How do I know how many apps and what apps are running on the computer? I have opened Activity Monitor and there are many items listed but they don't seem to be using much memory or CPU. As far as Activity Monitor is concerned I may as well be reading Russian. What's the best way to have open only what I really need? I use the computer for email, web searches and storing photos. On my 500gb drive I am only using 45gb and I have had the thing for over 3 years. Keep getting the spinning beach ball. Did read an excellent article here but need to start slowly as much of this is over my head.