k8allen
Level 1 (4 points)
Notebooks

Q: Should I update my late 2009 Macbook to El Captain?

My Macbook is a late 2009 one, with a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 memory chip, and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB graphics card. It's currently on OS X 10.9.5, and I've seen articles recently talking about a huge hole being patched in OSX recently. I don't know if updating my Macbook is worth the risk, as it works great right now and I need it for classes, but I don't want it to be unsafe. Should I update to El Captain, wait for macOS Sierra to do this, or keep it on Mavericks?

Thanks

iPhone 5, iOS 8.4

Posted on Sep 5, 2016 3:44 PM

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k8allen

Q: Should I update my late 2009 Macbook to El Captain?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Sep 6, 2016 5:18 AM in response to k8allen
    Level 10 (270,000 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 6, 2016 5:18 AM in response to k8allen

    I can only say that the most recent security updates are installed when you upgrade to the most current version of OS X. That is now El Capitan. Whether you wait or not depends on whether Apple still releases security updates for Mavericks, and if you are installing those updates.

  • by sberman,Helpful

    sberman sberman Sep 6, 2016 5:18 AM in response to k8allen
    Level 8 (38,680 points)
    Sep 6, 2016 5:18 AM in response to k8allen

    k8allen wrote:

     

    ... it works great right now and I need it for classes, but I don't want it to be unsafe.

    I would add to @Kappy's remarks by suggesting in the future, you not allow two years to elapse before considering whether to update/upgrade your Mac.  Apple's software updates/upgrades tend to introduce new features and/or fix defects (including security issues).  I suggest regularly applying them in the future as soon as they become available.

  • by k8allen,

    k8allen k8allen Sep 5, 2016 6:51 PM in response to sberman
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 5, 2016 6:51 PM in response to sberman

    I've wanted to update this laptop for a while... It's technically my mom's, but she lets me use it for school. She doesn't like to update her computers in case the update messes them up, so it hasn't been updated since we last got her to update it. I don't think Apple releases security patches for Mavericks anymore, @Kappy, but if they did, they aren't on my laptop. I've got to be more proactive with updating the MacBook. Didn't realize the OS was so old... Thanks

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Sep 7, 2016 1:30 AM in response to k8allen
    Level 6 (14,204 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 7, 2016 1:30 AM in response to k8allen

    You could download the El Capitan installer and save it, such as the method

    described in the DiskMakerX site; then later on, it could be used. -- In fact a

    copy of the current OS X on the computer may be downloaded for similar

    archive if the version now running, was acquired through & visible in the

    App Store - when user owner ID logged in to App Store to see purchase list.

     

    http://diskmakerx.com/whats-this/  --  http://diskmakerx.com/

     

    OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications

     

    {A command-line method of creating a bootable installer requires more effort

    and so may deter non-technical users; DiskMakerX is an easier way to go than

    Create a bootable installer for OS X - Apple Support  - instructions in terminal.}

     

    Anyway you choose, be sure to create good backups and copies. A clone of

    the entire present system on external drive may be an idea, especially if the

    internal original hard drive is getting old or tired. Plus another for Time Machine.

     

    A fairly good (yet slightly dated) reference...

    • Apple OS X and Time Machine Tips:

    http://www.pondini.org/OSX/Home.html

     

    Good luck in any event!