Since 2011, Apple has upgraded their Mac OS yearly.  Prior to that, we were a two year cycle.  From 2013 onward, the yearly software upgrade has been available for free.  Each new Mac OS is recommended because it brings numerous security and stability enhancements, as well as some new features.   This year’s new Mac OS becomes available on September 20th.  

While some tech savvy users may be able to download and install Mac OS 10.12 on their own, my clients typically like the full service installation that I provide.  When I upgrade a client’s Mac OS — I make sure they have a backup of their key files, a clone backup to a second external hard drive (if requested), a bootable copy of the latest Mac OS on a USB drive (in the event a reinstall is needed), that any cruft or junk that has built up over time on the Mac is removed, that the client gets a clean install of the Mac OS (as opposed to the typical upgrade install) if needed, and that key applications are updated after the installation of the OS.

That is the VIP experience that I seek to provide my clients with.  As always, I like to give the new Mac OS a couple weeks to roll out to make sure there are issues “out of the box” (of course, the software is a download and not shipped in a box).    So, I am taking appointments now for the week of October 3rd and October 10th to upgrade your Mac to OS 10.12. The upgrade is typically a 2 to 3 hour appointment.  

Final note: for those of you with Macs that are more than 5 years old, these systems may not be able to get Mac OS 10.12.  I have several customers with Mac OS 10.11 on 2009 Mac Book Pro laptops.   Unfortunately, you will not be able to get Mac OS 10.12.  This marks the beginning of the end of support for your Mac.  You can still use your Mac for at least another year.  If your Mac falls outside  this list below and you are on Mac OS 10.11, and as long as the hardware keeps working, you should seek a replacement toward the end of 2017.   Think about it this way, that old Mac has been good to you, but nothing lasts forever.  

If your Mac falls outside of this list (you can check by clicking on the Apple menu — About this Mac), you are out of luck on Mac OS 10.12.  

MacBook – late 2009 or later

iMac – late 2009 or later

MacBook Air – 2010 or later

MacBook Pro – 2010 or later

Mac Mini – 2010 or later

Mac Pro – 2010 or later

I look forward to helping you tackle Sierra (Mac OS 10.12).