# FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about macOS Resource Optimizer.

## General Questions

### Q: Is macOS Resource Optimizer safe?

**A**: Yes, it's safe. The optimizer:
- Only makes reversible changes
- Includes comprehensive error handling
- Automatically reverts problematic changes
- Has been tested extensively (193+ tests, 86%+ coverage)
- Includes safety checks before each optimization

Start with conservative strategy if concerned.

### Q: How often should I run the optimizer?

**A**: Recommended frequency:
- **Daily**: Quick analysis (`/macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze`)
- **Weekly**: Full optimization (`/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize`)
- **Monthly**: Deep analysis and reporting (`/macos-resource-optimizer:4-report`)

Adjust based on your system's performance needs.

### Q: Will the optimizer slow down my Mac?

**A**: No. The optimizer:
- Uses < 5% CPU during optimization
- Uses ~20-30MB memory
- Completes in 1.5-2.5 seconds
- Improves performance 5-25% on average

Most users see performance improvements after first run.

### Q: Can I undo optimization?

**A**: Yes, fully reversible:

```bash
# Revert last optimization
/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize --revert

# Revert all optimizations
/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize --revert-all
```

All changes are logged and can be undone.

### Q: Does it work on all Macs?

**A**: Supported systems:
- macOS 10.15+ (Catalina or later)
- All Intel Macs
- All Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.)

Some features may vary by system architecture.

## Installation & Setup

### Q: Do I need administrative access?

**A**: Some optimizations require admin rights:
- Fan control
- Kernel parameters
- System cache clearing

You'll be prompted for admin access when needed.

### Q: Can I install on multiple Macs?

**A**: Yes, no limit on installations. Each installation:
- Works independently
- Has separate configuration
- Maintains local metrics/history
- No licensing restrictions

### Q: How much disk space does it need?

**A**: Very minimal:
- **Installation**: ~50MB
- **Configuration**: < 1MB
- **Logs**: ~5-10MB per week
- **Total**: Usually < 100MB

### Q: Can I remove it completely?

**A**: Yes, easy to uninstall:

```bash
# Remove optimizer
rm -rf .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/

# Clean up configuration
rm -rf ~/.config/macos-optimizer/

# Clean up logs
rm -rf ~/.cache/macos-optimizer/
```

All changes are reversible before uninstall.

## Usage Questions

### Q: What's the difference between strategies?

**A**: Three optimization strategies:

| Strategy | Risk | Performance | Reversibility |
|----------|------|-------------|---------------|
| **Conservative** | Minimal | 5-10% improvement | 100% reversible |
| **Balanced** | Low | 10-20% improvement | 100% reversible |
| **Aggressive** | Medium | 20-30% improvement | 100% reversible |

Start with Balanced, adjust based on results.

### Q: How do I know if optimization is working?

**A**: Check improvements three ways:

```bash
# 1. Quick check
/macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze

# 2. Before/after comparison
/macos-resource-optimizer:4-report --type comparison

# 3. Monitor over time
/macos-resource-optimizer:3-monitor --duration 3600
```

Expect 5-25% overall improvement.

### Q: Can I optimize while working?

**A**: Yes, safe to run while working:
- Non-blocking operations
- Minimal system impact (< 5% CPU)
- Safe background execution

Optimization typically takes 1.5-2.5 seconds.

### Q: Should I close apps before optimizing?

**A**: Not required, but helpful:
- Closing apps: More effective optimization
- Keeping apps open: Still safe, less dramatic improvements
- Background tasks: Optimizer will optimize around them

### Q: How often do I need to run?

**A**: It depends on usage:
- **Light use** (office): Weekly
- **Medium use** (development): 2-3 times weekly
- **Heavy use** (gaming): After gaming sessions
- **Critical systems**: Weekly maintenance

## Performance Questions

### Q: Why is my temperature still high?

**A**: Several possible causes:
1. Ambient temperature (check room temperature)
2. System under heavy load (close unnecessary apps)
3. Dust buildup (physically clean fan vents)
4. Thermal paste degradation (professional service)

Run optimizer in cool environment:
```bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize --component thermal
```

### Q: Why didn't I see 25% improvement?

**A**: Improvement depends on several factors:
- **Initial state**: Already optimized systems improve less
- **System load**: Improvements more noticeable under load
- **Configuration**: Custom profiles may optimize different aspects
- **Expectations**: Results vary by metric (CPU, memory, disk, etc.)

Run comparison to measure specific improvements:
```bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:4-report --type comparison
```

### Q: My battery life didn't improve

**A**: Battery optimization depends on:
1. Initial battery health
2. Usage patterns (screen brightness, background apps)
3. Optimization strategy selected

Try battery-specific optimization:
```bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize --component battery --strategy aggressive
```

### Q: Why is optimization taking longer?

**A**: Several factors affect speed:
- **System load**: Slower during heavy use
- **Disk I/O**: Slower on full disks or slow drives
- **Network**: Monitor component may slow analysis
- **Logging**: Verbose logging adds overhead

Try quick mode:
```bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze --quick
```

## Configuration Questions

### Q: How do I customize optimization?

**A**: Edit configuration file:

```bash
# Edit configuration
nano .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/config.json

# Validate
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init --validate-config

# Apply changes
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init
```

### Q: Can I create different profiles?

**A**: Yes, create custom profiles:

```bash
# Copy default config
cp .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/config.json .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/config.gaming.json

# Edit as needed
nano .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/config.gaming.json

# Use profile
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init --profile gaming
```

### Q: How do I reset to defaults?

**A**: Reset configuration:

```bash
# Backup current config
cp .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/config.json config.backup.json

# Reset to defaults
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init --reset-config
```

## Compatibility Questions

### Q: Does it work with external drives?

**A**: Partial support:
- Can optimize external drives
- May need special permissions
- Works with USB, Thunderbolt, etc.

```bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze --include-external-drives
```

### Q: Does it work on non-English systems?

**A**: Yes, language-independent:
- All optimizations work regardless of language
- Configuration in English (technical)
- Output can be localized
- Metrics are universal

### Q: Can I use it with other utilities?

**A**: Generally yes, be cautious:
- **Antivirus**: May interfere with disk operations
- **Cleaning utilities**: Avoid running simultaneously
- **System utilities**: Check for conflicts
- **Monitoring tools**: Usually compatible

Recommendation: Run optimizer separately from other tools.

### Q: Does it work in Boot Camp / virtualization?

**A**: Depends on setup:
- **Boot Camp**: Limited support (depends on drivers)
- **Parallels**: Works in macOS partition, not Windows VM
- **VMware**: Works in macOS partition, not VMs
- **Docker**: Works in containers

## Troubleshooting Questions

### Q: I see error "Permission denied"

**A**: Grant permissions:

```bash
# Make scripts executable
chmod +x .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/bin/*

# Use sudo if needed
sudo /macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize

# Check file ownership
ls -la .claude/skills/macos-resource-optimizer/.data/
```

### Q: Optimizer crashes on startup

**A**: Diagnose and fix:

```bash
# Run diagnostics
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init --diagnose

# Check logs
log stream --predicate 'process == "macos-optimizer"'

# Reinstall dependencies
pip install --upgrade -r requirements.txt
```

### Q: I can't find the optimizer command

**A**: Verify installation:

```bash
# Check if installed
which macos-resource-optimizer

# Check Python path
python -m macos_optimizer

# Verify installation
pip show macos-optimizer
```

## Data & Privacy Questions

### Q: What data is collected?

**A**: Only system metrics:
- CPU, memory, disk usage
- Temperature readings
- Battery status
- Network statistics

No personal data is collected.

### Q: Is my data uploaded anywhere?

**A**: No, everything is local:
- Data stays on your Mac
- No cloud upload
- No data sharing
- Everything is private

Feedback is optional and you control what's shared.

### Q: How is my data used?

**A**: Your data:
- Used locally for optimization
- Stored in local logs
- Never shared without permission
- Can be deleted anytime

## Advanced Questions

### Q: Can I integrate with other tools?

**A**: Yes, via API:

```python
from macos_optimizer import Coordinator

coordinator = Coordinator()
analysis = coordinator.analyze()

# Export metrics
import json
json.dump(analysis, open('metrics.json', 'w'))
```

### Q: Can I automate optimization?

**A**: Yes, with cron:

```bash
# Edit crontab
crontab -e

# Add daily optimization (2 AM)
0 2 * * * /macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze && /macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize
```

### Q: How do I monitor from remote?

**A**: Use API and logging:

```bash
# Export logs
/macos-resource-optimizer:3-monitor --log /shared/logs/optimizer.log

# Monitor remotely
tail -f /shared/logs/optimizer.log
```

### Q: Can I use it in scripts?

**A**: Yes, full scriptability:

```bash
#!/bin/bash
/macos-resource-optimizer:0-init
/macos-resource-optimizer:1-analyze
/macos-resource-optimizer:2-optimize
/macos-resource-optimizer:4-report --format json > results.json
```

## Support

### Still have questions?

1. Check related documentation
2. Review [Troubleshooting Guide](/guides/troubleshooting)
3. Submit feedback: `/macos-resource-optimizer:9-feedback`
4. Check [Commands Reference](/commands/index)

### Want to contribute?

Help improve the optimizer:
- Report bugs: `/macos-resource-optimizer:9-feedback --type bug`
- Request features: `/macos-resource-optimizer:9-feedback --type feature`
- Share feedback: `/macos-resource-optimizer:9-feedback`

Thank you for using macOS Resource Optimizer!
