New computer OS Updates

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New computer OS Updates

Hi. I have so many unusable computers already it's ridiculous, most of them have become paper weights because I can no longer update the operating systems however, I do have some older computers that I am still able to update as compared to my newer computers which I cannot. What should I look for when buying a new computer so that I can get more life out of my machine, so that I can do more OS updates? Would that be the processor or is there something I should watch for before making my next purchase?

I am still able to use a very old Mac Pro but I am not able to use some iMacs that I bought years after. I don't want to keep making the same mistakes.

Yes, I do regret not buying Apple stocks years ago.

iMac 27″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 6:12 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 19, 2025 6:45 AM in response to donkur

There is no ONE thing that causes computers that are otherwise working to become obsolete. sometimes the technology moves forward so smartly, it simply leaves this old computers in the dust.

other times, increased requirements of more modern software leave behind computers that do not have important features and upgradeability.

Then there's this:

In 2015, researchers discovered that Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Internet encryption was not nearly as secure as was thought, and needed to be replaced. Internet encryption quickly moved to Transport Layer Security (TLS) which was rapidly deployed across the Internet. Over time, sites tightened requirements for what was acceptable for encryption.

Apple issued Safari version 9 in 10.11 El Capitan version of MacOS, which included TLS encryption. It was later provided by Security Update into the two previous versions of MacOS. 10.10 Yosemite and 10.9 Mavericks, PROVIDED you applied all available software updates.

MacOS versions older than those can not make a lot of secure [httpS:] connections on the Internet, because by todays standards, your proffered SSL encryption is considered inadequate.

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Answer 2

Jan 19, 2025 6:49 AM in response to donkur

Your best protection from obsolescence today is to buy a good system with as much RAM memory as you think you are likely to ever need. New features will always demand more.

But it is a mistake to pay for promises of features that are not available now, as they may never be available. it is far cheaper to sell your old computer and obtain a computer that better meets your needs.

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