Is it safe to use on-line a 21.5" 2017 imac running Ventura 13.7.2

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Level 1

18 points

Is it safe to use on-line a 21.5" 2017 imac running Ventura 13.7.2

I have a 21.5" Retina 4K 2017 iMac (8 GB 2400 MHz DDR4). I have updated the OS to Ventura 13.7.2. I know that Apple considers this computer to be either "vintage" or "obsolete." But I have read that Apple is still providing software updates for Ventura 13.... I have read both that it is still "safe" for me to use this computer on-line but also that it is not safe and that Apple is no longer providing all necessary security patches.

The computer works flawlessly, as far as I can tell. I was hoping to still use my 2017 in 2025 to see if Apple is coming out with a new iMac for 2025. (If the 32" rumored one is coming out, that is out of my price range).

OK, should I feel relatively safe using this computer for a few months longer, or should I just bite the bullet and buy a 2014 iMac now?

Thanks.

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.6

Posted on Jan 13, 2025 10:27 AM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

25,632 points

Jan 13, 2025 10:43 AM in response to JohnHusk

It is completely safe to use your 2017 iMac w/Ventura online. Your "safety" depends mostly on what you do online and how careful you are about things like pfishing emails/msgs, attachments, websites you know you shouldn't be visiting, pirated software, etc.

For a little extra privacy you might consider using Firefox as your browser and adding to it the uBlock Origin plugin & Privacy Badger plugin (both are free).

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

217,572 points

Jan 13, 2025 10:51 AM in response to JohnHusk

If you follow the recommendation in these two documents you'll be fine: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.

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Answer 3

JohnHusk Author

Level 1

18 points

Jan 13, 2025 11:18 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks. I read the articles you suggested. I have been fairly diligent in following the majority of suggestions. There were a couple that I had not really considered before. I will make sure that I follow them all, if possible.

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

JohnHusk Author

Level 1

18 points

Jan 13, 2025 11:22 AM in response to MartinR

I have been using Safari for my financial dealings (banking, credit card) and my wife uses Safari. Otherwise, I use Firefox for my browsing the Internet and for occasional on-line ordering of products. Perhaps, I should consider switching to Firefox for pretty much everything. My wife would still want to use Safari for email and what searching she does.

I will investigate those plugins.

Thanks for your response!

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Is it safe to use on-line a 21.5" 2017 imac running Ventura 13.7.2

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