How to update to newer system from Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.10

Your 2014 iMac can not be upgraded beyond macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur.

Sadly Big Sur is no longer receiving Security updates.

see > Apple security releases - Apple Support

This does not necessarily make it unsafe to use. However at 10 years old, it is probably a good time to consider replacing it with a new iMac.

Your Mac is pretty secure however as 10 years old it is obsolete and out of date. No it will not try run current versions of Mac OS . It is time to consider replacing your Mac.

marlenefromwintersville wrote:

does this mean I am no longer protected against threats. can I update to a newer system? My computer is a 2014 desktop computer. I just found this information.

If your computer meets your needs, I would continue using it but make multiple regular backups as older computers are more likely to fail. Big Sur is still quite secure, just not as secure as the newer ones. The risk, however, is very low. I have a 2013 Macbook Air, also can only go to Big Sur. It is running an older no longer supported version of Microsoft 365 and cannot run certain programs, like TurboTax.

You can add a modicum of additional safety by creating an Administrator user that you only use when needed, but normally use the Mac as non-admin users. I have to say I don't do that myself on my 2013 Mac.

Although Big Sur is no longer receiving security updates, you may want to consider installing a third-party Web browser such as Firefox. I believe that the current version of Firefox will run on Catalina and higher.

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

If you follow the instructions in these two user tips you should be secure when browsing the internet: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  

There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   

Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.

There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  

Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.  Read these two articles: Public VPN's are anything but private and Security Risks: The Dangers of Using Free VPNs (eccu.edu).

Your welcome.