What to do? - iMac no longer installs updates

Eborexile

My long serving iMac (all in one) is physically fine and still looks almost new.

However it has stopped being able to accept updates to the Apple operating system.
This now seems to be causing compatibility issues with other functionalities eg e-mail and now Chrome advises it cannot update.

In true money saving ethos but also from a green perspective I'd rather not throw away something which is otherwise perfectly workable.
Since being made redundant (now happily coming to terms) I cannot really justify a like for like replacement.

I don't have the necessary skill set to do myself but is it possible to "refurbish" the hardware so that it can install latest versions?
How much would someone typically charge for this?
Could I just plug in a new Mac mini?

Clearly if updates are not possible, security patches are being missed so I may have to retire the old retainer.
Rather than a trip to the tip - any ideas for alternative uses?

Jenni_D

Possible to wipe it and install a newer release of a flavour of Linux?

theoretica

The newer operating systems can apparently be installed on some 'too old' macs if you update the graphics card to one that meets certain specifications.  Unfortunately the relevant graphics cards come with huge price tags.

Linux is worth looking into.

datostar

It's not just the graphics that would pose a problem. The wifi capability is different too and this is why pre Late-2012 iMacs cannot straightforwardly install the current OS Big Sur. There are ways around that but a much older machine would probably pose severe difficulty and end up running rather slowly. The OP hasn't said what version he is currently running or the age of the machine.  Linux is certainly a possibility, either via virtualisation, e.g. Parallels, VMWare or the free Virtual Box; or complete replacement of MacOS with Linux and there's plenty of instructions on the web as to how to do it.
I can understand difficulties with Chrome, but what about the built-in Apple Safari browser (and the built-in Apple Mail for email)?  Really old machines seem to cope. 

jon81uk

I would assume that your iMac is therefore over six years old?
This suggests 2014 models will run MacOS 11 (Big Sur) macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers - Apple Support
The last version of MacOS 10.15 (Catalina) will work on 2012 iMacs macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers - Apple Support


Chrome system requirements want at least MacOS 10.11 (El Capitan) Chrome Browser system requirements - Google Chrome Enterprise Help
That version should work on 2007 or newer iMacs OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications (apple.com) 

So a 13 year old iMac should still be able to run Chrome? How old is your iMac? Which OS version is it running?

You can't use the iMac just as a screen so not possible to just plug in a Mac Mini. I don't think its easy to refurbish and to be honest if it is more than 10 years old there is a good chance that any part you don't replace may still go wrong.

Eborexile

Thank you to everyone for taking the trouble to reply with valuable advice and explanations.
The version in use is Yosemite OS X Version 10.10.5
The Chrome message says :To get future Google Chrome updates, you'll need OS X 10.11 or later. This computer is using OS X 10.10.
When I try to update the Apple OS it says no updates found. The Safari browser also (Version 10.1.2 (10603.3.8)) won't update and often gives me the message that it cannot open the page. It cannot even make a secure connection to Apple support.

I really appreciate the comments above which have greatly helped to inform my understanding.

I think it is time to retire the old machine. (Although I may take a brave pill and try Linux) 
 
The 24inch screen is good for i-player and Zoom so it may have a short stay of execution before finding itself in the council skip.
(If there is a greener option I would welcome suggestions but maybe there should be another thread for that?) 

ann_droid

Hi
My iMAC has 2 apple operating OS's on, a Linux and a broken W10.

So reduce partition sizes where possible, make space for a LinuxMint and try.

OK

So mine is a 2011 version and FaceTime would not work / install, so obviously used Linphone.

However it is possible to modify, THEN PUT IT BACK TO ORIGINAL, ............

http://www.macbreaker.com/2012/01/how-to-spoof-your-version-of-mac-os-x.html


Worth a try.   Worked for me.

jon81uk

Eborexile said:

Thank you to everyone for taking the trouble to reply with valuable advice and explanations.
The version in use is Yosemite OS X Version 10.10.5
The Chrome message says :To get future Google Chrome updates, you'll need OS X 10.11 or later. This computer is using OS X 10.10.
When I try to update the Apple OS it says no updates found. The Safari browser also (Version 10.1.2 (10603.3.8)) won't update and often gives me the message that it cannot open the page. It cannot even make a secure connection to Apple support.

I really appreciate the comments above which have greatly helped to inform my understanding.

I think it is time to retire the old machine. (Although I may take a brave pill and try Linux) 
 
The 24inch screen is good for i-player and Zoom so it may have a short stay of execution before finding itself in the council skip.
(If there is a greener option I would welcome suggestions but maybe there should be another thread for that?) 

I'm assuming your iMac is older than 2007 if it can't run 10.11 (El Capitan).

Have you checked to see if you can get it from the App Store instead of an OS update?

How to Download OS X El Capitan from App Store? | MacsPro

theoretica

Eborexile said:

 
The 24inch screen is good for i-player and Zoom so it may have a short stay of execution before finding itself in the council skip.
(If there is a greener option I would welcome suggestions but maybe there should be another thread for that?) 

My area has computer refurbishing charities - or I would be surprised if someone didn't want it if you wiped it and advertised it for collection - 2007 imacs on ebay seem to sell for £40-£50.

zagubov

What's the urgency?

Macs aren't like Windows computers that hackers are always targeting. It's very noble of you to want to keep passing money to these software writers and hardware companies for the privilege of using their equipment for a period of time that suits your convenience and budget rather than padding their wallets.

Back-compatibility is not a major macOS virtue so if you upgrade your OS you are lining up a series of expensive software upgrades of Office Adobe etc. software. 

There's a reason why apple computer owners keep their computers going on longer than windows ones do. I would postpone any upgrade as long as possible.

knightstyle

Pack it up and send it to  https://turingtrust.co.uk  they will securely clean it and put it to good use.