I have an old MacBook Pro and I am thinking about this question. Apple already slowed down IPhone with new iOS releases, maybe they are doing the same with MacBooks.
So is it better to keep an OS or always keep it updated if you have an old MacBook?
MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.2)
Apple managed iPhone battery life, by reducing power consumption. Slower CPU speed, or keeping some of the CPU Cores idle, uses less power and is one way to extend battery life. iPhones running out of battery when you really need it, is also something users do not want, especially if you need to make an emergency phone call.
Do not let people that refuse to understand the limitations of battery technology make your decisions for you.
As for always upgrading, it depends.
If the Mac is your everyday driver, then keeping within the last 3 operating system releases is going to keep you up-to-date with security releases (today that would be El Capitan 10.11.*, Sierra 10.12.*, or High Sierra 10.13.*)
If this is a system that does not surf the internet, such as an older Mac being used as a home server (I do this with an older Mac), or a Mac you use for things that do not involve lots of random internet access (also called surf'in the web), then an even older macOS release can be acceptable.
If you are willing to use an alternate web browser, where that web browser is still being updated with all the most recent security fixes, AND it runs on an older macOS release, then you could also continue using an older macOS release AND surf the web.
HOWEVER, you should ALWAYS download a copy of each major macOS release, so that you will have that release in your Applications -> App Store -> Purchases list. You can "Quit" the download when it begins the install and starts asking you questions.
If you DO NOT download a copy of each major release so it is in your Purchases tab, then when Apple releases a new major macOS version, you will no longer be able to get an older version. If you have downloaded a copy, you can either use your saved copy, or you can download a new copy from your App Store -> Purchases tab.
This gives you much more flexibility in the future if you prefer using older macOS releases.
Finally, you should be budgeting for a new Mac, as eventually your older hardware is not going to run any up-to-date web browser, and your hardware will be too old to run a current macOS release that has security fixes and runs web browsers that include security fixes.
my wallet is quite small it won't change much. It is more effective to speak to the community.
I still like some apple products so I hope raising awareness of these issues might lead to a bigger change.
As said, if there is no pressure from the consumers there is no incentive for a company to produce sustainable products.
It's a tough market out there. It's expensive to feed dinosaurs. The allure of new technology is strong.
I ran Linux for awhile. It was amazing what you got for free, but every release had little compatibility issues that would take a month to sort out. It got old after awhile. Basic desktop wasn't as good as apple's macOS.
It's a tough market out there. Apple could do more to support older systems, but it's expensive. Apple would have to charge to support older systems. I guess even the minimal charges Apple used to charge for new versions of macOS wasn't enough. Look at how Microsoft got to be so large. They did it on the back of hardware manufactures that have gone out of business. HP said in court that they would never go with Microsoft software if they had a choice with the OS. This is what Apple has to deal with. Microsoft forbid the hardware manufactures from modifying Windows. All hardware manufactures had to compete against each other with the same product. Low cost manufacturer won. Microsoft didn't have to compete.
When you got large there is a tendency to do what you have done before. It would be nice if they listened more to basic customer complaints.
I decided to stay with Yosemite, 10.10.5. Some of my software didn't work in El Capitan and I never got around to figuring out why.
So, I do good backups. I have a backup sitting of line in a file cabinet.
R
LuxMaryn wrote:
but I was comparing I Phone 4 with I Phone 4. Which btw apple didn't admit that it was slowed down as well. But it was, it went from working well to working horribly slow from one iOS version to the subsequent.
No, it was not slowed down. My iPhone 4 works as well, or maybe even better than it did when it was first released. If your iPhone is not working as you feel it should, diagnose the issue rather than pull your tin foil hat down over your eyes and shut out reality.
Also note, my MacBook Pro from 2006 is working as well today as it was when I purchased it as an Apple refurb 11 years ago. So, after 11 years and several OS upgrades, still going strong.
Is it a good idea to always update OS?
