Apple: MacBook Running Slow / Abnormal / Hang

If your MacBook is running slow / abnormal / hang, you may try the solutions below:

1.  Manage Your Startup Items

It goes without saying that a clean startup helps speed up a Macbook that’s running slowly! Imagine a fast Mac startup! No wasted time waiting for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to load! Instant access! Well,
when your Mac boots up, it runs a lot of unnecessary apps. These apps slow your Mac down! Take control of your Mac again! Go to your System Preferences > Users & Groups and then click on your
username. Now click on Login Items and check the box of each program you don’t immediately need when your Mac starts up.

2.  Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on Your Mac
a.  Perform an SMC reset on a MacBook with a removable battery.

• Shut down your Mac.
• Disconnect your Mac portable from its MagSafe connector.
• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
• Release the power button.
• Re-install the battery.
• Reconnect the MagSafe connector.
• Turn your Mac on.

b.  Perform an SMC reset on a MacBook without a removable battery.

• Shut down your Mac.
• Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your Mac and to a power outlet.
• On the built-in keyboard (this will not work from an external keyboard), simultaneously press and hold the left shift, control, and option keys while you press the power button.
• Release all keys at the same time.
• Press the power button to start your Mac.

3.  Update Your OS

Typically, Macs take care of themselves. The latest software from Apple makes speeding your Mac up simple. Check the latest version of Mac OS X here. Compare it to the OS X version on your Mac by clicking on the apple icon in the top left corner of your screen. Then click About This Mac. Apple releases these updates to help speed up Mac. The latest operating system provides loads of benefits. So make sure you have the latest OS X installed!

4.  Upgrade Your Hardware

Unfortunately, upgrading your Mac hardware is costly, time-consuming, and not the easiest thing to do. Not to mention that upgrading Mac hardware sometimes isn’t even possible on certain
Macs! However, you should definitely check out this guide on “How and Why to Upgrade Your Mac’s RAM” to see if you can upgrade your Mac. Because a hardware upgrade is probably the best way to increase speed on your Mac. This guide will help you understand the costs and benefits are of upgrading your Mac hardware. 

References:

1.  How to Speed Up a Macbook

http://macpaw.com/speed-up-mac?campaign=search_text_cmm_speedup_us&utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&gclid=CID2o76L67wCFWRV4godZBcAug&siteID=&CJPID=&mpaid=&adg=slowmb

2.  Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on Your Mac

http://macs.about.com/od/usingyourmac/qt/Resetting-The-Smc-System-Management-Controller-On-Your-Mac.htm

3.  When and How to Reset Mac SMC (System Management Controller)

http://osxdaily.com/2010/03/24/when-and-how-to-reset-your-mac%E2%80%99s-system-management-controller-smc/

4.  How to Reset a Macbook Pro

http://www.wikihow.com/Reset-a-Macbook-Pro