Your Software Guide: How to Update a Mac Safely

Recently, almost 40,000 MacBook users had malware issues. Most malware has the goal of stealing information or damaging your computer. 

The most recent case has caused many experts to scratch their heads with the latest attack. It also leaves many users wondering what steps they can take to protect their computer and how to update a Mac. 

Updating your Mac to the latest software is a critical step in protecting yourself and sensitive information on your computer. If you have an interest in installing the newest software safely, keep reading on for more information!

What Is an Operating System? 

The operating system is the software that manages your computer. It helps ensure that everything is running smoothly and manages your programs or applications installed.

Ultimately, the operating system helps everything run more smoothly and coordinates your applications and software for better compatibility and user experience. Like PC and other brands, Apple has created its operating system known as macOS. 

The newest Mac OS update is macOS Monterey. It was released on October 25, 2021, and provided an onslaught of improvements and updates to the old operating system Mac computer owners had. 

Software Updates vs Software Upgrades

The difference between an update and an upgrade is the level of new software installed. For example, the latest Mac OS was upgraded from the prior software. However, Apple will also release minor adjustments and updates that help fine-tune the current software. 

These small changes made to the new Monterey system are a software update. How can you tell if you need to install a new OS or check for updates? 

How to Update a Mac

If you want to update your Mac, there are a couple of ways to go about it. First – find the Apple icon located in the top corner of your laptop or desktop screen. You can select ‘System Preferences’ or ‘About This Mac.’ 

Next, you will locate the icon labeled ‘Software Update,’ and your computer will automatically check for an update or upgrade at that time. If you don’t want the responsibility of regularly checking your Mac for an update or upgrade, you have the option of selecting ‘Automatically keep my Mac up to date.’ 

Your Mac will notify you of any newly released upgrades or updates if you select this box. Once you have clicked the installation button, your Mac might need some time to install the software. 

Make sure your computer is plugged into a charging outlet (if applicable) and let it complete the full download. 

New Upgrades

What does the new macOS Monterey have to offer Apple users? One of the most significant upgrades was the Universal Control. 

Users now can control their Mac and iPad with one mouse and keyboard. Other changes affected:

• iMessages
• Photos
• Apple Books
• Safari
• FaceTime

Safari now includes iCloud Private Relay that encrypts any traffic leaving Safari and helps further protect your Mac and private information from being intercepted. Mac recently released new products that have the Apple M1 chip.

With the new macOS release, users with the latest chip can experience a few new key features with FaceTime, audio, and Maps. The newest upgrade also provides a new level of security not seen with other macOS.

Apple released its version of a VPN that will hide your IP address from outside viewers. However, it requires a subscription, but you might find it worth your while for an added vote of security. 

The new Mail features also help fine-tune some issues with the Big Sur OS by protecting your IP while viewing remote content. 

Software Issues

Software issues often arise when you haven’t updated your Mac in a while. Keeping your Mac up-to-date is critical for protecting your information and reducing your chance of getting a virus on your computer. 

Although Macbooks are well-known for their lower risk of viruses, not updating or upgrading your software increases your chance of having your computer crash. Computers that haven’t been updated in years can eventually cause certain apps to stop working because they are too far outdated. 

Hackers constantly change their tactics, and software companies have to do the same. Updating and upgrading your software helps install added safety measures that can prevent viruses, bugs, and crashes from occurring. 

However, like any new software, some issues sometimes pop up. Most problems arise in users who have older macOS versions and are upgrading to the newest one. 

Issues like long download times, battery drains, and Bluetooth issues have arisen with the newest macOS. Apple addresses these problems and releases software updates designed to fix the minor problems with a big upgrade. 

So – what can you do if you find yourself running into problems with old or new software systems? Sometimes, it can be unclear whether the issue resides with the software or hardware. When you have an older computer or laptop, the issues can seem more glaring and render your computer useless.

When this happens, you want to call on the experts. They can help quickly locate the problem and use their expertise to help fix the problem and get you back up and running. Repairing a computer yourself can be risky and cause more issues. 

You should go to Apple computer experts for the best advice. 

Latest Upgrades

If you have followed the steps on ‘how to update a Mac’ and are still running into issues with your computer, you need a professional team on your side. 

Sometimes, problems with upgrades or updates are inevitable. It is never a surefire way of avoiding deadly malware or viruses. Additionally, if you want your computer cleaned up or a screen repaired, an Apple team can help you with various concerns. 

Check out our website for many Apple services your computer may need at the lowest guaranteed price!