I wanted to download a software update and followed the instructions provided. However, when I click on 'system preferences', there is no "software update' option appearing.
how can I update ???
iMac 27″, OS X 10.11
System Preferences > Software Update did not appear until macOS 10.14 (Mojave). Prior to that, any Apple updates, or update notices for Mac App Store packages that you have installed, will come to you via the Updates panel on the Mac App Store.
If you are referring to upgrading macOS itself, that does not come from the updaters on Apple's download site as those are not full installers. You will need to first check menu > About This Mac, and remember what is in the product description line's parenthesis. Then using Safari only, visit How to get old versions of macOS and compare that parenthesis information with the hardware requirements for each newer operating system to see if you can download the full installer from the Mac App Store.
System Preferences > Software Update did not appear until macOS 10.14 (Mojave). Prior to that, any Apple updates, or update notices for Mac App Store packages that you have installed, will come to you via the Updates panel on the Mac App Store.
If you are referring to upgrading macOS itself, that does not come from the updaters on Apple's download site as those are not full installers. You will need to first check menu > About This Mac, and remember what is in the product description line's parenthesis. Then using Safari only, visit How to get old versions of macOS and compare that parenthesis information with the hardware requirements for each newer operating system to see if you can download the full installer from the Mac App Store.
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. Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where you can commence the download. If an error message appears, that is probably because one is using another Browser.
Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.
Make a Time Machine Backup Before attempting. Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina & Big Sur 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
when I click 'system preferences, there is no "software update' option appearing
