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Menu bar item for Mac that prevents the computer from entering sleep or hibernation mode

Menu bar item for Mac that prevents the computer from entering sleep or hibernation mode

Vote: (107 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Lighthead Software

Version: 1.1.3

Works under: Mac

Vote:

Program license

(107 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Lighthead Software

1.1.3

Works under:

Mac

Pros

  • Simple click to keep the system awake.
  • Easily disabled when you don't need it.
  • Simple installation.

Cons

  • Laggy. Can be resource intensive.
  • Leads to faster wear and tear with extended use.
  • Leads to more power consumption since you're keeping the system awake.

What is Caffeine for Mac?

Caffeine is an app that keeps your Mac awake rather than allowing the screen and system to go to sleep after inactivity.

Since Mac systems tend to be a bit sluggish when coming out of hibernation, you may want this app if you don't want to wait for extended periods of time before getting started on the computer.

Understanding Mac Activity and Sleep Mode

Since this app is all about getting started on the Mac as soon as possible, it's important to know why the Mac goes to sleep in the first place.

The first issue is the screen. Any monitor--even official Apple screens--have a limited effective life. They burn out eventually, and the longer you leave them on, the sooner they fail.

You can expect the average Mac monitor to last for 11-14 years, although this is assuming perfect conditions and moderate use. If you're watching movies, playing games, or doing other things that the Mac is supposed to do, it will be shorter.

Constant screen time can also lead to an issue called burn-in. If the same image or color patterns are on the screen without changing for days or years, a static image will be burnt into the screen.

It basically looks like a faded image of a web browser or whatever app you use the most. It could be the whole screen and pieces of text, or just the frame or borders that don't change much.

Sleep mode exists to keep most of those screen usage issues away. When the screen turns off, that's time you're not wearing out the lighting elements and time that the same image isn't being burned into the screen.

That said, you don't need to have Caffeine running at all times. If you only want it to run while you're working on a project, but plan on walking away, simply click the Caffeine icon on the bottom of the screen.

If you're not working on projects that could severely slow down when hibernation begins, don't use Caffeine. For most casual users, just reduce the sleep/hibernation to as far to the right as possible.

What if the Mac is Always Really Slow After Hibernating?

If your Mac is slowing down to the point of almost freezing or taking more than a minute to be usable, you have bigger problems.

Like any computer, Macs can become bogged down with junk files. Installing a lot of apps can do that, and even though the Apple experience means having mostly uniform installation and removal options, delays can still happen.

A system clean up should be the first step. Clean the cache, uninstall apps that you haven't used in a long time, and cut down on items that start as soon as you turn on the Mac.

Next, how old is your Mac? If you've been holding on for 5 years or even a decade to upgrade, the newest apps may be taking too many resources. Consider updating, or downgrade your apps to older versions.

Apple computers tend to be fairly expensive. If you want to cut down on costs or get some of your money back, restore your Mac to factory settings and sell it at a used price on eBay or other reputable sales sites.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Simple click to keep the system awake.
  • Easily disabled when you don't need it.
  • Simple installation.

Cons

  • Laggy. Can be resource intensive.
  • Leads to faster wear and tear with extended use.
  • Leads to more power consumption since you're keeping the system awake.