankblog.com/
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Text
Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics
âWhat you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.â â Morpheus, The Matrix
~~~~~
"How much of the internet is fake?" pondered the headline of a late-December New York Magazine feature, before answering its own question: "A lot actually." What followed was a systematic unpacking of that premise, via author Max Read. Though somewhat cynical and harsh, his argument was backed by facts and evidence at every turn. He documented case after case of fake traffic and fraudulent metrics. He shared videos of phony engagement factories known as click farms. He cited real stories and statistics that verify the prominence, pervasiveness, and pestilence of these issues. Read's article shook me out of my restful holiday contentment. This wasn't all news to me, but never had I seen so many examples compiled into one grim, gut-wrenching montage. The internet is an inherently murky place â you can't physically count visitors to a blog post, as you could with attendees at a conference speech or customers in a store â so the success of a digital marketplace hinges on our collective faith in the integrity of data (and intentions). It's not the number of non-human "usersâ that troubles me. We've known for some time that bots make up a large portion of website traffic, and any analyst worth their salt is accounting for that reality. What troubles me is the potential (inevitable?) existence of nefarious actors seeking to deceive and benefit â and the repercussions thereof. Mr. Read puts it best with this poignant observation:
"Whatâs gone from the internet, after all, isnât 'truth,' but trust: the sense that the people and things we encounter are what they represent themselves to be."
Taking a Toll on Trust
The digital world saw its share of bombshells in 2018, and I'd argue few were bigger than the filing of an amended lawsuit from a group of small advertisers, alleging that Facebook knowingly delivered false video metrics back in 2015/16, and that the extent of this inflation was greater than previously believed. Though just one isolated incident (hopefully), it's the kind of headline that serves to further erode a diminishing level of trust between people and the institutions they rely on. These occurrences send shockwaves through the digital universe that are felt in every corner, with wide-reaching implications. Â Â When polled by CMO Council last year, 62% of marketers indicated that reports about false and faulty metrics have caused them to pull back on spend with Facebook and Google. Meanwhile, the latest Edelman Trust Barometer shows pervasive global drops in trust toward platforms â most sharply in the U.S. For digital marketers that value accuracy and honesty, it can be tempting to ignore these kinds of stories and headlines, going about our own business and letting all that noise play out on its own. This would be a mistake. We can only control what we can control, but within that realm, there are steps we can take to counteract these troubling narratives.
Two Key Opportunities for Digital Marketers
Internally and externally, marketers are dealing with uphill battles that are steepened by these developments. Internally, we have to be able to confidently trust our metrics and present them to our bosses. Externally, weâre facing an audience that is growing more distrustful by nature. From my view, the growing recognition of fake web traffic and fraudulent metrics should compel marketers to reflect thoughtfully, and double-down on two vital cornerstones in the digital era: transparency and organic content.
#1: Transparency is More Essential Than Ever
Itâs getting harder for people to take things at face value. So donât force them to. The more we can be open and honest about our processes, practices, and principles, the more we can distance ourselves from shady actors who are damaging the industry's reputation. Data measurement and analysis is hard. Errors and mistakes happen. If your agency or business is frontal in the way it identifies and addresses these situations, youâre more likely to sustain trusting relationships with your clients, customers, and business partners. One company that has impressed me with the way it embraces transparency is Lemonade, a tech-driven insurance company out of New York. In line with its overarching mission to combat trust issues that have plagued the insurance industry, Lemonade runs a content series on its website and social media called The Transparency Chronicles, introspectively discussing the business with a stunning level of candor. âWe suck, sometimes,â was the title of a post from co-founder Shai Wininger last June, reflecting on the first half of 2018. He didnât shy away from his companyâs shortcomings and failures; he acknowledged them, tried to learn from them, and invited the brandâs community to take part in the conversation. Beyond refreshing to see. Lemonade is basically bringing a new model to the market: insurance claims submitted directly through an app, with a personable AI bot as your guide, removing brokers and conflicts of interest from the equation. There are bound to be unforeseen snags and hiccups along the way with such an endeavor. The companyâs openness about its journey makes customers more comfortable in taking part. As a marketer, you canât guarantee everything you try is going to work. You canât even guarantee every view counted by a third-party platform is a genuine human being. But if youâre open, honest, and transparent, you can mitigate these uncertainties and ambiguities.
#2: Investing in Organic Content Programs Now Makes More Sense Than Ever
Paid media and digital advertising will forever remain important. But they represent a short-term, finite usage of marketing spend, whereas organic content is a long-term play that can keep on giving. Itâs like renting traffic versus investing in traffic. In an age of shaky consumption metrics, the latter becomes all the more appealing. Â Smart, strategic content marketing that aligns with your target audience and adheres to modern SEO principles will build equity over time. Itâs more qualitative, and not as reliant on short bursts of traffic volume, so brands donât need to concern themselves as much with the value of each view and click. Â Speaking of which, we also need to move away from superficial measurement and toward meaningful measurement. It was encouraging to see, per Demand Genâs 2018 Marketing Impact Report, that volume, pipeline, and revenue metrics are being prioritized, but still a bit puzzling that two out of three respondents are using activity data as proof of marketingâs value: At TopRank Marketing weâve seen the bottom-line impact of content marketing demonstrated through program after program. One client, Welter Heating, saw a 590% combined increase in organic conversions during its busiest month over a four-year span with a best (local) answer content strategy. Another client, Innovatech, boosted conversion rates by 34% year-over-year through CRO and search optimization. As I alluded earlier when talking about transparency, people tend to believe what they can see. The value of content marketing remains plainly evident, even in a hazy digital climate.
A Clear of View of Digital Marketing in 2019
In the movie The Matrix, quoted at the outset of this article, Morpheus presents Neo with an ultimatum: Take the blue pill and youâll continue to live in blissful ignorance, believing whatever you wish to believe; take the red pill and youâll see the truth, unpleasant as it might be. That article from New York Magazine served as a red pill of sorts for me. Thereâs a seedy underbelly to this digital environment, one which has long dug at me like a splinter in my mind, but Iâm ready to come to terms with it. And Iâm ready to do all I can in 2019 beyond to make sure that our team is part of the solution, not part of the problem. "The frustration across the marketing ecosystem is palpable, and new headlines that breach trust and showcase systemic carelessness have inflamed the issue," says Liz Miller, senior vice-president of marketing at CMO Council. "The industry as a whole must align on transparency and reliability.â Hear, hear. Through transparent practices and the reliability of integrated content strategy, digital marketing and its reputation can thrive as much as ever. Â Looking for further information on the subject? Hereâs how marketers can use the art of storytelling to build and regain trust.
The post Two Key Marketing Opportunities Amid Stories of Fake Traffic and Fraudulent Metrics appeared first on Online Marketing Blog - TopRankÂŽ.
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I tweeted this photo last night because I like to mock some of the phishing emails that come through on one of the several email addresses I have. As per usual with my tweets regarding those emails, I made some sarcastic commentary about things I noticed with it. These emails will always be coming into one mailbox: this is an email address Iâve had since I was 13, and it is an email address that is likely to be on a lot of various mailing lists both good and bad due to the extent of usage itâs had. Iâve accepted that. Most nefarious emails do get blocked, but there will always be some that get through the net. Things happen.
Now I have this blog set up and running, I figured I might break it down a little bit more - hopefully leaving out the sarcasm, but I canât make any promises about that.
Iâll start by looking at how the email appeared when looking at my Inbox in the client - before even viewing the message. I donât have any screenshots of this, sadly, but it was something that caught my eye anyway.
From: Service Support | Sbj: We regret to inform you of this bad news
This sort of subject line catches attention quickly. People donât like bad news. Seeing it from a sender reporting to be a Service Support also may mean a number of things - termination of a critical service, loss of a loved one in the case of said loved one being in an assisted living situation. Another possibility, of course, given news running rampant with Equifax and, less recently, WannaCry, is a technical service emailing customers to report a security breach. The purpose is still the same: get the victim to click the email.
Upon opening the e-mail, thereâs several issues that pop out.
1. The email address
ânoreply@barneycenter[.]comâ. That is most definitely PayPal.
Doing a site:barneycenter.com search on Google shows me that this domain is tied to a WordPress site for Alabama based Barney Center Business, which involves itself with History, Law, and Politics. Their site is not accessible.
2. The PayPal logo
This is not the PayPal logo. For starters, itâs written in text rather than an image. Secondly, PayPal branding continuously has the second âpâ of PayPal capitalised. The font that PayPal have opted to use for the logo, also, does not use a hooked âaâ, as can be seen below with a genuine PayPal logo. The âPayâ of PayPal is stretched. In genuine emails, they also use a variation of the logo that involves two overlapping Pâs, and with some others the overlapping Pâs is the logo that they opt to use - depending on the purpose of the email.
image source:Â https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/logo-center
3. âDear Clientâ
PayPal make a point to use the full name of the account holder in all communication that they send. Even with advertising emails that PayPal send, I find that they still have my name on somewhere. As this email, if genuine, would be targeted to an individual account holder, I would definitely be expecting to see the account holderâs (i.e. my) name on the email. You ainât addressing me, I ainât clicking your link.
4. Changing fonts (font family and font colour)
There are four different fonts on this email, and the main body of the email changes colour twice (dark grey, mid-grey, black). Ever heard of consistency, phishy boy? Itâs very important for branding. No marketing person would have let this out of a mailboxâs drafts, let alone the outbox. Even if this was a genuine security alert message, there wouldâve been a template to follow. Business brand and image is incredibly important and to sacrifice it would mean career suicide for whoever sent an email that left it out.
5. Random capitalisation and syntax
âYour Account will be Limited,Because we have found some information is absent,Pleaseâ etc.
For once, this is an email where the English itself isnât that bad. That sounds awfully xenophobic to say, but it is a trend among phishing emails - whether that has something to do with origin of the emails or attempts to get through filters or some combination, I canât say, but itâs still a trend. The author of this email keeps using commas in strange places or in place of periods, as well. Iâd ask if his spacebar broke, too, but heâs used it between words.
I said the English wasnât bad but I looked at the message again and I saw âfor continue with best servicesâ. I stand corrected, even before I post.
6. Line breaks mid-sentence
This is common in an attempt to break up phrases that may be getting filtered by mail clients or spam filters. The phrases that are being broken - âplease updateâ and âaccount informationâ - are definitely phrases that I would be watching for if I was a filter. By inserting a line break, probably through the use of <br />, the filter isnât seeing those phrases any more.Â
7. Requesting information with little explanation
My PayPal has most of my information on it and has two email accounts linked. I know people who have no information on theirs, with no account limitations. I know people who have had their accounts limited for various reasons.
My first question: What information is missing? When Iâve had a card expire on my PayPal in the past and not added a new one, theyâve asked me specifically along the lines (and this is paraphrasing and awfully informal)Â âYo, you want a card on your account? Hereâs how to put one back onâ
My second question: why is it so vital that my account has been limited until I add it?
My third question: If itâs so important and vital for my account, why wasnât it asked at registration?
8. âYours sincerely,â with no name
Who are you????
In all seriousness, it seems odd to begin to sign off an email without actually signing it off. I doubt the person sending the email is a login page with a gibberish URL. Speaking of, the sign-off is a very strange place to put the login button, dear Phisher.
9. The Avast signature
I use PayPal on an incredibly regular basis - being paid weekly and having monthly subscriptions to things that are paid through PayPal, I tend to throw contributions into my PayPal account every week towards those subscriptions to cover the cost of said subscriptions - and I have never seen a declaration from any anti-virus program declaring a PayPal email to be virus-free.
Avast is also the anti-virus program Iâm using at the moment. It doesnât mark emails coming in with this signature; this only happens to outgoing emails. Whoever is running this campaign uses Avast, clearly.
All in all, this was a really obvious phishing email. Thereâs a lot wrong with it and Iâm struggling to see much that could be considered ârightâ with it. Attempts were made, I guess.
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How to Speed Up Your Mac
How to Speed Up Your Mac
Is your Mac running slower than a sloth? Are you missing the days of lighting-fast computing? All computers slow down gradually with time, but you donât have to put up with it â learn how to speed up your Mac with our comprehensive guide right here.
Why your Mac is running slow
Before we learn how to make your Mac run faster, itâs helpful to determine why��your Mac is getting slow. The age of your machine and how much you use it has some effect, but that doesnât explain everything. There are many possible causes for a slow Mac, so letâs try to identify the reasons why itâs happening before we troubleshoot.
Why is my Mac running slow? It could be due to:
Insufficient RAM:Â If your computer doesnât have enough short-term memory (RAM), it will struggle to complete everyday tasks like running programs and browsing the internet.Â
Full hard drive: To compensate for low short-term memory, your computer is forced to store things on the hard drive. If itâs chock-full of apps and large files, there wonât be enough space left to help apps and other processes run. And if youâre using a hard disk drive (HDD), lack of space means you canât defrag your disk to help boost performance.Â
Out-of-date software:Â Apple generally produces new macOS versions because the newer versions run faster and better. The same applies to most apps and programs. If youâre running old versions, they could very well be slowing you down.Â
Too many startup programs and background processes:Â You may have apps that start automatically every time you boot up your system and/or run quietly in the background while you work on other tasks. These unnecessary processes can eat up precious CPU power and RAM.Â
Visual effects:Â macOS contains a lot of visual effects that can be taxing on older Mac computers, draining your battery and slowing you down.
Slow internet connection: If your browsing and video streaming are too slow or stuttering, the problem might not be your Mac at all â it may be caused by a slow internet connection.
Age and overuse:Â If youâre still rocking a 2004 MacBook, or if you constantly use lots of process-heavy apps like video editors or games on an older machine, your computer is going to be a little worse for the wear.
Âť Check your internet speed
Before we dive into our top ten ways to speed up macOS, letâs check your internet speed. Go to www.speedtest.net and run their test â it only takes a few seconds!
If youâre not getting fast enough speeds, try our favourite methods for boosting your home Wi-Fi signal. If youâre still struggling with slow speeds after that, itâs time to call your internet service provider to see whatâs going on and whether they can fix it on their end.
Once youâve determined that your internet service isnât the issue, then itâs time to jump into our tips to speed up macOS.
1. Install any updates
Are you one of the many people always clicking âRemind me tomorrowâ on update notifications? No judgement here, but by delaying your updates, you may have delayed your speed as well. Older versions of Mac operating systems and other apps tend to slow down over time. And as annoying as updates are, the developers wouldnât bother you with them unless your software would be actually, well, updated. Updated versions will include fixed bugs, updated security, and better resource utilization.
Long ago, new system updates on older Mac devices slowed down performance. Apple has since corrected the issue, and new updates should be lean and mean. They focus on trimming down unnecessary features and making sure your Mac runs its best.
Hereâs how to update your Mac:
To check if you need to update, click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your desktop.
Click on System PreferencesâŚÂ to see if thereâs a macOS update. If there is, click Update.
Make sure to check the box to keep your system updated automatically.
Your computer will take some time to update your system, and will then need to restart.
If you have outdated apps, you should update those as well. Click the Apple again, and select App StoreâŚÂ if you see that there are updates available.
The App Store will then display all the apps you own that have possible updates, including the reason they should be updated â such as âbug fixesâ or âstability and performance improvements.â
Click on the individual app you want to update and follow the instructions. If you see apps you donât actually use here, skip to the next section to get rid of them.
2. Uninstall unused apps
Do you know how many apps you have on your computer that youâre not even using? These large programs can take up lots of space and bog you down, and they may be another reason why your Mac is running slow. Luckily, the process to remove them isnât too onerous. Hereâs how to uninstall apps:
Open Finder and select Applications.
Find the little grid icon and select Date Last Opened.
Scroll down to the bottom to find apps you havenât used in a long time. Select the app you want to delete.
Drag the app to your Trash to uninstall it, and then make sure to empty the Trash.
Boom! Now the app is off your computer, where it can no longer eat up your space or CPU power. Repeat the process to get rid of other apps you no longer use. And donât worry; you can always download the app again from the App Store if you find yourself missing it later.
Not sure which apps will give you the most bang for your buck, space-wise? Letâs find out which programs take up the most space and power on your system.
Âť Find and disable the most power-hungry processes
Letâs dig a little deeper and see whatâs really dragging your Mac down.
Open Finder, click Go and then select Utilities.
Select Activity Monitor, which will show you a variety of information about your system and device performance.
Click the tab for CPU at the top. Your central processing unit is what computes everything you do. If it gets bogged down by a resource-hungry process, itâll slow everything else down.
Click the arrow on % CPU to sort by the highest percentage.
Here you can see whatâs taking up the most computing power. Some tasks canât be stopped, such as those necessary for vital computing functions. Check the User column. Anything listed as _windowserver or root cannot be disabled. Instead, look for apps that are listed under your username.
Look for anything that consumes 5â10% of CPU usage.
Here YouTube is consuming 4.4% of CPU power, which is a lot. You can easily get those resources back by closing YouTube. If the app tries to resist, click Force Quit.
If you see any processes on this list that you arenât familiar with, itâs best to Google them before deleting â make sure itâs nothing important before you give it the boot.
Check out the other tabs in the Activity Monitor: Memory, Energy (aka battery life), Disk, and Network to see what apps or processes are taking up other valuable resources.
Check Energy to see which of your apps are taking up the most of your power. Sort by 12 hr Power to see which apps have used the most power in the last half a day.
If you see anything thatâs taking up a lot of power, avoid using it when you want faster speeds for other priorities on your Mac.
If you check regularly and find out that a single app is taking up way too much power, uninstall it using the steps above.
Âť Remove malicious software
Itâs a myth that Macs canât get viruses. Just like PCs, Macs are susceptible to malicious software, or malware. Historically, hackers focused more of their efforts on PCs simply because there are many more Windows machines in use than Macs. But lately, more and more cybercriminals are turning their efforts towards Apple. Rogue code can get onto your system, damage performance, slow you down, and steal your sensitive data.
Check out our ultimate guide to Mac security and remove anything nefarious that might be lurking underneath your machineâs hood. Then equip your Mac with AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac to make sure you stay protected against hackers, rogue code, and the growing number of other Mac malware threats out there.
Download AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac
 3. Remove unwanted files
Files can also take up a lot of space and memory, and a cluttered Mac can experience unresponsive apps and reduced disk space. What kind of files might be taking up space on your Mac?
Movies and TV shows youâve already watched.
Blurry and duplicate photos:Â Do you tend to take five shots of everything, trying to get the perfect angle? You probably donât need all of these hanging around.
Temporary files:Â macOS and other apps create temporary data and thousands of cache files during their necessary running process, and they donât delete these excess files once theyâre no longer needed.
Files in Trash:Â The files still exist until you actually empty out the Trash.
All of these can really add up and bog you down. Thatâs why removing unnecessary files can fix a slow-running Mac. Letâs start with tracking down your largest files and documents.
Open up Finder and hit Command + F to open up a search window.
Click on the Kind menu and select Other.
Scroll down through the options and find File Size; check the blue box on the right.
Back on the Search screen, make sure you select to search This Mac. To the right of File Size, go to the next drop-down menu and select is greater than. Then type in a number, such as 100, and select MB from the last drop-down menu.
You can now see the biggest items on your system, including apps and large files.
Now you can go through every item one by one and move everything you no longer want or need into the trash.
Make sure to empty the Trash so the files actually get removed.
Depending on how many old files and apps youâve been hoarding, this process can take longer than Frodoâs quest to Mordor. Not only that, but this process doesnât even cover all the temporary data and cache files that macOS and other apps leave behind as they run. Even if you could find all those files yourself (which are scattered all across your hard drive in difficult-to-find folders), they would accumulate again after just a few days of normal computer use.
The best, easiest, and fastest way to track down all the junk on your Mac is to use a dedicated cleanup tool. And we happen to have just the thing for that:Â AVG TuneUp for Mac. Hereâs how to use it to scour your machine for all the junk you no longer need, then whip your machine into shape.
 Download AVG TuneUp for Mac by clicking the button above.
Complete the installation process.
On the main dashboard, under Clean Clutter, click SCAN.
AVG TuneUp will show you just how much-hidden clutter is lurking in your system.
Hit CLEAN to get rid of these unnecessary application caches, log files, and trash!
Go back to the main dashboard and click SCAN under Find Duplicates. This scan will detect all of the duplicate files that you have saved accidentally. Itâll give you the option to scan just your user folder, your whole hard drive, and even your external storage. Note that scanning entire disks can take a while.
Once the scan finishes, review the list of duplicates and remove whatever you no longer need.
Back on the main dashboard again, click FIND under Find photos that are bad or similar. Select all the locations where you have photos stored.
Itâll scan your computer thoroughly and sort photos you might want to get rid of into two categories: bad photos and similar photos. Click Review and then Compare these to see your photos (nothing will be deleted unless you specify!).
Select all the photos you no longer want and click REMOVE.
Now that you have AVG TuneUp, you can choose your settings for automatic maintenance so your Mac stays fresh, clean, and speedy!
Âť Clean up your desktop
Your desktop screen can easily get cluttered. Depending on your settings, any screenshots you take will end up right here. Downloads and other files, icons, and widgets may be stuck on your desktop too. Desktop items reside inside your RAM (short-term memory), taking up valuable resources that your Mac could be using for other tasks. A cluttered desktop consuming lots of RAM could be another cause for why your Mac is running slow.
Having a few things on your desktop is unlikely to have a significant impact. But if you have hundreds of icons, pictures, movies, etc. stored on your desktop, you can see an increase in performance and speed by cleaning things up. Thatâs especially true if you donât have much RAM to spare.
Go to your crowded desktop. Right-click (or click with two fingers) and select New Folder.
Name your new folder anything you want, such as Files from Desktop.
Hit COMMAND + A to select everything.
Hold down COMMAND and click on the new folder to deselect it.
Drag all of your highlighted files into the new folder.
Drag the folder into your Documents folder in the sidebar.
Enjoy your clean new desktop!
Âť Move your photos to iCloud and adjust other storage settings
As mentioned, photos are some of the largest files, and todayâs smartphones make it very easy to amass a large photo library. But having too many files can quickly fill up your storage capacity and slow down your Mac.
If you arenât willing to part with any of your photos, a good solution is to move them into the cloud. That way your photos will be saved and accessible, but they wonât take up space on your system. Hereâs how to host your photos in iCloud.
Click the Apple icon and select About this Mac.
Click the Storage tab, and then select ManageâŚ
Here youâll see a few options of how to increase space on your Mac.
Click Store in iCloudâŚÂ and then youâll choose exactly what you want to store.
Optimize storage settings
Back on the previous screen, you also have options to optimize file storage.
Optimize Storage: Hit OptimizeâŚÂ This will save space by getting rid of TV shows and movies that youâve already watched on Apple TV and iTunes. (You can download them again later if you want.)Â
Empty Trash Automatically: Click Turn onâŚÂ When you put files into Trash, they donât actually get deleted until you remember to empty it. This setting allows you to have all files left in trash for longer than 30 days removed automatically.
Reduce Clutter: Click Review and youâll be able to see large files you have saved in Documents, Applications, Music, and Music Creation. You can sort through and delete whatever large files you no longer need.
4. Empty caches
When you browse the web, your browser stores pieces of the web pages into the cache, which helps things like images load faster the next time you want to see them. Other apps store things in caches as well, such as photo and video editors that retain temporary data. Even Appleâs own apps, like Spotlight and Maps, create cache data, but these tend to be small enough that you donât need to worry about them.
When your cache builds up with excess data from apps or other programs, that may be yet another reason why your Mac is running slow. Clearing your browser cache will help it run faster and make sure you arenât viewing any outdated content. While youâre at it, you can clear out your browser cookies as well. And clearing out the photo and video editor caches can free up additional space in your system, which will in turn help speed up your Mac.
Letâs clear out your browser cache in Safari first.
Click on Safari and then hit Preferences.
Click Advanced and then tick the box for Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
Develop will now be an option on the Safari menu bar; click it and select Empty Caches.
Click it and youâre good to go!
Now letâs clear out your system and user (also called application) caches. Note that this isnât necessary unless you have a lot of large files cached, such as those from a photo or video editors. Before we get started, make sure you have a current backup saved on your Mac. When you go messing around in your caches, you could break something if youâre not careful. Letâs clear out the user cache first.
Open up Finder and hit Go, then Go to Folder...
A window will pop up. Type in /Users/[your username]/Library/Caches and hit Go.
Youâll now see all the user or application caches saved on your system. You can drag anything you donât need to the Trash and then empty it.
Again, be careful not to delete anything you might need.Â
To clear out the system cache, navigate again to Finder > Go> Go to folderâŚÂ and then type in ~/Library/Caches/.
Youâll see your system cache and can delete what you wish by dragging it to the Trash and then emptying the trash.
Again, be careful not purge anything that might be important. Because that can be a little tricky to determine, we recommend you use a dedicated cleaning tool, such as AVG TuneUp, that helps you safely remove all the junk while keeping anything essential.
5. Cut down on startup programs
Many apps are programmed to start automatically as soon as you boot up your computer, but they often arenât necessary and can negatively impact your speed from the moment the system is switched on. You can choose to limit your startup programs to just the essentials.
Click the Apple icon in the top left and then open System Preferences.
Choose Users & Groups.
Select Login Items. Here you can see all the programs that start automatically and disable the ones you donât need.
Click the lock and enter your password to make changes.
To find even more hidden startup items, click finder and then Go.
With the Go menu open, hold down the OPTION key on your keyboard. This will make a new option, Library, appear in the list â click it.
Scroll down the list of folders and select LaunchAgents. Here youâll see apps and processes that are set to launch automatically upon startup.
If you see anything you donât need, delete it! (If youâre not sure what something is, Google it before you get rid of it.)
6. Turn off visual effects
Visual effects â such as animations, transitions, and icons bouncing around â arenât really necessary. They can negatively impact your performance, especially if you have an older iMac or MacBook. You can easily boost your speed a few notches by disabling visual effects like this:
Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences. Then click on Accessibility.
Once youâre in Accessibility, click on the Display tab. Check the box for Reduce motion.
Done! This will especially make a difference in speed for older Macs.
7. Rebuild your Spotlight index
Your Macâs performance can take a nosedive if Spotlight indexing gets stuck. This may happen after you apply a major macOS update. If you notice that Spotlight search isnât working properly, hereâs how to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac.
Click the Apple icon, select System Preferences, and click on Spotlight.
On the Spotlight screen, click Privacy.
Hit the + sign and select a folder or disk that needs to be indexed again into the white box.
Once itâs there, click on the folder and then click the â sign at the bottom. Thatâs it!
8. Try an SSD
Are you still working with an out-of-date hard disk drive (HDD)? Switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) will give you a huge jump in performance, including speed. The difference between an HDD and an SSD is significant: when loading data and programs, youâll go from 100 MB per second all the way up to 3,500 MB per second. SSDs are cheaper than ever, so getting one is one of the best ways to upgrade your Mac.
9. Upgrade your RAM memory
Another hardware adjustment you can make is to upgrade your RAM (your short-term memory). RAM is your computerâs working memory, where it computes all temporary tasks you do, like using apps, checking your email, and browsing the internet. If you have less than 4 GB of RAM, you could easily be overtaxing your system.
Even normally daily computing like using Facebook, Youtube, and email can take up a lot of short-term memory. If you use more than your deviceâs capacity, your operating system is forced to move something youâre not currently using into long-term memory (your hard disk) for a time â and then when you switch back to that app, your computer needs to retrieve that data all the way from the hard drive. This process is called paging or swapping, and it takes a lot of extra time, slowing down your overall performance.
So how powerful does your computer really need to be? The short answer is that it depends on how you use it. If you have a larger RAM capacity, your computer can keep more apps and processes running in your short-term memory, which eliminates delays. Depending on what your current capacity is, you can make a big difference by upgrading your RAM.
If you have less than 4 GB of RAM and youâre a normal computer user (web browsing, email, Office or Google applications, etc.) you should upgrade to at least 4 GB.
If you do a lot of multitasking, video and photo editing, or light gaming, youâll want to upgrade to at least 8 GB of RAM.
If youâre a heavy gamer, a programmer, or a video editor by profession, weâd recommend 16+ GB of RAM.Â
Unlike PCs, Macs arenât as personally configurable, but upgrading RAM is usually possible. See Appleâs support pages for their official guidance on upgrading MacBooks, Mac Pro, or iMac.
10. Reset SMC and PRAM
Sometimes an easy fix is all you need. Your Macâs System Management Controller (SMC) controls its basic functions like managing hardware, Wi-Fi connection, and power. Its Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) manages essential settings such as performance information, your audio volume, and keyboard lighting. If things are out of whack on your Mac, a quick reset of the SMC and PRAM should help right the ship, no matter if you have a MacBook Pro, Macbook Air, or something else.
Resetting your SMC varies a bit depending on what type of Mac you have:
For Macs with a non-removable battery: Turn off your MacBook. Hold down SHIFT + CONTROL + OPTION and the power button and hold for ten seconds. Then reboot your Mac normally.
For MacBooks with a removable battery:Â Turn off your MacBook, unplug the cord, and take the battery out. Hold the power button for five seconds. Then reinsert the battery, plug your MacBook in, and restart it.
For Mac Minis, Mac Pros, and iMacs:Â Shut your Mac down and unplug it. Wait 20 seconds, and then plug it in and restart. Thatâs it!
Resetting your PRAM is the same on all Macs. Hereâs how to do it: Shut down your Mac. Hold down COMMAND + OPTION + P until your Mac restarts. Then youâre done!
Boost your Macâs performance the easy way
If you followed all the steps in our guide, you can see that it might take you a significant amount of time to properly clean your Mac from top to bottom. And after you do it, a lot of temporary files and other junk will quickly return during the process of normal computer use.
The best way to speed up your Mac in the long term is to use a special Mac cleaning tool like AVG TuneUp for Mac. Itâll hunt down background processes, startup items, cache files, temporary files, duplicate photos, and anything else that may be slowing you down. Not only that, but youâll also get automatic maintenance with the touch of a button so your Mac stays a lean, mean, speedy machine.
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