Update cut offs for Apple computers

[ratty]

Hello

I hope that someone can help me with this computer problem.

We have an Apple mac bought in October 2009 (first of the wide screen versions) which runs on the Snow Leopard operating system.

It works fine apart from it is struggling to connect to our bt broadband, we sometimes have to switch it on and off six or seven times before it connects. I have asked about downloading an updated operating system to update Snow Leopard but I've been told that there have been at least two update cut off dates and, because my computer is so old (six years !!!!!!!!) it can not be updated. Does anyone know if this is correct and / or if I can update my machine so that it connects better?

Thanks very much

Graham

[The Joker]

I'm not sure about the apple update bit, but I would have a look at your BT router settings.

When the 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz have the same SSID then your mac can get confused. Change the name of the 2.4 Ghz or disable it for now.

Bear in mind some devices only work on 2.4 Ghz like a wireless printer.

Go to 192.168.1.254 in your browser to get to the router.

[The Joker]

If you can get onto the Internet Apple support are pretty good, see if you can start an on-line chat and ask them about updates. Or pop into the Genius bar.

[rozyd]

Need more data about the Mac. Got a model number? I don't know why you couldn't upgrade to Lion/Mountain Lion. Mavericks is next and Yosemite just came out.

To install Mountain Lion, you need one of these Macs:
iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)

Mavericks requirements below.

To install Mavericks, you need one of these Macs:
iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later)
MacBook Pro (15-inch or 17-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
Xserve (Early 2009)

Yosemite minimum requirements below.

iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)

[ratty]

Thanks for these replies.

About my Mac. I think these are the details.

It's a Mac OS X Version 10.6.8 with a model identifier of iMac 10,1.

It was bought October 2009, just after the new wide screen version came out.

I have looked at installing Yosemite but feedback on the app store suggests that people are having problems with their computers after updating to Yosemite.

I am currently happy with how it works when it eventually connects to the internet.

I hope this helps.

[rozyd]

I wouldn't go straight Yosemite. I'd go incrementally to Lion/Mountain Lion. And see how that works. As you to the newer os versions they become more memory and processor intensive.

Lion was something that had to be purchased in the US, unknown if it was free in the UK. The upgrades from Lion to Mountain Lion, and to Mavericks and Yosemite however were free. I would suggest trying to find a version of Lion somewhere. Apple doesn't force a serial number so there alternative formats and digital versions available.

Here is a legitimate version of Lion for sale on Amazon. It is loaded onto a USB key. There also appear to be digital versions for 10 pounds less. but unsure how they deliver.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Lion-1...words=lion+osx

[rozyd]

Question. Do you have another computer or are you connecting also to the internet with a smartphone or an ipad? Just trying to rule out if it's the connection itself, the computer itself, the BT stack, etc...

Assuming BT is referring to bluetooth and not an internet carrier.

[ratty]

There are a few computers in the house.

I have a Windows Vista laptop which works fine. A 2011 MacBook pro which detects the signal fine, but I have to select my signal from the choice rather than it automatically connecting. My old iPad works fine as does my iPhone 6 and my wife's phone. I don't think it's the signal.

BT is British Telecom the internet supplier.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by The Joker

I'm not sure about the apple update bit, but I would have a look at your BT router settings.

When the 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz have the same SSID then your mac can get confused. Change the name of the 2.4 Ghz or disable it for now.

Bear in mind some devices only work on 2.4 Ghz like a wireless printer.

Go to 192.168.1.254 in your browser to get to the router.

Someone else has mentioned this. If I understand things correctly, in effect the signal is being transmitted in two frequencies. I'm assuming that the older computer can recognise the older signal, which I'm guessing is 2.4 GHz, but is struggling with the newer transmissions in 5 GHZ? The older operating system can recognise the older frequencies but not the newer, higher frequency?

It surprises me that my Windows Vista laptop has no problems at all, but the Apple stuff is struggling.

[JRolex]

I wouldn't update yet, I'd stop by the Genius bar and see what they can do for you in person. I know it'd be something you could trouble shoot at home, but I doubt it'd take them longer than 10 minutes for solve it for you there.

[rozyd]

What if anything has changed to your setup. New router or anything that would cause a change in your ability to connect?

Apple can do a remote diagnostic too if the Genius bar isn't close or convenient given the size of the computer you need to lug around. But generally they'll only do the remote diagnostic if you are still under warranty or have Applecare... which I'm guessing by the age isn't really an option anymore.

[adamlea]

It could be a lot of different things, including adware/malware/spyware.

Several freeware apps might help:

Malwarebytes: http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/52105/adwaremedic

DetectX: http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/53176/detectx

You can find links to the developer websites on these pages, where you can find versions compatible with Snow Leopard. Adware Medic is the older version of Malwarebytes - made by the same folks.

Also, go to the Utilities folder on your HD, find Disk Utility, and verify/repair your permissions. And, lastly, try renewing your DHCP lease:

http://osxdaily.com/2013/02/11/renew...ease-mac-os-x/

If you're running Snow Leopard, my guess is your software hasn't been updated on that Mac since you got it - and that could be part of the problem too, as others have said. If you want to get the best performance, you have to keep your Mac up to date.

In your case though, there'll be a lot of other software you'll have to update if you bring your OS current. If I were you, I'd get it all current, even if that means paying for upgrades on other software. The folks at your local Genius Bar can help. You may be able to chat with them online too - on one of your other computers.

[Charlie3755]

p


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[ratty]

Should I read something into the above?