jangell2

Q: Should I Update iMac 21.5 Mid 2011?

When I got my new iRetina iMac my old iMac got put in mothballs. By that I mean it's been sitting a desk unused for over a year. My wife wants to start using it and I just turned it on and a miracle occurred, it works. I thought I had left it in a state of being ready to be setup for a new user, but it is apparently already been setup to login to my apple-id because I see an option to logout with my name on it.

 

Two questions: 1) How do I verify who it is setup for? Ever since we went with iOS devices we have used the same apple id so if we buy apps they work on any of devices. 2) This is a 21.5" Mid 2011 with a 2.7 ghz Intel Core i5 and 24gb 1333 mhz DDR memory. It is currently at OS X Lion 10.7.5. What OS can I update to that 1) this iMac can handle with good performance and 2) is free?

 

Is anyone using Open Office for the iMac? If so do you like it?

 

 

Posted on May 18, 2016 8:00 AM

Close

Q: Should I Update iMac 21.5 Mid 2011?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by macjack,Helpful

    macjack macjack May 18, 2016 9:47 AM in response to jangell2
    Level 9 (55,694 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 18, 2016 9:47 AM in response to jangell2

    1. System Preferences > Users & Groups > Admin Account

        System Preferences > iCloud > sign in

    If it's not setup the way you want, the easiest way would be to erase the disk with Disk Utility and reformat. Then, in Setup Assistant make your choices.

     

    2. You can update directly to El Capitan 10.11.5

     

    Generally speaking you should always upgrade to the latest possible system that you meet the specs for ,as long as you have no “must have” apps that do not meet the specs. https://support.apple.com/kb/SP728?locale=en_US

     

    Several things you should do before upgrading…

    1. If you have issues on your present system don't compound them by installing over them. Solve them first then upgrade.

    2 Check HDD for free space. At least 8.8GB of available storage. Preferably much more.

    3. Check your applications for compatibility here…http://roaringapps.com/apps

    4. Make a bootable clone SuperDuper! or CarbonCopy Cloner or use TimeMachine.

    5. Disconnect all peripherals, including USB hubs.

    6. After downloading the installer, it will be in /Applications folder. Copy it and then drag it to another locations like Downloads.

    7. Be patient, the download takes a long time and the install may look like it has died at times. Ignore it.

  • by Rudegar,

    Rudegar Rudegar May 18, 2016 8:20 AM in response to jangell2
    Level 7 (28,566 points)
    Apple TV
    May 18, 2016 8:20 AM in response to jangell2

    have the same model just with the i7 cpu it came with only 4gb and after mtn lion it got slow for awhile after a cold boot before it was fast, but I upgraded mem and it was fine and the cpu is not a big impact so I would upgrade your mac to el cap if it was me

  • by jangell2,

    jangell2 jangell2 May 18, 2016 9:50 AM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    May 18, 2016 9:50 AM in response to macjack

    thanks to both of you for your reply.  It is very helpful. 

     

    When I go into Disk Utility There is an entry for the Disk and for a Volume under it.  Should I erase the Disk or just the Volume.  After the erase will it ask if I want to reformat and are there options to choose?

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack May 18, 2016 10:03 AM in response to jangell2
    Level 9 (55,694 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 18, 2016 10:03 AM in response to jangell2

    Erase the disk. Then reformat Mac OS X Extended (Journaled) and GUID partition Scheme.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-05-18 at 10.02.26 AM.jpg

  • by jangell2,

    jangell2 jangell2 May 18, 2016 12:00 PM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Desktops
    May 18, 2016 12:00 PM in response to macjack

    When I select the Disk, the Erase Free Space Button is greyed out.  I can't do anything.  If I select the Volume I can Erase, but it's not a format.  Haven't figured out why there's no format.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack May 18, 2016 12:49 PM in response to jangell2
    Level 9 (55,694 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 18, 2016 12:49 PM in response to jangell2

    You are correct there's no Fprmat but after you erase the disk it ask you to format it. But here's the thing... you can't erase a mounted disk. You need to either startup from Recovery partition by holding the R-key and choose Disk Utility, or use an external hard drive with a copy of the system on it. Or the original disk that shipped with your Mac, or Target Disk mode.

    Share files between two computers with target disk mode - Apple Support

    You can aslo just follow these steps.

    What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support