Upgrading to the new Operating system, my iMac was build late 2014, does this mean I can't upgrade?

Your iMac (2014) can run no newer macOS than 11 Big Sur.

There is no upgrade path beyond that other than to replace the computer with a newer one.

Sorry, my friend. 🙁

macOS 11 Big Sur is the latest OS that your Late 2014 iMac can run.

If your third-party software requires a later macOS version, then you need a newer or new iMac.

T3@g@n wrote:

That sucks. So, the iMac's shelf life is 10 years and then it is landfill. Not very enviro conscience, not to mention that I feel ripped off. If I buy something and it still runs, I should be able to continue using it.

Do you know if I can buy an older version of MS Suite and Adobe suite that doesn't need to be upgraded?

I don't disagree. Ten years, however, is a pretty good run for any electronic device, imho.

The limiting factor here isn't the hardware, it's the forward momentum of software and technical evolution. If you don't NEED the newest whistles and bells, then you CAN continue to use the computer until the screen falls off.

RE: older versions MS and Adobe suites, the problem there is that the registration/activation servers may not remain active for those older products.

There are alternative softwares. For example, Libre Office is a free, open source and very capable alternative to the MS product. It can open and save MS Office files and docs.

There are also alternatives to the Adobe products as well.

T3@g@n wrote:

That sucks. So, the iMac's shelf life is 10 years and then it is landfill.

No, the shelf life is longer - as long as it doesn't break down. It's the 3rd party software that is leaving your Mac behind. Don't blame Apple that the 3rd party software that you use or want to use requires more modern courters to run on.

The current versions of Firefox and LibreOffice will run on Catalina or Big Sur.

So will the Affinity V2 applications: Photo, Designer, and Publisher. If you don't specifically need Photoshop, Affinity Photo V2 is a full-featured photo editor that is available for a one-time fee.

There are also Free or Open Source photo applications that have Mac versions, such as GMP, darktable, and RawTherapee.

A Mid 2011 iMac can be upgraded to macOS 10.13 High Sierra.

To upgrade the macOS, backup your iMac and then go to Apple > System Preferences > Software Update.

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

You might want to make sure that you have a bootable backup of your current system before doing the upgrade.

My imac is very old, and the operating system is El Capitan - I know I can't upgrade to the latest system Sonoma, but can I upgrade to something in between what I have and the latest system? SAL

We can not be sure because you have not shared the exact year model.

To identify your iMac's year model, see > Identify your iMac model - Apple Support

My imac is 2011 according to the About this mac tab

SAL

When I go to system preferences, software update is not listed there - what is the best way to access High Sierra?

SAL

susan171 wrote:

When I go to system preferences, software update is not listed there - what is the best way to access High Sierra?

SAL

Are you logged into your Admin. User Account...?

I'm not sure what the admin. user account is

SAL