I use Handbrake to convert video files all the time. It works great. Unfortunately, converting videos takes a lot of computer power, and my trust Macbook Pro is getting a little old (nearly 3 years since I bought it — that’s like middle aged in computer years). That means that when I try to convert a video and simultaneously work on other stuff, things get a little choppy, and sometimes downright unusable.

Luckily, OSX has a built-in command in Terminal that lets you reset an app’s priority. It’s called the “renice” command, and here’s a thread all about it. While I’m learning to use Terminal, I still find a GUI much easier. Unfortunately, several of the apps featuring a GUI won’t run on OSX Lion. However, I found an Applescript in this thread that seems to do the trick!

Give Mac App Priority Password

• Open the task manager and under the Details tab, you will see all the apps running. Now right-click on any app and hover over Set priority and now you can choose any of the realtime, high, normal, etc. Look for bandwidth limit options in the programs you use.
• Log into your account. Open your browser and enter the manufacturer’s default IP address, typically.

I changed a few things and packaged it up as both an Applescript (for those of you that might want to tweak it more), and an application (for those of you that want to just click and have it work). Seems to be working — I turned Handbrake down to 10, and I’m suddenly able to get work done in the meantime. My understanding is that this will make the conversion slower while I’m working on my comp, but that when things quiet down, it will go back to full throttle using Handbrake, since there are no active higher priority jobs. Note the range from -20 to 20, where positive numbers will decrease the priority and negative numbers increase the priority, with the default priority right in the middle at 0.

Feel free to comment below, and enjoy!

From the command line (Terminal.app or whatever) use nice and renice, just like on other unixes. Use nice when launching a process: nice -n The default priority is zero, positive values are 'nicer' (that is lower priority). With different networking options available—ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPhone tethering, etc.—you may find yourself in a situation where you want your Mac to automatically select one type of connection.

Downloads:
Set App Priority.scpt
Set App Priority.app

About the lithium-ion battery in your Mac notebook

Mac notebook batteries use lithium-ion technology. Lithium-ion batteries charge quickly, are long-lasting, and currently provide the best technology to power your computer.

All rechargeable batteries are consumable components that become less effective as they get older—and their age isn't determined only by time. A battery's lifespan depends on its chemical age, which is affected by factors such as its temperature history and charging pattern. As your notebook's battery ages chemically, its charging capacity gets smaller.

With these tips for maximizing battery performance, you can get the most out of all your Apple devices. And with battery health management, your Mac notebook can take battery optimization even further.

How battery health management helps

The battery health management feature in macOS 10.15.5 is designed to improve your battery's lifespan by reducing the rate at which it chemically ages. The feature does this by monitoring your battery's temperature history and its charging patterns.

Based on the measurements that it collects, battery health management may reduce your battery's maximum charge when in this mode. This happens as needed to ensure that your battery charges to a level that's optimized for your usage—reducing wear on the battery, and slowing its chemical aging.

While battery health management benefits your battery's long-term lifespan, it can also reduce the amount of time your Mac runs on one battery charge when capacity limits are applied. If your priority is making your Mac notebook last as long as possible before recharging, you can turn the feature off.

/how-to-install-mac-apps-on-windows-7.html. When battery health management is turned on, your battery's maximum charging capacity might be limited. Although the feature is designed to improve your battery's lifespan, the limited maximum capacity might update your battery status menu to indicate a need for service.

How to control the battery health management feature

Battery health management is on by default when you buy a new Mac notebook with macOS 10.15.5, or after you upgrade to macOS 10.15.5 on a Mac notebook with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

If you want to turn it off, follow these steps:

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Energy Saver.
2. Click Battery Health.
   
3. Deselect Battery health management, then click OK.
   
4. Click Turn Off.
   

Note that turning this feature off might reduce your battery's lifespan.

Learn more

Give Mac App Priority Email

If you feel that your battery isn't lasting as long as it should, you can learn about getting service for your Mac notebook.