5 Macbook Troubleshooting Tips

By: Travis Petersen

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Though Mac computers generally have fewer problems with viruses than PCs, these 5 Macbook troubleshooting tips are essential for keeping your laptop in good working order. Not every problem needs tech support; these Macbook troubleshooting tips will keep your machine out of the shop. 

  1. Force Quit an Application - If your computer is freezing or an application is not responding, the most useful of our list of Macbook troubleshooting tips is to Force Quit an application. Press Command-Option-Escape to bring up the Force Quit menu, then choose the application that is not responding. This should get your computer back running more quickly.
  2. Option Start - This entry on our list of Macbook troubleshooting tips is for when your computer will not start up. Press the power button to turn off the power (holding for eight to ten seconds). Then press the power button again while holding the Option key. A hard disk icon will show up. Click on this icon and the computer should start up.
  3. Remove Peripherals - If the above tip on this list of Macbook troubleshooting tips does not work, unplug all peripherals (iPods, external drives, printers, etc.). Then repeat the process and the computer should start up.
  4. Network Diagnostics - This entry on the list of Macbook troubleshooting tips helps to resolve problems with an Internet connection. Choose, from the Apple menu at the top of the screen, System Preferences. From that application menu, choose Network Diagnostics and follow the instructions. If there is an available network connection, this should resolve the issue.
  5. Keeping Software Up to Date - The best Macbook troubleshooting tip is to keep software up to date; this prevents many problems. If your Macbook is connected to the Internet, software updates will pop up automatically. Simply install new software and restart your computer regularly to keep everything running smoothly.
Posted on: Nov. 17, 2010