how can I update software from el captitan to catalina

We can provide more specific advice if we know more about your computer model, age, and specifications. To get more information about your computer choose Apple menu  > 'About This Mac' in the upper left corner of any window, then "More Info..." or "System Report". Copy and paste the information here, but omit the serial number and UUIDs (if present). More about this in "About System Information [Profiler] on your Mac" - https://support.apple.com/HT203001

You can also use your computer information and the links below to yourself determine what is possible with your computer.

Click on this link to read how to get other versions of macOS - https://support.apple.com/HT211683

- This article also has links to system requirements for each OS version which you should check against your exact computer model. Note some of the model identifier articles are outdated. For any model produced in the last 5 years or so you should use the system requirements for each OS version links instead. Also make sure you have more RAM than what is noted as "minimum" for any particular system or your computer may run slowly.

- You may find you need to use Safari to get any links using the Mac App Store application to open a functioning page.

Back up your data in case something goes wrong --> Back up your Mac with Time Machine - https://support.apple.com/HT201250 or use a cloning tool.

Check if your old apps will still work with with the OS you want to install - https://roaringapps.com/apps This is particularly critical if you are upgrading to Catalina or newer.