So they "update" software and eventaully I cannot use them

[question everything]

I am not going to purchase a new computer. Yes, my iMac is by now a dinosaur. The highest OS I can go is 10.6.8. I think.

Have been using Skype for more than 10 years and was now told that I was cut, because I needed to download the new version which I thought I've done before but did it again. And... surprise, need at least 10.9. So will have to use regular phone calls for long distance.

Something similar with Quicken which I have been using since 1992!. Yes, I updated to new versions and then, several years ago, they told me that if I was updating to the new version I would not be able to open files from previous years. And I often do visit them.

And... the old Quicken does not work on the OS 10.9 which my spouse has in the laptop. So we kept the old laptop for when we go to the CPA for taxes, or something.

I always thought that Microsoft forced users to constantly update software. And, of course, Microsoft owns Skype...

OK, end rant

[lapfog_1]

1. software programmers are like male dogs

and existing software is their fire hydrant.

They feel compelled to lift a leg.

(I speak as a software development manager and architect with 35 years in the industry.)

[forgotmylogin]

2. How old is your iMac?

If you're not on the intel chips, there's not a lot they can do as they had to eventually stop supporting the PowerPC chips.

I was happy to get 4-5 good years of use out of an iMac with no major upgrades or problems. I had hard drives fail in two, which basically meant plugging in an external and running off of that.

I'm currently on a Mac Mini plugged into a 27" flat TV as a monitor. I forget it's there unless I need to turn it back on after a power outage or plug something in.

[question everything]

3. Since 2011.

I know that I upgraded the OS but, it seems, this was as high as I could get.

And, as I mentioned in my OP, even if I get a new one I may not be able to use other programs like Quicken.

Funny, our very first Mac was from 1987! The very first Mac. And I was perfectly happy with it until the Internet came along and in 1996 purchased the first tower Mac. Than got a dual processor in 2002 and then this one.

I am getting old

[emulatorloo]

5. I am on a 2011 Mac laptop and run the latest Mac OS sierra (10.12)

My friend has an iMac from 2011 and also runs Mac OS sierra and modern software just fine

I have a 2009 Mac desktop which also runs Sierra.


Can you look at "about this Mac" under the Apple menu and tell me what it says? Model name anD processor type? Maybe we can figure it out.

[question everything]

8. It says Mac OS X Version 10.6.8

And this second line, the Version 10.6.8 is pale grey

Processor 3.08 GHz Intel Core 13

Memory 4.08 GB 1333 Mhz DOR3

Shell I also go to the More info?

Either way, my spouse reminded me that we have an iPad (Mini) and there we can use Skype. So will see for now

[emulatorloo]

10. We need the model name of your iMac, like

On my wife's laptop, the first screen of "about this Mac" shows:

---------------

macOS Sierra version 10.12.5

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012). <--------- this is the model name
Processor:
Memory:
Etcetera

----------------

Try "more info" if you don't see yr model name on the first screen

Once I have yr model name I can look up compatibility of that model w various Mac OS X versions!

[question everything]

11. Oh, it is Tiger

On the installation and Setup Guide it says

Mac OS X v. 10.4

I since upgraded it to 10.6.8 and it seems that this is as high as I can go.

More info:

Model Name iMac

Model Identifier (what does this mean?) - iMac 11.2

The rest of the info is about processors and Cores, Cache and Memory

Oh, SMC Version (System) 1.64f5 (don't know what it means)

Thank you for your help

[emulatorloo]

12. Ok from the 'iMac 11,2" I beleive you have an iMac Mid-2010 . Does this look right?

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/imac-aluminum-faq/differences-between-imac-aluminum-mid-2010-models.html

The 3.06 i3 x2 21.5" one. That seem right?

Sierra is compatible with iMac (Late 2009 and later)

I have to run errands, will check back later.

[question everything]

13. Precisely! The smaller screen 21.5"

down to the price of $1199. (Found the invoice).

I purchased it on April 2011 so, I suppose it makes sense that it is a mid-2010.

Thus, do I understand from your very generous guide, that if Sierra is still available, that I should be able to run Quicken 2007 on it?

One point, though, my iMac, is, of course, a desk computer with a full key board and a mouse.. Is the Sierra available on laptop or Mac Book?

Thank you so much, again

[emulatorloo]

14. Sounds like the last revision of Quicken 2007 was for 10.7 (Lion) However these folks say it

Last edited Mon Jul 24, 2017, 07:18 PM - Edit history (1)

works with Sierra

Is Quicken 2007 Compatible with macOS 10.12 "Sierra"?
https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/is-quicken-2007-compatible-with-macos-10-12-sierra

On the otherhand, take a look at this long review of Quicken 2017. Can import 2007 data, apparently many improvements over the older versions. It is around $50 at Amazon.

Review: Quicken 2017 for Mac Finally Delivers
https://machow2.com/review-quicken-2017-for-mac/

-----------------

You can call Apple support about how to get from 10.4 to Sierra. Tell them you are calling about Mac OS and how to upgrade. Number I have is 800 275 2273.

Or like you say, talk to somebody at the Genius Bar!

Before you upgrade I would recommend you back up your current hard drive to an external drive. That way you can go back to the old system in case you don't like sierra.

There is back-up software built into Mac OS X called "Time Machine" but I don't remember if it is in 10.4 Tiger. I use a share software called super-duper.

I do need to say that when you first install sierra it will be very slow. That's because it does a lot of work to analyze where files are on your hard drive and other behind the scene maintenance. That usually takes several hours, then things are back to normal.

Ok that's all I know! Let me know if something wasn't clear

[question everything]

15. Yup! Got Time Machine and always (almost) backing

important files, mostly finance and letters and photos.

Great ideas you gave me. Will follow through. You have been vary patient and knowledgeable and I now have several ideas.

Thanks, again.

[emulatorloo]

16. ...

[forgotmylogin]

6. So you are stuck at Snow Leopard...

It sounds like you might not have the actual Mac that came out in 2011, but perhaps the previous one from 2007?

Lion Capable Macs (no longer supported)
If your Mac isn't new enough to run Yosemite, then unfortunately it's not capable of running an Apple operating system that's still fully supported. However, if your Mac has a Core 2 Duo processor (one of the models listed below), and as long as it has at least 2 GB of RAM and 7 GB of free hard drive space, it should still be able to run Lion (which, although increasingly less safe to use now, is at least better than Snow Leopard or earlier because it had been getting security updates until recently):

iMac (Late 2006 or Early 2007)
MacBook (Late 2006, Mid or Late 2007, or Early 2008)
MacBook Air (original model from Early 2008)
MacBook Pro (Late 2006)
Mac mini (Mid 2007)
Mac Pro (original 2006 model, including any bought in 2007)
Xserve (Late 2006 or Early 2008)

Still, 7 years of use is pretty darn good. You deserve a new computer. The mini/TV combination using your old mouse and keyboard is a good option (approx $600-800)

Another option: you don't need the absolute newest Mac, you just need a new-er one. Apple sells older and "refurbished" models on their site. Refurbished means Apple has certified them to be working, and may have minor cosmetic damage or may not even have been taken out of the open box. They offer their 1 year warranty on them.

https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Also, if you or anyone in your family are a student or an educator, you can get a discount on top of that buying through Apple.
https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop
And they have their own refurbish prices:
https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Or check out other sites:
https://www.macs4u.com/?gclid=CMqR4M3vndUCFZG1wAodoQ8H6A

[Big Blue Marble]

4. Using such an old OS

puts your computer at great security risk as their are no current patches.

I,too, have a MacMini (under $700 reconditioned from Apple Store) and a $200
27" monitor. Love it! Also run Quicken 2007 with no problem on latest MacOS Serria.

[question everything]

9. Oh, that's good to know

As I've mentioned above, I do want to use Quicken 2007.

I suppose it is time to talk to the experts at the Apple store.

And, as I mentioned in another reply, we found out that our iPad Mini still supports the new (apparently) Skype.

[neeksgeek]

7. Another suggestion for a used Mac

I've gotten several used Macs from Mac of All Trades.

I purchase computer parts from Other World Computing. They also sell refurbished Macs.

Never had a problem with either of these dealers.