Upgrading from macOS 10.12.6

1594 Views 24 Replies 3 Participants Last post by lebeau99, 2 mo ago

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Hello all

It looks like we'll have to upgrade the OS on my wife's 2014 iMac. She's running into problems most notably unable to get to webbroker on the td site using Safari 12.2.1. No updates can I find for Safari without updating the OS.

To which OS should we update? And do we have to go step by step? 10.12 to 10.13 to 10.14 etc. She has no hesitation in going as far as she can (!!).

10.12.6 is no longer supported so we cam't see available updates in System Preferences.

Where do we find the OS to update to?

And then we just download it. Right? I've done the CCC backup.

Thanks.
David

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pm-r

· #2 · 2 mo ago

lebeau99 said:
It looks like we'll have to upgrade the OS on my wife's 2014 iMac. She's running into problems most notably unable to get to webbroker on the td site using Safari 12.2.1. No updates can I find for Safari without updating the OS.

Before you jump up to a newer Mac OS version, and assuming everything else is okay and working fine, have you considered using Google Chrome or Firefox, or maybe even others.

You didn't say which Mac OS version she is currently using, but there are probably several choices available to her and you can check out all the other specs at their site as well for specific model you are using:

Apple iMac Specs (All iMac Tech Specs): EveryMac.com

Tech specs for all Apple iMac models from the original to the current. Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, prices and more.

everymac.com

Using this 2014 iMac model as a typical 2014 example, they say:

Pre-Installed MacOS: X 10.9.3 (13D2061) Maximum MacOS: 11 (Big Sur)*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," OS X 10.10 "Yosemite," and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is fully supported by the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13), also. Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.

iMac "Core i5" 1.4 21.5" (Mid-2014) Specs (Mid-2014, MF883LL/A, iMac14,4, A1418, 2805): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core i5" 1.4 21.5" (Mid-2014). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

You need to be aware of possible Hardware conflicts such as printer support and other compatibility software issues when upgrading to a later Mac OS version, as well as all other peripherals she may currently use.

- Patrick
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lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

Thanks again.

I myself use firefox and I have no such difficulties on my 2014 MBPro macOS 10.14. She has now tried Google Chrome (in spite of my google boycott, largely unnoticed to date) and is able to get where she wants to go.

The OS is 10.12.6 and was included in the thread title. Turns out her iMac is from late 2013, apparently faster than the 2014 models. Not sure what difference that makes.

It looks like she could install 10.13 or even 10.14 if necessary. I must say I like your " if it ain't broke..." approach to IT things. I have a similar approach.

Printer/scanner is Epson ET-2800 from 2022 and runs fine on her 10.12.

Very much thank you.

David

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Macfury

· #4 · 2 mo ago

lebeau99 said:
To which OS should we update? And do we have to go step by step? 10.12 to 10.13 to 10.14 etc. She has no hesitation in going as far as she can (!!).

10.12.6 is no longer supported so we cam't see available updates in System Preferences.

Where do we find the OS to update to?

And then we just download it. Right? I've done the CCC backup.

Thanks.
David

There's no harm in going as far ahead as the update allows. Go to "About this Mac" under the Apple icon in the top left of your screen, and then click "software update" to see what's available for you. Then do the update.

Make sure that CCC is temporarily disabled as you install the new OS, otherwise it will quickly copy the new install to your backup. Epson devices continue to receive system updates for many years.

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

Macfury said:
There's no harm in going as far ahead as the update allows. Go to "About this Mac" under the Apple icon in the top left of your screen, and then click "software update" to see what's available for you. Then do the update.

Make sure that CCC is temporarily disabled as you install the new OS, otherwise it will quickly copy the new install to your backup. Epson devices continue to receive system updates for many years.

Thanks.
Thing is there are no available updates shown by going to either About This Mac or System Preferences.

Should we still wish to upade -possible although current problem was solved- how do we get the downloadable OS file?
David

Macfury

· #6 · 2 mo ago

lebeau99 said:
Thanks.
Thing is there are no available updates shown by going to either About This Mac or System Preferences.

Should we still wish to upade -possible although current problem was solved- how do we get the downloadable OS file?
David

The OS upgrades can also be found in the App Store, but Apple makes it perversely difficult to find them. Use the links in this article to go directly to the OS you want to install:

How to download macOS

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system.

support.apple.com

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #7 · 2 mo ago

Grand. Just what I needed. I did use the links and saw how we can get up to OS10.14. She will want to do that.
And I did look in the appstore and couldn't find OS upgrades. I didn't know until now that there was perhaps some perversity behind the difficulty.

David

pm-r

· #8 · 2 mo ago

lebeau99 said:
The OS is 10.12.6 and was included in the thread title. Turns out her iMac is from late 2013, apparently faster than the 2014 models.

Yep... And a few other improved benefits as well as being faster...

What are all the differences between the "Late 2013" and the "Mid-2014" Aluminum iMac models?

Differences Between Late 2013 and Mid-2014 Aluminum iMac: EveryMac.com

Compares and contrasts all differences between 21.5-Inch Late 2013 and Mid-2014 Aluminum iMac models. Specs, architectures, upgrades and more.

everymac.com

It's probably a good idea to check out the new features of the later Mac OS versions and see if she even needs or wants any of them.

I find updated Mac OS versions often eliminate a few small features that I always appreciated using, and the later versions also tend to slow a machine down from what it was.

Yes, I am if it ain't broke type. ;-)

- Patrick
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Macfury

· #9 · 2 mo ago

An old computer can still access the Internet, but it's much more open to security breaches using an outdated OS. Performance of an upgraded OS often depends on available RAM--8 GB is preferable on an iMac or MacMini. Back that sucker up and upgrade one step at a time to see how it performs.

pm-r

· #10 · 2 mo ago

Macfury said:
An old computer can still access the Internet, but it's much more open to security breaches using an outdated OS.

I, and probably many others, would really appreciate knowing what if any iMac running an outdated mac OS has suffered from any security breach during the last 25 years or more...

I don't include those that were found vulnerable at any hackers conference. That is not really what one would call a normal computer operating situation. Nor do I consider malware or phishing attacks a security threat to the computer. Some users may be taken by any of those, but that is a different matter and not really a weakness of any computer, other than relaying the malware or phishing information, that the user just may act upon without engaging their brains.

Anyway, there's certainly no information on my iMac that a hacker couldn't obtain elsewhere from other sources and I can't think of anything that is actually vulnerable, and I personally do not see the situation as a dangerous operating condition and I am certainly not paranoid about it as some people are.

Just saying... And oh yes, I don't change all my passwords every three or six months either as some seemingly paranoid people will suggest doing. How does that actually lower the odds of breaking a password???

One thing about Apples Mac OS security that fascinates me is why are the security updates always just for the most recent macOS versions???
Maybe the earlier ones got things right and there are no further security updates needed, until maybe something unheard of shows up as a brand new Hack that could do major damage to all the basic macOS structure and early versions as well. That could cause a major mess.

- Patrick
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Reactions: 1

Macfury

· #11 · 2 mo ago

The OP does online banking, so I think that's a strong reason to improve security.

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 mo ago

Thanks to both of you seasone responders.

I'm of 2 minds about being involved in the early stages of a spirited debate but this was respectful and good.

I'm not sure that her inability to access part of the TD site was the result of a security failure. More just the inability of Safari to navigate there for whatever reason but possibly, even probably, security related.

Pm-r. The link provided some very interesting info, the purely technical part of which I didn't understand but the summary, that the late 2103 was superior in every way but cost to the the mid-2014 was new. Newer is not necessarily better.

Macfury

· #13 · 2 mo ago

The mid-2014 machines were disappointing, but with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM you could get decent performance from them.

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #14 · 2 mo ago

Thanks.
We'll probably do the upgrade. In steps, as you suggest. Back-up. Try 10.13. Check it out. Etc.

pm-r

· #15 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

lebeau99 said:
I'm not sure that her inability to access part of the TD site was the result of a security failure. More just the inability of Safari to navigate there for whatever reason but possibly, even probably, security related.

If you really want to do some digging regarding the incompatibility of her Safari with the TD Banking I would be very surprised if you didn't find that the reason it may not or doesn't work properly is due to the incompetence of the webmaster and those in charge of the website.

They often just jump to conclusions and block some browsers from gaining access because they don't know and they're too damn lazy to bother checking just because it might happen to be an older version or some other reason.

Bottom line, it's usually not justified but you can't fight the idiots who control the website unfortunately other than changing Banks or possibly browser.

If and when you do upgrade, may I suggest you create a bootable clone, CCC (Carbon Copy Cloner) that allows you to do that using their free option, that would allow you to go backwards to where you were if you don't like the new operating system.

It's all so best to check out what the new features are of any new macOS to see if you really even want or need any of them IMHO.

Also check out compatibility of software you need and rely on and make sure it works with a later OS as well as peripherals such as printer and scanner.

Upgrading can be quite expensive at times depending on your situation, and often not even necessary to do. You can choose. ;-)

- Patrick
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lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #16 · 2 mo ago

pm-r said:
If you really want to do some digging regarding the incompatibility of her Safari with the TD Banking I would be very surprised if you didn't find that the reason it may not or doesn't work properly is due to the incompetence of the webmaster and those in charge of the website.

They often just jump to conclusions and block some browsers from gaining access because they don't know and they're too damn lazy to bother checking just because it might happen to be an older version or some other reason.

Bottom line, it's usually not justified but you can't fight the idiots who control the website unfortunately other than changing Banks or possibly browser.

If and when you do upgrade, may I suggest you create a bootable clone, CCC (Carbon Copy Cloner) that allows you to do that using their free option, that would allow you to go backwards to where you were if you don't like the new operating system.

It's all so best to check out what the new features are of any new macOS to see if you really even want or need any of them IMHO.

Also check out compatibility of software you need and rely on and make sure it works with a later OS as well as peripherals such as printer and scanner.

Upgrading can be quite expensive at times depending on your situation, and often not even necessary to do. You can choose. ;-)

- Patrick
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- Patrick
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Thanks.

We have overcome the problem for the time being by her using Google Chrome. I use Firefox and have had no such problems with the same website.
I do use CCC and like it, result of another ehMac tip.
While we're on the subject of upgrades ... (Or perhaps this would better be the subject of a new thread ...?)
I was given a mid-2012 MBPro and would like to use it , if only for the CD/DVD reader it has.
It has been upgraded to OS 10.14.6 but has only 4GB RAM and is crushingly slow executing even the simplest commands. Probably as a result of its minimal RAM.
I would like to go back to the OS the MBP can properly handle. Do I just install a previous OS over the current 10.14? And which one? I thought I saw a list of OS's and suitable devices on something you procided a link for but I can't find it now.
Also, it has 200GB available on its 500GB hard drive. I could really get rid of practically everything on it. What would be the best way to do that? 2.5Ghz Intel core i5. 4GB RAM, 500 GB storage. Mid_2012.

David

I

pm-r

· #17 · 2 mo ago

I would like to go back to the OS the MBP can properly handle. Do I just install a previous OS over the current 10.14? And which one? I thought I saw a list of OS's and suitable devices on something you procided a link for but I can't find it now.

I would suggest you have a look at everymac.com and check out the specific MacBook Pro you have which will provide you with all that specs and at the same site and probably on that page will be links to how to do various upgrades and downgrades:

Apple MacBook Pro Specs (All MacBook Pro Tech Specs): EveryMac.com

Tech specs for all Apple MacBook Pro models from the original to the current. Dates sold, processor type, memory info, storage details, prices and more.

everymac.com

It may be a bit of a hassle going backwards If that MacBook Pro has a solid state drive due to the various formatting the later Mac OS versions use.

But the actual MacBook may only need some basic maintenance and clean up work to get it up to a more normal speed.

Keeping an eye on Activity Monitor to monitor its RAM use would be a good idea, and let you know if it really needs more or not. Four is a bit on the minimum side, but later Mac OS versions use Ram differently and much more efficiently.

- Patrick
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Macfury

· #18 · 2 mo ago

lebeau99 said:
While we're on the subject of upgrades ... (Or perhaps this would better be the subject of a new thread ...?)
I was given a mid-2012 MBPro and would like to use it , if only for the CD/DVD reader it has.
It has been upgraded to OS 10.14.6 but has only 4GB RAM and is crushingly slow executing even the simplest commands. Probably as a result of its minimal RAM.
I would like to go back to the OS the MBP can properly handle. Do I just install a previous OS over the current 10.14? And which one? I thought I saw a list of OS's and suitable devices on something you procided a link for but I can't find it now.
Also, it has 200GB available on its 500GB hard drive. I could really get rid of practically everything on it. What would be the best way to do that? 2.5Ghz Intel core i5. 4GB RAM, 500 GB storage. Mid_2012.

It's the RAM for sure. Original OS is Lion.

Apple does not like you to move backwards and makes it extremely difficult. It actively prevents you from downloading an older OS onto a machine operating a newer one. Easiest way is to back up anything you want from that unit, erase the disk and do a fresh install.

You can find the Lion Installer here and create a DVD to install it using that file:

archive.org

Mac OS X Lion 10.7 (11A511) (Retail DVD) : Apple Inc. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

System requirementsx86-64 CPU (64-bit Macs, with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, or Xeon processor.)At least 2 GB of memoryMac OS X...

archive.org

lebeau99

Discussion Starter · #19 · 2 mo ago

Thanks to both of you.
According to EveryMac the pre-installed OS was 10.7. Is that Lion? ( I've never really got to the point of being able to remember the names of the OSes). Max is 10.15. (If I have the right MBP. About This Mac on the MBP has the processor as a 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 and I couldn't see the exact same processor on the intimidating list at EveryMac

I certainly couldn't imagine how I personally would be able to go back to an earlier OS. Hopefully, as you say, a good maintenance session will do it.
Is Onyx up to that task?

I'm a bit overwhelmed by how much you know and appreciate your taking the time to respond to these questions of mine.

David

Macfury

· #20 · 2 mo ago

10.7 is Lion.
Neither Onyx nor disk maintenance is going to make a meaningful difference to the speed. More RAM or an SSD would make it run faster.

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