US computer memory experts, Data Memory Systems (www.datamemorysystems.com), have offered some tips for those whose Mac computers might be letting them down, performance-wise. From conducting a clean install to switching to an SSD, the team at Data Memory Systems have offered their advice for anyone hoping to give their flagging Mac a new lease of life.

After a few years of continuous use, all computers become sluggish, much to the chagrin of many users. But luckily there are ways in which performance can be boosted – from installing new hardware to offloading files.

The first step to enhance any Mac’s performance is to head into the Activity Monitor and get a better understanding of why the device is sluggish. This built-in app shows the user which applications are placing the most pressure on your main processor and RAM. Note the functions and applications that are demanding the most from your hardware.

Users should also run a clean install of their Mac devices every few years – but don’t be tempted to simply reload everything back on once you’ve wiped your hard disk. Manually copy over all of your documents and reinstall your apps from the App Store – that way, you’ll most likely miss out the apps you barely use, which will in turn boost performance.

Switching a hard drive for an SSD is also a great way to boost performance – the device will feel more responsive, but it’s important to choose carefully. Desktops, laptops, Mac minis and MacBook Air models use different sizes and models, so it’s vital to ensure you’re choosing SSD with the right specs for your device. If in doubt, Data Memory Systems can point all users in the direction of the SSDs that are compatible with any given device.

Increasing the RAM memory of a computer or laptop is also one of the best ways to revive a flagging device. Even adding 2GB of RAM can result in a significant performance boost – a general rule of thumb states that 8GB should generally be enough for most users. 6GB is workable, but anything under 4GB should be upgraded. Data Memory Systems also offer a range of Apple memory modules in a variety of capacities.

A spokesman for Data Memory Systems says, "We often speak to customers who are experiencing a slugging, slow computer – many of them are on the verge of discarding it and buying a new one, at great expense to themselves. At DMS, we want to show customers there’s an easier way to get the best from your Mac computer or laptop device. By following these simple tips, Mac users can breathe new life into their old system, and won’t have to consider investing in an expensive new model for at least a few more years."