We have been bombarded with movies that indicate the possibility of computers running themselves and the world around them like the movie Terminator and then there was The Matrix and then AI. There are rare times with your Mac when you may think there is a “ghost in the machine”. Your Mac may just restart itself, or spontaneously shut down or become unresponsive (of course, this only happens when you haven’t yet saved important data). This reaction may indicate a Kernel Panic which is your Mac’s way of signifying that a problem is occurring or “I give up”, hence the shutdown. The Kernel Panic is not software related; it is from a hardware and/or an external related problem. There are many variables with hardware/external related issues that could result in the Kernel Panic from defective RAM, corrupt drivers, hard disk corruption or possibly even a loose Airport Card.
Apple is always stressing the point that often times, issues with your Mac can be avoided simply by updating your software when prompted to. These software updates may not help you avoid the Kernel Panic, but some do help improve how your Mac deals with issues because they are designed to help alleviate problems by improving your Mac’s tolerance for external issues. Steps to take long before you know there is a problem, for instance– when you get that annoying prompt “Updates Available”.
So yet again, I jump on the Soapbox and reiterate the importance of performing SOFTWARE UPDATES when necessary.
If you have a Mac with OX S Mavericks or an older operating system like Mountain Lion, Lion or an earlier version, you can get a general idea of what kind of symptoms to look for at the link provided below. But be forewarned that Apple would now like Mac owner’s to follow the protocol to have a certified Mac Technician or Genius Bar at an Apple Store look at your Mac to determine exactly why the Kernel Panic is happening. The Troubleshooting instructions found on the link below to determine the source of the Kernel Panic on your Mac is now NOT Recommended by Apple. Simply use this link to determine if a Kernel Panic did occur.
In summary,
I. first and foremost- UPDATE SOFTWARE, which in the long run, may help you avoid issues from happening with your Mac.
II. A Kernel Panic happens as a result of your computer signifying a problem is occurring which would likely be from external sources not from a software related issue.
III. Last but not least, this also signifies that you need to bring your Mac in to see a specialist, a Certified Apple Technician.
Our Certified Apple Technician to handle all customer Mac issues is Ark Lemal , who can be reached at 802/318-4657 or in the College Bookstore- Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.
