ALERTS

Notice: macOS 11 (Big Sur) advisory (Sep 22 07:17 am)

5/24/2021 update:
 
ITS had previously recommended against users upgrading to macOS 11 Big Sur until compatibility with ITS supported software and applications could be tested.  ITS has since tested Big Sur with the ITS supported software, and has found no problems, as long as the latest versions of the software are being used.  ITS has also tested Big Sur with ITS supported web applications.  Due to the positive results of our compatibility testing, we have now adopted macOS 11 Big Sur as an ITS supported OS.
 
If you choose to upgrade to Big Sur, please make sure that your Mac has the latest versions of any software such as Microsoft Office.  If you depend on any software that is not listed on the ITS supported software page, please check with the software's vendor to make sure it is compatible with Big Sur before updating.  You should also check the ITS supported web applications and make sure the ones you use have been tested as working with Big Sur.
 
Apple's Big Sur system requirements are listed here: https://support.apple.com/kb/sp833?locale=en_US.  However, should you decide to upgrade to Big Sur, ITS recommends that your Mac have 16GB of RAM or more and at least 50GB of available hard drive space.  A more recent (2016 or newer) computer with an i5 or better processor, is also recommended.
 
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Apple is expected to release macOS 11 (Big Sur) by the end of September or beginning of October. At this time, ITS strongly recommends against upgrading to macOS 11 (Big Sur).
 
macOS Big Sur is a major update to the macOS operating system, taking it from version 10 to version 11. As has been experienced with previous major updates, there is a possibility that applications, especially older applications, may not be immediately compatible upon release of Big Sur.
 
Until Big Sur is released, ITS will not be able to fully test to see which applications are not compatible. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.
 
To prevent your macOS from updating to Big Sur automatically, please do the following:
 
1. Go to the Apple menu and select "System Preferences"
2. Click on the "Software Update" icon
3. Make sure the box for "Automatically keep my Mac up to date" is unchecked
4. Click on the "Advanced" button
5. Uncheck the box for "Install macOS updates"
6. If desired, also uncheck the box for "Download new updates when available"
7. Click "OK"
8. Close the Software Update window
 
In general, ITS recommends against immediately upgrading to the latest version of any operating system when it is first released due to the possible compatibility issues.