Performance issues - slowdowns...

Question

Hi all,
Brand new iMac 20 inch Core 2 Duo. Working super for the first couple of days and now I notice some performance issues.
First of all, I had some crashes with Safari today. I had installed the Flip4Mac wmv add-on a few days ago. So, I deleted the Flip4Mac WMV browser plugins as suggested in the forums here and no crashes since.
However, Safari now takes a while to load if starting from "closed". The first few days, it opened much, much faster.
Also now iCal is slow to load (almost freezing system with the spinning colour wheel bussing about). It eventually loads, and works as expected - but the first few days it was super fast to load up.
Finally, I have noticed some other occasions where the system just becomes unresponsive. I still have mouse control (not a hard lock up), but I can't switch between programs or launch a new one. Waiting 10-20 seconds usually does the trick and I am again able to work as expected.
I am new to Macs after years as a PC user. In fact, I have a new MacBook Pro coming next week as well. Needless to say, I have made the switch by jumping in! So, I am learning a whole new world here and could use some help! I sure would like to retain the amazing performance I witnessed the first few days, so any assistance is most appreciated.
Best,
Stu

Answer 1

Allan's suggestions may be better than what I'm going to offer so I'd try them first. If gentler methods don't help, you may want to consider more drastic measures. As he pointed out, brand new hardware is not always perfect.
If you can easily back up all the data you have, I'd consider doing that, then do an erase and install. To do this, boot your Mac, insert the system install or restore disk that came with your Mac, restart, and hold down the C key right after it chimes. When you run through the installation prompts, click the Options Tab when you see it and choose erase and install, remembering that this will wipe out data you have not backed up elsewhere. (not trying to be condescending, just covering all the bases).
There could be some sort of small easy-to-fix issue that Allan's tips will fix. If, OTOH, there is a hardware issue, doing and erase and install will clear up that question pretty quickly. The erase and install will put you back to "factory condition" as far as software is concerned. If problems develop again in a day or two (or sooner) then you should call Apple. Just don't forget to mention you've already done an erase and install.
good luck
Jeff