...
If you have a MacPractice update available, install it. Be sure to update all computers in your office, starting with the MacPractice server. If you have computers on different versions of MacPractice, you may encounter issues. All computers in your office should be on the same MacPractice version. Click here for instructions on updating the MacPractice sever. Click here for instructions on updating the MacPractice client computers.You can review our Updating Guide here.
Install any Apple Updates - Go to the Apple menu and select Software Update to check for any available updates from Apple. MacPractice recommends installing these as they become available. Check for software updates on any computers experiencing the issue.
Check Compatibility - Check the MacPractice System Requirements, and confirm your computers meet them.
Empty the Trash - If your computer is running out of hard drive space, that can negatively impact performance. Make sure there is plenty of free hard drive space on all your computers. If there are items in the trash on the computer, it may be helpful to empty it to free up space.
Check Activity Monitor - Go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. Check to see if there are any abnormally large numbers in the "% CPU" column. If another application is using the computer's processing power, MacPractice cannot work as quickly.
Restart your computer - If you have not restarted your computer for several days or weeks, try turning it off and back on. This will often resolve slowness, or other unusual issues.
Check your Network - First, review the MacPractice network recommendations. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a network is only as fast as its slowest connection. If you have remote users that access MacPractice outside the office, or users that connect via a wireless connection, this can slow down MacPractice for everyone in your office. When possible, connect terminals via ethernet, especially if they will be posting charges, running reports, generating statements, or engaging in other data-heavy activities.
Check your DNS - In addition to checking the type of network connections, you will also want to make sure you have valid DNS (Domain Name Server) entries in your Networking System Preferences.
...
A detailed description of the issue - Where in MacPractice do you see the issue (Patients, Scheduling, Statement Manager, and so on)? Is it on all computers or only a few? Does it happen on the MacPractice server?
Hardware specifications for affected computers - Go to the Apple menu and select About this Mac. Record the version, processor and memory information for any affected computers, and the MacPractice server. If possible, also record how the computer connects to your network (ethernet or Wi-Fi).
Network diagram - It can help tremendously to see how your network is configured. If possible, put together a network diagram, showing how your computers connect to your networking equipment (such as a router or switch), and how the networking equipment connects to the internet. An example of a network diagram can be found here.
Samples of MacPractice - One of the most helpful diagnostic tools in our arsenal is a sample of what MacPractice is trying to do when an issue occurs. You can get samples from Activity Monitor. You can find Activity Monitor in the Application folder in the Utilities folder. If the window doesn't come up right away, either click on Activity Monitor again or go to the Window menu and select Activity Monitor. You will then see a list of running processes, and you will need to find MacPractice in this list. Select it, and click the Sample Process icon at the top.
...