Apple released its operating system (macOS 10.15 - Catalina) for Apple computers last fall. ITS has reviewed this operating system per our policy and is providing the following information to help you decide if you should upgrade.
ITS has determined that this is not a critical update and upgrading is not necessary, if you are currently on Mojave (macOS 10.14). Some applications and personal printers will no longer work after the upgrade.
Please do NOT upgrade if you are unsure, ITS will be unable to back you down to an older operating system.
Please do NOT upgrade if your computer has a built in CD/DVD drive.
It is STRONGLY recommended to back-up all important data prior to upgrading.
If considering upgrading, please review the following to ensure you will be able to use your current applications:
Application | Supported | Notes |
Office 2011 | Not Supported | Will not work |
Office 2016 | Supported | |
SPSS (v.24) and older | Not Supported | Do Not Upgrade |
SPSS (v.25) | Not Supported | Should continue to work |
SPSS (v.26) and newer | Supported |
|
Adobe CS6 and older | Not Supported | Will not Work |
Adobe CC/DC 2018 and lower | Not Supported
| Will not Work |
Adobe CC/DC 2019 and higher | Supported* | *Recommend against updating to Catalina as there are still some issues. |
Adobe Pro XI and older | Not Supported | Will not Work |
Symantec Antivirus | Not Supported | Must upgrade to Crowdstrike* |
Filemaker 11 | Not Supported | Do Not Upgrade |
Global Protect (VPN) | Not Supported | Will continue to work |
Other Applications | Check with Manufacturer | See the instructions below to check.** |
Networked University Printers | Should work | All the large Canons will work and most HP’s should work. |
Personal Printers | Check with Manufacturer |
|
For further assistance, please enter a ticket at fairfield.edusupportcenter.com
Hours can be found here: ITS Help Desk Hours of Operation
Contact the ITS Help Desk in the Library Rm 215 or at (203) 254-4069 for Assistance.
*Instructions for upgrading to Crowdstrike: https://todayatfairfield.fairfield.edu/todayatfairfield/eventShow?eventID=300921https://todayatfairfield.fairfield.edu/todayatfairfield/eventShow?eventID=300921
Once you complete the above instructions, it may take up to 24 hours before the Catalina block is released from your computer.
The upgrade link for Catalina can be found here (scroll to the middle of the page): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210190
**How to check for 32-bit apps on your system
1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. Click System Report.
4. Scroll down to the Software section and click Applications.
5. On the right, you'll see a list of apps and a column labeled 64-Bit (Intel). If any of those apps have a “No” in that column, it means they're not 64-bit apps and you'll need to update them or find a replacement before you get the MacOS Catalina upgrade. Please note, there will be many items on the list that are irrelevant. You only need to check for any additional apps you specifically installed and need.