Software and Operating System Upgrades

Everyone likes to have the latest and greatest software and operating system on their computer. Unfortunately it's not always possible. Newer software and operating systems don’t always work on older computers. This applies to our  iMacs and MacBooks as well as our PCs.

Here’s an example:

The newest version of the iMovie software will not run on the “Snow Leopard” Operating System (OS).

Older MacBooks cannot use an Operating System (OS) that is newer than the “Snow Leopard” OS.

Hence the newest version of iMovie will not run on our older MacBooks.This is only one example, but you get the idea.Technology Services has encountered this issue recently when reimaging older MacBooks and iMacs. When a computer is reimaged, any software that was previously on the computer will have to be reinstalled. Many times a newer version of that software is available and, naturally, most people will want to have it installed.

For the reasons mentioned above, this may not be possible.

To minimize compatibility issues, do the following:

• Submit a Help Desk Ticket to have your Campus Customer Service Engineer (CSE) assist you in determining software and hardware compatibility prior to having your computer reimaged or Operating System upgraded.  
• He or she will help you answer the following questions:
  1) Hardware Compatibility - Will the computer you are currently using continue to work after an Operating System upgrade?
  
  2) Software Compatibility – Will the software you are currently using continue to work after an Operating System upgrade? Also, is there a newer version of software that will be necessary to install after an Operating System upgrade?

• Create a Help Desk Ticket to have your Campus Customer Service Engineer (CSE) install any software you still need after your computer is reimaged or Operating System upgraded. 
• If you are planning to purchase any new software, have compatibility verified prior to purchasing.