I didn't mean to imply what you asked didn't matter I meant, the high system cpu usage happens no matter what applications I have open.
Ok...I see...the "It doesn't matter" statement was a bit confusing!
So it could be firefox and outlook, or it could be just excel. The slowness doesn't seem app related. And if Firefox was the problem wouldn't that show up under user % instead of system?
Of the applications mentioned...I would say Firefox (or any internet browser could be the culprit). With the internet browsers...what you're doing on the internet can make a big difference.
For example...if you're on Mac-Forums...cpu use will be low...but do things like:
- view You-Tube videos
- play online games
- do video chatting
- etc.
Now I know...you're probably going to say you don't do those things. What I am saying is...from time to time you're visiting certain web pages (or some sort of internet based task) that will increase cpu usage.
It may also be interesting to know (at least in my experience)...that sometimes the " high cpu values" in Activity Monitor will remain high even AFTER you stop doing whatever it was that spiked cpu use. And that could be from a couple days ago.
My advice is. When you see high cpu values...and you don't think you're doing anything "heavy-duty"...restart/reboot the computer. The will "reset" anything that's "out of wack". Then you can start fresh.
- Nick
p.s. Your computers age & system configuration (ram, cpu speed, video hardware, etc.) can make a difference as well.