Why am I getting the message "Safe browsing service unavailable. There have been no updates in ... days", what does it mean (updates of what, by me or by Apple?), and does it explain why I'm frequently told that Safari can't find the server (or considers the certificate invalid) for websites I could formerly access? Is there a solution?
MacBook
The version of macOS being used is very old and may newer technologies have been deployed by many website. The version of Safari in Yosemite is also very old.
To avoid this " can not reach websites" and other undesirable experiences - the version of macOS Yosemite needs to be upgraded to something a bit more recent.
The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.
With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install. Make sure to use Only Safari to commence the download as Others may not work
Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina and Big Sur Only support 64 bit and there is no workaround.
Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation
Sorry to hear the computer is too old to go beyond El Capitan. Though, it has had a long life. Time to consider options for new or newer computer. If the budget is tight - one can go to your Local Apple Website >> near bottom of page and look for Used or Refurbished Apple computers. There are exactly that and are totally refurbished by Apple and are as good as new. I have used this mentor to purchase a very good laptop several times. They come with the same 14 Days Return- no questions asked Policy, 90 Free phone support and 1 Year Warranty. In tow cases when I purchased - they even has New Batteries. All this at less then full price of new computer.
Thanks. As El Capitan (also quite old) is the only possible upgrade, I think I'll be better off with a new laptop.
Safe browsing service unavailable
