Is it time to upgrade your Mac to High Sierra?

Those of you who watch this blog or read the iTandCoffee Newsletter will know that there have been several articles recently about the upgrade to iOS, iOS 11.

What hasn't had much coverage is the upgrade of Macs to the latest version of the Mac operating system, MacOS Sierra (10.13)

I must say that I held off on downloading and installing MacOS High Sierra for several weeks, because I am so reliant on my Mac for my work. I wanted to wait for the early 'glitches' to be ironed out.

I finally installed High Sierra a couple of weeks ago, and can report that I have not had any issues so far with it.

For most people who install High Sierra, the changes will be barely noticeable.  A few areas where you may notice differences are

• Photos: Significant changes have been applied to the Photos app, mainly in the arrangement of the 'library' and 'albums', and providing great new editing features.
• Safari: This app is now much faster, allows you to stop autoplaying of videos, limits advertising across websites (so that you don't see those annoying ads popping up everywhere based on searches you have done).
• Notes: The updates you will have seen in iOS 11 are available on your Mac - formatted tables, and the ability to 'pin' a note to the top so that you can get to it quickly.

Here's an article from Macworld that provides more detail about what High Sierra delivers.

• macOS High Sierra: Everything you need to know about Apple’s latest Mac operating system

On Wednesday this week, Apple released the awaited update to fix the recently reported KRACK Wi-Fi security flaw (see New Wi-Fi flaw leaves nearly every internet-connected device vulnerable).

Here is the Macworld article with details of the content of MacOS 10.13.1.

• Apple releases macOS 10.13.1 High Sierra update

Is it time to upgrade to High Sierra?

For anyone who has a Mac that is capable of being updated to MacOS High Sierra, it is a good idea to install this latest upgrade, especially so that you 'plug' the major Wi-Fi security flaw.

Of course, this upgrade is only available for certain Macs - here's the list:

• MacBook Pro – 2010 or later models
• MacBook – Late 2009 or later models
• MacBook Air – 2010 or later models
• iMac – Late 2009 or later models
• Mac Mini – 2010 or later models
• Mac Pro – 2010 or later models

How to upgrade to MacOS High Sierra

As always, make sure you do a backup of your Mac - and that the backup has completed successfully - before you install any upgrade or update.

If you are not sure how to do this, we have a separate article that covers this topic.

How to back up your Mac

Once you have a valid backup, visit the Mac App Store App to find the High Sierra download option.  

In the past, the latest upgrade has shown up in the Updates area of the Mac App Store.  This time, you will find the High Sierra download option in the Featured area.  Or you can use the Search bar at top right to search for it.  (I only realised it had moved to Featured after I had already used the Search to download it.)

Do you need help with the upgrade or backup?

As always, iTandCoffee can assist you with the processes of backing up and upgrading your Mac.

Just call 1300 885 420 or email us at booking@itandcoffee.com.au to book an appointment.

If you are an iTandCoffee Member with Plus, Premium or Online membership, why not arrange a free support call or drop-in appointment to get  help with your backup or update?

Your memberships entitles you to FREE support - Plus and Online members get 3 support calls or drop-in appointments (of up to 15 minutes) per subscription year, and Premium members get 10!

All* Club members are welcome to come along to our next Free Friday on November 17th at 12pm and bring along your questions about upgrades, backups or anything else!

​*Limits apply to these free sessions, depending on your level of membership.  We'll let you know if you have exceeded this limit.

More about The iTandCoffee Club

​Special Offer for November 2017

Drop your Mac to us, and we will back up and upgrade your Mac for the fixed cost of 

Only $60**

If you are Plus, Online and Premium member of the iTandCoffee Club, you will pay only $20 (by using one of your 'free support' entitlements).
 
Become a Plus or Premium Member before November 30th to go in the draw to win a NEW iPad - and to take advantage of great offers like this.

**Cost shown assumes that an external hard drive is provided by the owner of the Mac for the backup.  Seagate external hard drive available for purchase at iTandCoffee for the additional cost of $89. Cost only covers backup and upgrade activities - any consultation or support will be charged at  standard applicable rate for a private appointment.

Call 1300 885 420 to book in your Mac, or for more information

(If your call cannot be taken at the time, please leave a message with your details and we will return your call).