macOS Big Sur Upgrade Checklist

 

This is a major release, so some of your critical and favorite software may no longer work with this new version. 

As with previous major releases, this upgrade was temporarily restricted for college-owned Apple computers. The restriction was removed January 15 2021.

Like the previous version, Catalina, 32-bit applications are incompatible with Big Sur.

We recommend that you only upgrade if your computer has at least 20 GB of available storage space and a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. Before upgrading, make sure you have a backup plan and set aside plenty of time for the installation to complete. 

✓ Have a backup.

ITS strongly recommends backing up your data. Once you upgrade, there's no going back to retrieve any lost data. Back up your data to your CrashPlan, Google Drive Backup & Sync, H Drive, or Time Machine.

✓ Check software compatibility.

What is the most important software that you use every day? The latest versions of programs such as Microsoft Office and Google File Stream are known to work great with macOS Big Sur, but some specialized software may need patches or paid upgrades before they work. If you aren’t sure, contact the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@macalester.edu. Faculty members may contact their Academic Information Associate. RoaringApps compatibility checker may have more information.

✓ Review the list of 32-bit applications installed on your Mac - Catalina macOS users can skip this step.

1. Go to the Apple menu and choose About this Mac. 
2. From the Overview tab, select System Report…
3. Locate Software and click Applications. Wait a moment and a list of all the applications installed on your computer appears, including the Application Name, Version, Obtained from, Last Modified, and 64-Bit (Intel).
4. Look closely at the 64-Bit (Intel) column for applications with No. These applications will no longer work when upgraded to Big Sur.
5. Read this article for more info: 32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later

✓ Make sure to have enough storage space. 

You need 20 GB of available storage capacity. To find the available storage go to the Apple menu and choose About This Mac then Storage.

✓ Make sure to have enough memory (RAM). 

ITS recommends at least 8 GB of RAM, otherwise your computer may run very slowly after the upgrade. To find the memory (RAM) go to the Apple menu and choose About This Mac then Overview, look for Memory.

✓ Make sure your hardware is compatible if you want to use Big Sur’s new features.

We only recommend the upgrade for the following computer models. To find your model, go to the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.

MacBook Pro: Late 2013 or newer

MacBook Air: Mid 2013 or newer

MacBook: Early 2015 or newer

iMac: Mid 2014 or newer

iMac Pro

Mac Pro: Late 2013 or newer

Mac Mini: Late 2014 or newer

✓ Clear your schedule. 

Upgrading your device to macOS Big Sur may take hours, and could require reinstalling speciality software afterward.

✓ Install macOS Big Sur.

Go to the Apple menu > App Store… > macOS Big Sur > Download > Install

✓ Upgrade or remove 32-bit applications that no longer work with Big Sur - Catalina macOS users can skip this step.

Contact the software manufacturer for the latest upgrade.

Additional Resources

• macOS Big Sur - Features

• 32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later

• RoaringApps compatibility checker

Questions?

ITS Help Desk |  helpdesk@macalester.edu | 651-696-6525

Passwords are the bane of online existence

October is cybersecurity awareness month! 

Every site or service needs one and it has to meet what seems like an obtuse level of requirements. On top of that, you need to remember it at a moments notice in order to get your personal or professional work done. This leads to password reuse and endless ‘I forgot my password’ loops. If your social media password is the same as your bank, or your Macalester account, you are at risk of exposing your own data and are putting Macalester at risk.

Simplify your digital life and get a password manager. 

A password manager generates, stores, and allows you to have unique credentials for every site or service. Think of it like a digital notebook that has all of your account information. You protect your ‘notebook’ with a single password and use multifactor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. You can access you password manager from any device and may even allow you to securely share passwords.

Try out one of these reputable passwords managers.

LastPass
1Password
Dashlane
RememBear

More password manager information.

The Verge | How to use a password manager (YouTube)
How to use a password manager (and why your really should)
The Best Password Managers to Secure Your Digital Life

Questions?

ITS Help Desk
651-696-6525
helpdesk@macalester.edu

How to update Zoom client/app

 

Step 1

Locate and start the Zoom app on your device. This is not the Zoom website. It is a piece of software on your computer’s drive or device. 

• Windows: search for Zoom.us
• macOS: Go to Finder > Go menu > Applications > locate Zoom.us.
• Smartphone or tablet: Go to the App or Play store and search for update the app.
• 
  

Step 2

Launch the Zoom app. From your profile image, select Check for Updates.

Step 3

A message appears letting you know if the Zoom app on your computer needs to be updated:

• You are up to date > You’re done! 
• Update Available  > Click Update and follow the prompts to update Zoom.
• Auto Update Disabled > You must uninstall Zoom and reinstall it to get the most up to date version.
  
  

Get help

ITS Help Desk

651-696-6525

helpdesk@macalester.edu