issues with "apsd"

[GrampaBob]

I have an iMac 27 (late 2009) running the latest OS (Sierra 10.12.5) with 12 GB memory installed.
Using Activity Monitor I’ve recently noticed what seems to me to be some very unusual CPU activity associated with with something called “apsd” (Apple Push Notification Service). This “apsd” often spikes to 99.9% of the CPU load before dropping down to supposedly normal levels of 0.1% CPU usage. When I restart the computer “apsd” continually spikes well into the 90% CPU usage range for several minutes after start-up before settling down.

The information I gleaned from the internet is, for the most part, beyond my understanding - particularly the instructions using the Terminal to disable apsd.

I think this problem is affecting my internet speed and also affecting other devices (ipad, MacBook and iPhone) that share our household network. Any thoughts?

Bob

 

[GrampaBob]

Further to my post on “apsd” I am wondering if the loss of my Mac’s serial number is a related the problem. Under “About This Mac” my serial number is “Unavailable”
On an apple support website https://discussions.apple.com/thread/64 ... 0&tstart=0
which I found by searching “apsd and serial number” states:

You're 100% right about that. A blank serial number will cause all sorts of problems, and must absolutely be fixed.

My iMac seems to be functioning OK, although perhaps a bit sluggish, my wife’s iPad is no longer connecting to the internet. I can’t help but think this problem is related to the issues on my iMac because of the related timing of this “apsd” thing. Any advice from the techies on this forum would be appreciated.

Bob

 

[chas_m]

It is, as far as I know, perfectly normal for APSD to spike on startup, as it is contacting the Apple servers to see what notifications (mail, updates, synchronisation and so forth) it needs to deliver to you. It should not play up after that initial checking, however, and I don't think the lack of a serial number has anything to do with it (but you should give a call to Byte Computers and check with them about it, just in case).

Your wife's iPad not connecting is an entirely separate issue and again you should probably check with a consultant or a place like Byte to see what the issue might be. Have you taken the iPad to, say, a Starbucks store and tried to connect there? That would be helpful in determining if it is a hardware problem or just an issue with your home network.

 

[GrampaBob]

Thanks Chas

The problem with the iPad was fixed by disconnecting the router and modem, then reconnecting (sometimes I forget the basics when I envision the problem to be more involved then it actually is. )
As far as the "apsd" issue (or non-issue as the case may be) I'm really in the dark here. I've been using Activity Monitor for years, more out of curiosity then for diagnostics, and I don't think I've encountered this type of CPU activity before. This all started last week when my wife and I were watching a Netflix movie through Apple TV and the movie suddenly quit. I went to the computer and Safari was acting up with the spinning beachball of death every time I tried to open a page. Restarting the computer didn't help. I called Shaw thinking that it might be an internet snag. They got me up and running but they didn't isolate any particular problem that they could specifically identify.
Anyway, everything seems to be working at the moment but I still have a gut feeling that something is not quite right.

Bob