jsteele wrote:There are essentially no Mac viruses. There are a few trojan horses you can get if you install bootleg software or visit porn sites that require you install plugins. Therefore, I would uninstall the Norton software if your tech folks will let you get away with it. Generally, following good email and web practices, not clicking on links in email from Bank of America requesting you to submit your account number and password, etc., not using stolen software, and not having a lot of programs running in the background will keep your Mac safe and efficient. Keep your Mac patched and, if you haven't already, upgrade to Snow Leopard which runs a little faster.

zumbamama wrote:OnyX is what we use to maintain our Macs.

Too many files stored on your hard drive can also slow it down. You can transfer files to a back up drive and then clear the space out of your Mac to free up some memory. I like to back up both on disc and on drive.

Warm temperature can also slow it down. Turning it completely off everyday will help it cool.

Too many open files or programs can also slow it down.

If you use a lot of fonts, fonts are notorious for causing problems. I stick to buying only from Adobe and other big vendors. Stay away from free fonts!

Anonymous wrote: Embarrassed to ask, but what does "patched" mean? Thanks again!

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Embarrassed to ask, but what does "patched" mean? Thanks again!

Now that you mention it, "patched" is probably not a familiar term to Mac users. I mean that you should keep the system up to date by running "Software Update..." under the Apple Menu. That will download and install any system updates which will include bug fixes and system upgrades.