My Mac (desktop)

Question

Level 1

4 points

My Mac (desktop)

I understand that the program I am using (captain) is out of date. The blog shows a series of system updates (called other things) which I never saw or understood that I needed to change to.

Also, it keeps telling me that some browsers won't work.

1) I do not know if this means I should update one program at a time: 11.0, 11.2. 11.4 etc... until I am fully up to date or if I should skip to the most recent (that sounds scary - like some items will be missed or interrupted).

2) Do these programs apply to any mac or only those after a certain year (like with a bigger memory or faster something.. .)

3) Does it cost anything and how do I backup my computer to an portable g-drive before I make any changes?....

I am at a loss and I wish I could say I knew more, but I don't and please don't judge if you think this information should be simple or self-explanatory. I just need solid guidance without any tricks to make me feel inferior or which will not produce the desired result, Please (w/sugar).

Also, I do not know what Java is or does and why it's disallowed or whatever - so I cant tell if I need it still or not.

iMac 21.5″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jul 1, 2022 5:56 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Ronasara

Level 6

15,519 points

Jul 1, 2022 10:56 AM in response to iKoreis

I will share some information which may be useful.

There are updates and upgrades to the operating system. An update is when you installer a newer version of the same OS. An upgrade is when a newer, different OS is installed, for example upgrading from Big Sur to Monterey.
You can easily see if an update or upgrade is available which will work on your computer. Click on the Apple logo. Next click on About This Mac. The window that opens will tell youth year and model of your Mac and what operating system is installed.
The Software Update button will begin the download of the latest OS for you to install.
It is a good idea to keep your computer operating with the most recent OS. Newer OS's have new features and additional security features added.
Every Mac has a limit on how far it can be upgraded. How far depends on the year and model. This information is available on the Apple web site.
Apple does not charge for updates or upgrades.
Every computer should be backed up to an external drive which is dedicated to that function. The Time Machine app installed by Apple will do the backups. Read the instructions for directions on how to set it up.
You can begin educating yourself by taking the time to read various entries which are posted on this forum. Apple's web site also has valuable information for you. Help menus are an excellent source of valuable information. Learning will take some time and effort, but it is time well spent.