Hi Ann,
Start with this...
Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at startup), does the problem occur in Safe Mode? Could take 10 minutes or more.
Safe mode attempts to repair Disks & clears lots of caches & loads safe Drivers, & prevents loading of 3rd party extensions, so if Safe Mode works try again in regular boot.
MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 - Technical Specifications
General Requirements
OS X 10.9 or later
4GB of memory
12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.
Mac Hardware Requirements
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:
MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support
Don't use FireFox for these links…
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12
How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support
And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...
https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/