Understanding the capacity of our Faculty MacBooks

Faculty Computer Usage Guide

 Understanding Your Device's Capabilities

Your Device

Depending on when you joined our faculty, you may have one of three MacBook models:

  • 2019/2020 Intel i5 MacBook (8GB RAM, 128-256GB Storage)
  • 2020 M1 MacBook Air (8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
  • 2022 M2 MacBook Air (8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)

Performance Guidelines

Browser Tabs and Memory

Your computer's performance is like a desk - the more papers (tabs) you have open, the harder it is to work efficiently. Here's what you should know:

Recommended Maximum Browser Tabs

  • Intel MacBook (2019/2020): 10-15 tabs
  • M1 MacBook Air (2020): 15-20 tabs
  • M2 MacBook Air (2022): 20-25 tabs

Note: These numbers assume typical web page content. Complex websites like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or streaming services count as 2-3 regular tabs.

Understanding "Swap Storage"

When your computer runs low on memory (RAM), it starts using part of your hard drive as extra memory. Think of this like having to store desk papers in a filing cabinet - it works, but it's much slower than having them right on your desk. When this happens, you'll notice:

  • Slower overall performance
  • Delayed responses when switching between applications
  • Fan noise (especially on Intel models)
  • Battery draining faster than usual

Visual Indicators of Performance Issues

Early Warning Signs

Watch for these indicators that suggest you're approaching performance limits:

In Chrome:

  • Tab text becomes very small and unreadable
  • Chrome's memory indicator appears (three vertical dots → More Tools → Task Manager)
  • Tabs automatically reload when you switch to them
  • Delayed response when typing in Google Docs

On Your MacBook:

  • Fan becomes audible (Intel models)
  • Battery indicator shows "Using Significant Energy" when clicking the battery icon
  • Menu bar icons take a moment to appear when clicking
  • Spotlight search (Command + Space) takes more than 2 seconds to appear

Critical Performance Indicators

These signs indicate your computer is struggling and needs immediate attention:

System-Wide Signs:

  • Spinning beach ball cursor appears frequently
  • Applications take more than 5 seconds to switch between
  • Screen animations become jerky
  • Keyboard input appears delayed
  • Window minimizing/maximizing animations stutter

In Activity Monitor:

  • To check your system's health, open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities):
  • Memory Pressure graph shows yellow or red
  • Swap Used shows more than 4GB
  • CPU percentage consistently above 80%

Best Practices for Optimal Performance

1. Browser Management

  •    Regularly close unused tabs
  •    Use bookmarks instead of keeping tabs open
  •    Prefer using Chrome's "Close other tabs" feature when finished with a task

2. Storage Maintenance

  •    Keep at least 50GB of free storage
  •    Regularly clean downloads folder
  •    Use Google Drive instead of storing large files locally
  •    Empty trash regularly

3. Application Usage

  •    Close applications you're not actively using
  •    Restart your computer weekly
  •    Avoid running multiple demanding applications simultaneously (like Zoom + screen recording + multiple Chrome windows)

Signs Your Computer Needs Attention

Watch for these indicators that your computer needs some maintenance:

  • Takes more than 30 seconds to start up
  • Noticeable delay when typing
  • Spinning beach ball appears frequently
  • Battery drains significantly faster than usual

Quick Performance Boost Steps

If your computer feels slow:

1. Save your work

2. Close all Chrome tabs except the essential ones

3. Restart your computer

4. Open only the applications you need immediately

Common Scenarios and Recommendations

For Virtual Teaching:

  • Close unnecessary browser tabs before starting Zoom
  • Limit additional applications while screen-sharing
  • Close email and other notification-generating applications

For General Work:

  • Use the Google Drive web interface instead of keeping many files open
  • Consider using Chrome's "Reading List" feature instead of keeping reference materials in tabs
  • Use Chrome profiles to separate work and personal browsing

Getting Help

If you experience persistent performance issues:

1. Try the quick performance boost steps above

2. If problems continue, contact IT Operations team

3. Keep notes about when the problems occur and what you were doing

Remember: Your computer is a tool to help you teach effectively. Managing its resources well ensures it can support your teaching without becoming a distraction.