macOS Catalina Update Recommendations

With the release of Catalina, the latest version of macOS, users have reported problems. Before upgrading, be sure to read our recommendations.

The following information applies only to Mac users. (MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Pros, and Mac minis are affected, whereas iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches are not.)

Apple recently released Catalina, the latest version of macOS, and some users have started seeing prompts encouraging them to upgrade. IST has received reports of people encountering problems after installing the upgrade, and would like to provide some suggestions to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:

  • We recommend choosing a day to upgrade when you don't have any looming deadlines, in case problems do occur.
  • Apple is discontinuing support for 32-bit applications. When installing Catalina, you will be warned if any of your applications will cease to work following the upgrade. If they are important to your work, do not proceed. You will need to install updated 64-bit versions of your software first. Please contact your local IT support team or IST if you need assistance.
  • Some users have encountered problems with slow charging, external displays not working, or specific software failing to function properly after the upgrade. If this occurs, please contact your local IT support team or IST for assistance.

These recommendations are not intended to discourage you from upgrading to Catalina. Keeping up to date with the latest software patches is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your computer's security. However, we want to encourage caution with this upgrade considering some of the problems being reported.

If you would like assistance, please contact your local IT support team or IST.

IST can be reached by email at ist@ualberta.ca or via chat. For urgent problems, be sure to phone us at 780-492-9400.