I'm often asked for troubleshooting tips when readers are wrestling with a Mac problem. I'm always happy to provide an answer when I can. I'm also happy when readers share their troubleshooting tips.
Courtesy of Apple
About: Macs reader Robert was having problems with his six-year-old Mac Pro. He was seeing screen freezes, screen blackouts, and quite a few Spinning Pinwheels of Death (SPODs). He told me he ran through the usual troubleshooting tips, many of which he read here, but in the end it was his own experimenting that led to the solution.
"I found an easy solution to all of the above when I opened the case. The graphics card with booster cable by ATI has its own fan. I discovered that it has a rear metal screen/filter that had substantial dust buildup, which I removed with a small brush by gently brushing it clean. Every issue was completely resolved and the computer is running like new!"
Robert's solution is one we often overlook. Keeping your Mac clean, including clearing out the dust bunnies from cooling vents, can make your Mac keep going and going and going. Oops...wrong kind of bunny. But you get the idea. Routine maintenance should include basic cleaning of your Mac and the surrounding area.