New to Mac, How do I update this old one?

[ashleytg]

Okay, so someone gave me an old mac of theirs and I figured I'd put it to use considering it's specs seemed up to car with today.

32gb of ram
3tb of space
... but the software is old here is the info.
Model Name: iMac

Model Identifier: iMac14,2

Processor Name: Intel Core i7

Processor Speed: 3.5 GHz

Number of Processors: 1

Total Number of Cores: 4

L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 8 MB

Memory: 32 GB

Boot ROM Version: 432.8.0

SMC Version (system): 2.15f7

Serial Number (system): D25MC0CXFLHH

Hardware UUID: E8D43987-A278-58C0-8E70-47851857C23B

 

[ashleytg]

Please message me also if you have a solution or send me an email at (e-mail address removed)

 

[EugenDoga]

You have a well-equipped iMac, and updating the software can bring significant improvements in performance and compatibility with newer applications. Here are the steps to update your old iMac:

Step 1: Check Compatibility​

Your iMac14,2 model is quite capable and should support macOS updates up to macOS Big Sur (macOS 11). To check the latest macOS version your iMac can run, follow these steps:

1. Check your current macOS version:
   • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
   • Select About This Mac.

Step 2: Backup Your Data​

Before performing any major updates, it’s crucial to back up your data to avoid any potential data loss.

1. Use Time Machine:
   • Connect an external hard drive.
   • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
   • Select System Preferences > Time Machine.
   • Click Select Backup Disk, choose your external drive, and click Use Disk.
   • Click Back Up Now.

Step 3: Update macOS​

1. Open the App Store:
   • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
   • Select App Store.
2. Search for macOS Big Sur (or the latest compatible macOS):
   • In the search bar, type “macOS Big Sur” and press Enter.
3. Download and Install:
   • Click the download button for macOS Big Sur.
   • Once downloaded, the installer will open automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

Step 4: Update Apps​

After updating macOS, it’s a good idea to update all your apps to ensure compatibility and security.

1. Open the App Store:
   • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
   • Select App Store.
2. Update Installed Apps:
   • Click Updates in the left sidebar.
   • Click Update All to update all installed apps.

Step 5: Install Additional Software (Optional)​

If you need specific software or tools, now is a good time to install them.

1. Download from App Store or Official Websites:
   • Use the App Store for official Mac apps.
   • For other software, visit the official website of the application.

Troubleshooting​

If you encounter any issues during the update process:

1. Ensure Sufficient Disk Space:
   • Make sure you have enough free space for the update. Big Sur requires about 35GB of free space.
2. Check Internet Connection:
   • Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the download and installation.
3. Reset PRAM/NVRAM and SMC:
   • Sometimes, resetting PRAM/NVRAM and SMC can resolve update issues. Instructions for these resets can be found on Apple’s support site.

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I think you should be able to upgrade to 'Catalina'.
What is the OS on your machine at present.

 

[ashleytg]

How do I check to see what version I have

 

[Lufbrarunner]

To see basic information about your Mac, choose Apple menu

> About This Mac.