Macs are powerful devices, and with the introduction of the custom Apple silicon M1 Macs and MacBooks, it has become more imperative that you manage the background apps and monitor power consumption.
Your computer is equipped with a lot of sensors so that the system can keep an eye on the health of the hardware. MacOS has a built-in system monitoring utility called Activity Monitor, which may be unfamiliar to most casual Mac users.And even fewer understand how to properly use Activity Monitor to manage memory usage, fix slow apps, and troubleshoot various many other issues.
See real-time CPU, network, or disk status in the Dock. It’s easy to keep an eye on your system status without even looking at the Activity Monitor window—you can monitor your CPU, network, or disk usage as a live graph right in the Dock.
To force quit an app from a Mac Task Manager, do the following: Open the Activity Monitor on your Mac and click on the application you want to force quit. Then click on the X button in the top left corner of the Activity Monitor window. You will see a pop-up window asking if you want to quit this process.
Don’t get us wrong, the M1 SOC is fast and is the fastest of the chips that we’ve ever seen, but that doesn’t mean that you should leave everything to the computer and not do anything as it will consistently deliver poor results and keep on getting slower over time. However, using a system monitor brings a lot of benefits, and they are:
In-depth monitoring of apps and processes.
Maintaining a smooth user experience.
Helps terminate unresponsive and unwanted tasks and applications.
Are you currently taking full advantage of all the techy help you can get?
If you are not sure, I’m glad you are here. As a Mac geek, I have been testing some system monitoring tools and I’m happy to share my favorites with you.
Quick jump to…
Let’s start with the standard: Activity Monitor
Your Mac comes with a built-in system monitoring application known as Activity Monitor. It is excellent for closing unresponsive applications and seeing real-time CPU, Network, Disk status or Energy usage. So, how do you access the Activity Monitor? – Follow the steps below to get the activity monitor running for you.
Firstly, Go to your “Applications” folder and then to the “Utility” folder.
Then double-click on the “Activity Monitor”, which will bring up a window.
This is the Activity Monitor app, and here you’ll see five tabs and a list of entries that changes every few seconds. The Tabs contain the following information – CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk Usage and Network.
Note: The Activity Monitor shows you real-time usage and power consumption. It also allows you to close and terminate all unresponsive tasks or tasks, hogging up too much performance.
Is the built-in Activity Monitor good enough?
The Activity Monitor is a decent app from Apple and is ideally suited to beginners. However, if you want to have extra control over what you’re doing and the processes running, you would have to opt for the third-party solutions listed below.
The Activity monitor helps you by displaying the main processes and the percentage load on the CPU and GPU. It can also force-quit any unresponsive application and help recover your Mac to a normal running state. However, there are many features and information that it misses or hides due to Apple’s clutter-free and simple design idealogy. Hence, third-party applications are better alternatives for the program.
Therefore, the built-in Activity is popular with beginners and casual users, while professionals use 3rd-party apps with more functionality and readily available data.
Try a better monitor: iStat Menus
Pricing: Free for seven days and then a $9.99 per month Setapp subscription, or you can purchase it for $14.15 and can be upgraded for $11.79 (includes six months of weather data)
iStat Menus is genuinely outstanding and deliver some of the best user experience possible. When it boils down to which app provides a better and robust customizable app experience, then the iStat menu shines the brightest and helps you monitor the system performance of your Mac. It works with recognizing all apps and integrating the charts in the menu bar on top of your Mac to access the numbers quickly. It is also lightweight and runs in the background with zero to no performance hit.
You can get started using the app by downloading and installing the app from the link above. After you’re done installing, you will be greeted with a pop-up window for all the settings and customizations that you can do. However, the main feature of monitoring will help you readily keep track of your Mac’s performance and allow you to see if anything is hindering it or not. Here is the complete list of items that iStat Menus keep tracks of and help monitor:
Disk Usage
Memory Consumption and Availability
CPU and GPU performance
Battery and Power Information
Displaying data such as Weather, Network information and Sensor state
How can you use iStat Menus to manage processes?
iStat Menus has a straightforward UI that can help you manage operations and terminate unresponsive tasks or background running apps that hog up performance and memory. In addition, we use it to check the background apps and maintain all the processes that impact the performance. This helps us optimizing and planning our workflow and better improve the overall UI experience.
It also has a comprehensive graph page that helps us monitor the total time spent working and gaming, and this data helps me out by analyzing and taking out time for other day to day stuff. Finally, the weather information panel that we’ll discuss shortly works excellent to help us plan our day and move forward with our day.
You can also do this and enable the settings to make it more productive by:
Go into the app and look for the CPU and GPU tab on the left-hand side of your screen.
Click on the tab and now look for ‘Processes’ and clear any unwanted task or process you want to.
Free Computer Activity Monitoring Software
Note: You can also visit the other tabs. We recommend you check out the Memory tab to quickly and efficiently manage all the different processes and apps that can limit your performance by staying in memory.
Customization Options
iStat Menus use a menu bar integration method to display all the information. This can lead to problems such as a cluttered menu bar or accessibility concerns. However, you can lay these concerns to rest as iStat Menus is highly customizable. You can choose what to display on the menu bar and what to hide on the menu bar. You also have the option to hide the icons from your menu bar temporarily and customize the update frequency so that the icons aren’t disturbing.
It also allows the app’s accent colours and personalizes the icons according to your liking and preferences. The total amount of customizations it provides is immense, and you can change the menu bar colours, borders, and even the slightest of details in the shade of the drop-down that highlights the graphs and other information. The interface highlights how changing the colours will affect the app and the menu bar, and with this much customization at hand, iStat Menus becomes the go-to option for a distraction-free and clean activity-monitoring app.
Performance Monitoring
As we have already discussed, the CPU and GPU tab helps you manage your processes and activities. Finally, the memory tab enables you to manage RAM consumption to improve performance and responsiveness all around the UI.
Monitor Computer Activity Windows 10
However, this is the basic that iStat Menus is capable of. iStat Menus can also display various graphs and infographics of your workload so that you can manage and learn about your usage and ample insight on how your apps behave. The app is also quite a haven for developers and can help them check and stress test their app performance and requirements on the Mac.
Notifications and Weather Information
Finally, iStat Menus also provides many customization options for what notifications you want to receive. The notification feature allows you to have reports every time your Mac hits a specific condition or issue. For example, it helps you by notifying if your Mac heats up, overuses the CPU, or saturates the memory with background apps.
It also features a built-in weather information widget to help you monitor your area’s current and upcoming weather condition. However, some of the weather tool features are locked behind a paid upgrade which is a bummer considering it is handy. The module displays the daily forecast along with the maximum and minimum temperature based on your preferred units. Oh, and if you are a weather buff, you also get to see the dew point, wind’s speed and direction.
Oh, and the cherry on the cake is that the custom notifications settings and preferences also work with the weather module, which means if you are working on your Mac and the weather suddenly turns grey and stormy, a message pops up right away notifying you of the condition.
Pros and Cons of using iStat Menus
Pros
It is feature-rich and can help you monitor a lot of stuff at once
It has a menu integration system that displays data directly on every screen
You can also set custom notifications, and it has a lot of customization settings for personalization
Cons
The Pro package can get a little pricy
Weather Information and Notifications can feel a little cluttered
The design can feel a little dated and doesn’t fit in with the new macOS Big Sur menu icon set
In Short, iStat Menus is the perfect app if you want to monitor all your process activity and keep your device optimized for best performance at all times. In addition, it helps save battery and improves responsiveness across the UI.
Also great: iStatistica Pro for Mac
Pricing: Free – Trial Version with limited features, $5.99 – Full Package
iStatistica Pro is an excellent alternative for iStat Menus, but it lacks the customization options that iStat Menus provide. It also includes a widget and a status bar menu that comes in handly while displaying a lot of information at once. So, if you don’t need the customization settings and don’t mind downloading a plugin for additional features, then, by all means, get iStatistica Pro.
The full version for iStatistica Pro has a lot of features and can help you manage the following:
A complete System Monitor dashboard
Bluetooth device battery information
Sensors and Fans data
Network activity monitoring
Remote access through your iPhone
Widgets and instant notifications
How can you use iStatistica Pro to manage processes?
iStatistica Pro has many monitoring features to help you manage your apps to the fans on your Mac. So, how do you so?
Well, Firstly, you need to download and install the app
Secondly, you would be greeted with a homepage that would allow you to access all your data on a single screen
Note: You can access all the device information on a single screen which can be a little clunky, but after a bit of experience, you would easily be able to navigate the entire UI and understand all the information.
App Management
App Management is simple and straightforward, with the main features directly being listed on the app’s home page. Here you can manage all the settings and even kill misbehaving or performance hogging apps running in the foreground or the background. You also get a detailed analysis report for all the performance hits and CPU and Memory utilization. Finally, it has graphs and other information related to battery and temperature that can help you better analyze and monitor your Mac apps. We also enjoy the fact that you can manage all the tasks under the same section, and it proves helpful in killing apps and maintain good performance overall. Oh, and did we mention it also has fan controls and temperature monitoring capabilities for all the CPU cores, GPU and other inbuilt hardware.
Alerts and Notifications
Alert and Notifications are a big part of monitoring and getting crucial information right at your fingertips, and iStatistica Pro has a robust alert management system that allows you to get notifications regarding the CPU utilization limit and memory utilization limit instantly notify you if your device hits that threshold. Finally, you also get a companion app for your iPhone, and it lets you remotely access all the monitoring data right on your phone. It also has webhook commands and additional notification plugins, but it can get a little confusing for beginners, so try that when you get comfortable using the app.
Widgets
Widgets are a big thing for macOS, and iStatistica makes full use of them. It has multiple widgets that go on your home screen and provide you with crucial information regarding app, CPU and memory utilization. It also helps track your storage data and network connectivity with download and upload speeds for the entire time you’re using your device. You can also add additional devices for monitoring, such as your Bluetooth connected Apple Watch and headphones for easier access and battery management on the home screen.
Pros and Cons of using iStatistica Pro
Pros
Easy and seamless widget integration
Powerful alerts and notification options
A clubbed intuitive app management and data monitoring system
Cons
The initial experience using the app may feel a little clunky
Most features are locked behind a payment
Other alternatives
MenuBar Stats ($4.99) – MenuBar Stats helps you monitor the performance of your Mac in a clean, sleek and straightforward interface. It has been ‘completely re-written from the ground’ and comes with modules such as CPU, disk, network, Bluetooth, fan, and more. Each of these modules can be accessed front he menu bar and/or the notification center of your Mac OS.
TG Pro ($10) – TG Pro is a diagnostics app that works the best with monitoring temperature and fan data. However, it also has system monitoring capabilities with CPU, GPU, Battery and storage information that helps you maintain your device with ease. Finally, it is the only app on the list that can accurately display all the temperature information for the new M1 Macs, including any older gen models.
XRG for Mac (free) – Talking about open sources, XRG for Mac is a functional system monitor tool that you could try if you do want to monitor your Mac’s performance for free. The UI is complex and needs a lot of time to get used to, and it also looks like something straight out of the 2000s era. This app lets you monitor your CPU and GPU activity, memory usage, machine temperature, battery status, network activity, disk I/O, stock market data, and current weather.
App Tamer ($14.95) – helps you tame the apps that hog your CPU. It’s a lightweight menu bar utility with the ability to detect the average percentage of your processor(s) being used by each app, or access a graphical history or your CPU usage.
Monity ($4.99) – Monity is an excellent app for those who want infographics to work as a widget. It is available in the ‘Today View’ section of your macOS UI and can oversee various device hardware components. Monity does not have menu bars and displays information straight through the widget without cluttering your menubar workspace. The app comes in fifteen languages and can be purchased from the app store for $4.99.
coconutBattery3 ($12) – coconutBattery has been around the battery monitoring space since 2005 and does a fine job displaying the health of your Mac’s battery. It also comes with a companion app for your iPad and iPhone to track and manage their batteries as well. However, it is strictly a battery-monitoring app and cannot work as a fully functional activity manager.
SMART Utility ($25) – All new Macs come with faster SSDs with high data transfer speeds and fantastic read and write rates, sometimes leading to drive management issues. SMART Utility is built to keep track of the health of all your drives and to diagnose any problem that may arise. It can also get information such as drive temperature, capacity, and health, making it great for Disk Utility software.
MenuMeters (free) – Finally, taking a look at MenuMeters, which looks like a simple Aciitiivty manager application but can get seriously complex and feature-rich with use. It has unique features and customization options and details every activity and process with graphs and memory colours.
FAQs
iStat Menus vs iStatistica Pro?
iStat Menus is a great Activity Monitoring application, and compared to iStatistica Pro can be a lot feature-rich. So, we would recommend you to stick with iStat Menus as it is impressive with what it does and is lightweight enough not to be a problem with the performance. See the detailed comparison here.
Why is my MacBook Pro so hot?
There can be multiple reasons for your MacBook Pro getting so hot, but the primary one is that it’s being stressed with all the performance demands from applications and tasks. So, a quick fix is to use an Activity Monitoring app to identify the most demanding app and terminate it for your device to cool down and regain all the performance is lost.
What should the CPU usage percentage be for my Mac?
There is no set rule for what CPU usage percentage should be good for your Mac, but anything over 80% usage should be a cause for concern, and generally, you should max out the CPU at around 70-80% load and not more.
How to fix kernel_task CPU usage on Big Sur?
kernel_task is a variety of low-level processes that allow your computer to work and is a part of macOS. It won’t generally concern you, but it can sometimes be the biggest culprit of slowing down your Mac with utilizing the CPU to the max. However, you can fix this by restarting your Mac and updating it to the latest software update available.
How to get CPU temperature for the new M1 Macs?
Activity Monitor Mac Download Free Download
The new M1 Macs aren’t compatible with most apps for temperature monitoring, but TG Pro works perfectly. So, you can download TG Pro from the link above and monitor your M1 Mac without and compatibility issues.
Before you go
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What is Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit?
Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit is an adware infection. Adware refers to unwanted applications that generate revenue for their creators by displaying advertisements on users’ computers. Adware is most commonly installed using a deceptive software marketing method called ‘bundling’. Users are tricked into believing that they are downloading a Flash Player update, or other popular free software, but often do not notice other unwanted applications attached to the installation steps of the software they initially downloaded. By not paying enough attention to installation steps, many users inadvertently install adware onto their systems.
Adware comes in many forms such as fake Chromium-based browsers, weather forecast widgets, toolbars, etc. The behaviour of adware applications often varies. Some bombard Internet browsers with pop-up ads, whilst others stealthily track users’ browsing behaviour and send the recorded information to advertisers. Some might add a ‘virtual layer’ to websites that users visit and display additional banner ads.
How to know if your Mac is infected with adware?
Pop-up ads appear while browsing the Internet. Although this could be normal, look for pop-up ads that seem out of place or inappropriate – for example, a pop-up ad opens when visiting Google.com.
Your Internet browsers have slowed down (most adware programs are poorly programmed and their presence significantly reduces browser performance).
Legitimate websites show dubious ads. Adware applications use a ‘virtual layer’ over everyday legitimate sites to display various ads. For example, you should be suspicious if you visit google.com and see banner ads promoting gambling or adult content.
You see new extensions or toolbars that you did not install. Adware applications commonly install various toolbars and browser add-ons that redirect users to specific Internet searches or display advertisements. For example, rather than going through google.com, Internet searches are redirected to yahoo.com or bing.com.
Appearance of a fake Flash Player update pop-up distributing adware infections:
How did Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit install on my Mac?
The most common source of adware infections are free. software download websites, fake Flash Player updates, and torrent download sites. For example, after downloading a popular player from a software download website, users might rush through the installation steps not noticing that they are, by default, agreeing to install various toolbars and other adware together with the downloaded app.
Owners of download websites add a ‘download agent’ or ‘custom installer’ that “offers” (sometimes in a very deceptive way) installation of additional applications (most commonly, adware) together with the downloaded free software. Deceptive pop-up ads are another common source of adware used to trick users into downloading supposedly useful apps (for example, weather forecast widgets). In fact, the main purpose of these apps is to display ads and generate revenue for their developers.
Appearance of a deceptive free software installer that is bundling adware infections:
How to avoid installation of adware?
To minimise the chances of Mac infection by adware, download free, software from developers’ websites only. Do not search for software cracks or use Torrent websites. Never trust Internet pop-up ads asking you to update software (for example, Flash or Java) – these ads are often part of a scam and you will download trojans and adware, rather than any software update. When installing free software, be attentive and check all advanced/expert installation options, since these might reveal potential installation of adware.
Automatic Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit removal:
Manual adware removal can be a lengthy and risky process that involves removing files from various locations on the system. Combo Cleaner is award-winning Mac antivirus software that can detect and remove Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit automatically. Click the button below to download Combo Cleaner:
Download Combo Cleaner Now Free Scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove threats, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner
Manual Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit removal:
1. Click on any blank space on your desktop, then select “Go” from the top menu.
Activity Monitor Mac Os
2. Select “Go to folder“…
In the opened window, individually paste the lines shown below. In the opened folders, look for adware generated files and remove them. Look for recently-added files that seem out of place. Here are some examples of malware generated files: “com.MyMacUpdater.agent.plist“, “com.MyShopcoupon.agent.plist“, etc.
Here’s a list of folders commonly used by adware infections:
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Here’s a sample of how a folder with adware files looks like:
Adware removal using Activity Monitor:
1. Open you Launchpad, select “Other“, in the opened list select “Activity Monitor“.
2. In Activity Monitor look for any suspicious process name, when located double click on it.
3. In the opened window click the “Sample” button. This will open an additional window where you will see a line starting with “Path:” Select the path of the suspicious process (select the path, then right click your mouse over the selection and click “copy“).
4. Click on any blank space on your desktop, then select “Go” from the top menu.
5. From the “Go” menu select “Go to Folder…“, in the opened window paste the path of the suspicious process you copied previously.
6. From the opened folder: drag and drop the file of the suspicious process to your trash can.
Some adware applications install unwanted browser extensions that allow them to display unwanted advertisements or redirect users’ Internet searches. The next step when dealing with adware infections is removal of rogue browser extensions:
Remove rogue browser extensions from Safari:
Activity Monitor Windows 10
Step 1 Open your Safari browser. Click on Safari (top menu) and select “Preferences” from the list.
Step 2 In the preferences window select “Extensions” and remove all suspicious extensions by clicking “Uninstall“.
Remove rogue browser extensions from Google Chrome:
Step 1 Open your Google Chrome browser and click on the three dots symbol. From the opened list select “More Tools” and then “Extensions“.
Step 2 In the opened window look for suspicious extensions and click on “Remove” button next to them.
Remove rogue browser extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Step 1 Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. Click on the three lines symbol. From the opened list select “Add-ons“.
Step 2 In the opened window look for suspicious add-ons and remove them by clicking “Remove” button next to them.