macOS Catalina is here - but, once again, don't rush to install it

The latest operating system for the Mac, macOS 10.15 Catalina, was released on Oct 8. If you are interested in learning about its great new features, we have included some information below.

​As you can see in the image here, one of the great new features is the ability to use your iPad as a second display using a feature called Sidecar.

But, as we always recommend, don't rush in to downloading and installing this latest macOS Upgrade. Not only is it likely to have teething problems, but you may also find that certain Apps no longer work - including some key apps that many people rely on every day.

​This could mean that the free Mac upgrade ends up costing you money for upgrades to these other apps.

What Macs can run Catalina?

macOS is available now for installing on the following models of Mac computer.

• MacBook (2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (2012 or newer)
• iMac (2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (from 2017)
• Mac Pro (2013 or newer)

The free upgrade is available for the Macs listed above that are running OSX 10.9 Mavericks or later. If your eligible Mac is running an older version of the Mac operating system, you will need to upgrade to Mavericks first. (If you need help with this, you can make a time with iTandCoffee.)

What's in Catalina?

Here are a couple of articles that talk about some of the changes you will find in Catalina.

• macOS Catalina: Everything you need to know - MacWorld
• Apple's MacOS Catalina is now available — TechCrunch

What apps will no longer work with Catalina

If you have not yet upgraded to Catalina, here's how to work out which apps on your Mac will definitely no longer work under macOS Catalina:

• Go to ->About
• In the Overview tab, select the System Report button.
• Click Applications under the Software section. Wait a few seconds for this to show its contents.
• The rightmost column will be 64-Bit (Intel), which will contain a Yes or a No
• Any Application that shows a No in this column will no longer work when you upgrade to Catalina
• You can click the 64-Bit (Intel) heading to sort the column's contents in alphabetical order (so that you see any No's grouped together at the top)

​
If you have already upgraded to Catalina, and want to see which apps are incompatible with this new macOS,

• Go to ->About
• In the Overview tab, select System Report option
• Select Legacy Software option under the Software section
• Any apps shown here will no longer work on your upgraded Mac - upgrade them if you can (or your can remove them if they are no longer needed).

Note that the above will only tell you which apps are totally incompatible with Catalina. Compatible apps may still have teething problems in the early days of Catalina's release, so beware.

Any DJ's out there who rely on iTunes might also want to avoid Catalina - since iTunes is gone in Catalina. Read more about this issue here.

• Apple confirms macOS Catalina update is a big problem for DJs who relied on iTunes

A particular warning for those who use Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook

A particular example of a set of apps that will not work with Catalina - and that are already causing issues for clients who have upgraded - are the older versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.  Only Office 365 for Mac and Office 2019 are compatible with Catalina. Office 2016 and earlier will no longer work.

So, after upgrade to Catalina, you will need to upgrade to the latest versions of these apps, by purchasing or subscribing to Office 365. 

You can get the Office 365 suite online - you don't have to go out and purchase a physical copy. If you need help with this, or advice on which version of Office 365 is right for you, you can make a time to discuss this with iTandCoffee. Here's the appointment booking page.

Get your questions about Catalina (and other Mac questions) answered

Why not join us at our next Mac Users Group, usually held on the last Monday of every month (from Feb-Nov).

These 1-hour sessions are small, social, fun - and no question is too simple. 

Below are the upcoming User Group sessions at iTandCoffee (along with any other special sessions available for Club members).

​iTandCoffee Club members can attend these sessions for free using their free session allowance (3 for Basic and unlimited for Plus and Premium). (Not yet a member of the iTandCoffee Club? Find out about the benefits of membership of The iTandCoffee Club here).

Non-members are also welcome to attend one of these sessions each year for only $20. Subsequent sessions cost $40. Places at each session are limited, so bookings are essential. Book online below, or email bookings@itandcoffee.com.au.

And if you can't get to us in Camberwell, Victoria, you can still be involved by watching the videos of our user group sessions (and any other advertised 'Club' session).

​Simply join the iTandCoffee Club - take out Plus, Online or Premium membership to get access to all user group videos (and more!). You can even send your question/s to us before the session and we will include it in our list to address at the session.​