I have an old Mac that needs updating...

[putnam6]

I think the latest supported OS versions are Sequoia (2025) or Tahoe (2026).  I would recommend Sequoia as the latter still seems kind of buggy.

I think the issue you'll run into is that your device has an Intel processor and Apple moved away from those a few years ago.  I'm not sure what your options would be but Budgie might be right in Linux being the best.

I've found that Apple support is helpful if you call them.  They will generally help if you have a current OS (or are trying to upgrade).  The problem is going to be the age of the unit.  Have you thought about just buying a new unit?

Yeah, that was why they stopped supporting older versions of the OSs IIRC.

I'll probably bite the bullet and get a new one, and most everything I use can be done on a Linux; there are just a couple of programs I need off my Mac

[putnam6]

Yeah they've really tightened down their "walled garden". Now all the OSs seem to need to phone home for validation or they lock you out, and you can't just avoid updates or run old versions like you used to because nothing will work. I sort of treat Apple products like subscriptions rather than ownership, they require a yearly budget for upgrade or replacement. "You will own nothing and be happy!" is what it is. Bite the Apple.

I recently "upgraded" to an 8-year-old Thinkpad and Xbuntu Linux, and that works for me, but I've got one of their phones because let's face it, you pretty much have to.

Yep, and in doing so destroyed what legacy Apple users loved about Apple.

[putnam6]

https://www.howtogeek.com/737510/how-to-...-of-macos/



 Thanks, everybody, just needed to get into a research mindset


I can't upgrade to Tahoe, but I can increase WELL above my current OS, allegedly to Monterrey OR Big Sur possibly

First step: back up, reformat, and partition, install Linux on the other older MAC just in case, and for work backup then research how far I can upgrade and cross my fingers

[Oldcarpy2]

You all might as well be speaking Egyptian.

Je comprend rien, Mon Amis.

[Oldcarpy2]

You all might as well be speaking Egyptian.

Je ne comprend rien, Mon Amis.

Fat fingers
...

[ANNEE]

Wow, a 12 year old Mac! I didn't know stuff that old still works?
Is it clock work and do you have to wind it??

I have a MacIII. 

Still use it for Photoshop. 

Of course — I have to use Sneakernet and a thumb drive to transfer graphics

[putnam6]

I have a MacIII. 

Still use it for Photoshop. 

Of course — I have to use Sneakernet and a thumb drive to transfer graphics

Yep, with Photoshop, I prefer to use my Mac.

Back in the late 80s, the company I worked for had Macs cut my teeth on a Mac II.

Got one for Christmas in 88 I think. Last one I bought new


I use PC's alot

But I love my Mac(s), will still use our Mac from 2007 at the office...

Would love to find a refurbished Mac Pro 2013 Cylinder Apple Desktop or another upgrade

[Roma]

Would love to find a refurbished Mac Pro 2013 Cylinder Apple Desktop or another upgrade

Those were very cool looking desktops.  Another option would be to build a box (with a cool case) and install Elementary Linux.  It uses the OS2 dock and has a Mac feel to it.

[DontTreadOnMe]

Replying to read later/subscribe.

[andy06shake]

Have a 12-year-old Mac mini that needs updating. I really need to back up, reformat, and reinstall.

It's finding the 3-4 hours retrain and knock it out, find which OS version I should start with...

Used to know where to go and what to do... but it's been years now. Need the quickest way to update OS with minimal down time

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Image: https://i.imgur.com/Eu1UQJR.jpeg]

[Image: https://media0.giphy.com/media/imjTC8KaAB1HW/giphy.gif]

Dont really use a Mac or know much about the OS.

So can't offer any advice there.

But if you stick an SSD in the old dear, it might give her a new lease of life.

No matter the OS you finally decide to install.

Any particular use in mind?