I currently have OS 11.7.5 is it worth upgrading to 13.3 ?

[PhilsAir]

Just looking for some insight. I have a Macbook Air (Retina, 13 inch, 2019) 1.6 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 with 16GB Memory.
I just upgraded to Big Sur 11.7.5 everything seems to be running fine.... But, now I am getting the upgrade now prompt,, to macOS Ventura 13.3
I am a little hesitate to click the "Upgrade Now" button..... is it better to wait or do the upgrade now??

 

[Pecka]

Ventura didn't work out for me so I went back to Monterey. Unless Ventura have some functionality you really need I would suggest staying on Big Sur.

 

[PhilsAir]

Ventura didn't work out for me so I went back to Monterey. Unless Ventura have some functionality you really need I would suggest staying on Big Sur.

That's what I was thinking.... If it ain't broke,, why mess with it... lol I crossed my fingers when I updated to Big Sur 11.7.5 but, so far it seems to be working OK with no problems... I am always nervous when it comes to updates...lol
I'm not a computer genius, so if something goes wrong..... it can be very frustrating,, messing around to get things working again.... Thank-you for your input

 

[Insidious]

I would absolutely upgrade in your situation. It's the only way to be on top of all the security updates. Make backups before you dive in.

 

[PhilsAir]

are you saying that Big Sur 11.7.5 is going to stop getting security updates???

 

[sublunar]

Apple only do full point updates for the last 3 OSes. The current one and the two before that. Big Sur is going to stop getting these updates when the successor to Ventura comes out - probably in October thus year - and Monterey becomes the 'two versions old' macOS.

Security updates are currently provided for two further older versions so you should be alright for two further years on Big Sur if you really want to stick with it.

Your Intel MBA has 16Gb RAM so it should perform ok with Ventura which admittedly is quite the step change from Monterey - the latest MacOS has more of the headline features that Apple announce.

 

[PhilsAir]

First, I would like to Thank-you for the info as well as your time for the response to my thread... I do run time machine to an external drive, so I guess that I have a back-up... I have never had to restore to a previous version before, after an update.. That is why I am hesitant about upgrading,, I am not a computer wizard, if I run into problems,, "I have real problems" lol, lol
Question, if I do the Ventura 13.3 upgrade.. Would it be easy to restore back to what I have now...?? with time machine...

 

[Pecka]

Security updates are currently provided for two further older versions so you should be alright for two further years on Big Sur if you really want to stick with it.

I thought every macOS version stops getting security updates 3 years after release, which will be this autumn for Big Sur?

 

[sublunar]

I thought every macOS version stops getting security updates 3 years after release, which will be this autumn for Big Sur?

Actually, you're probably right there - lost track round about the time of waiting for Catalina updates to finish for my 2012 Mini. This Arstechnica note recommends updating to the very latest OS at all times because not every security match is fixed for the older OSes. Must try and remember not to post while sleepy.

My point about Big Sur remains though, updates will be ending this year - probably October - for that OS.

 

[sublunar]

First, I would like to Thank-you for the info as well as your time for the response to my thread... I do run time machine to an external drive, so I guess that I have a back-up... I have never had to restore to a previous version before, after an update.. That is why I am hesitant about upgrading,, I am not a computer wizard, if I run into problems,, "I have real problems" lol, lol
Question, if I do the Ventura 13.3 upgrade.. Would it be easy to restore back to what I have now...?? with time machine...

I haven't had to roll back from a Time Machine upgrade so don't take my word for it but I believe it's feasible to roll back in Time Machine. I usually wait until the next OS is fairly mature before upgrading anyway but I am using Ventura on a MacBook Pro and it's fine - some people may not like the completely different iOS style settings preferences panels though.

 

[Insidious]

Oh yeah, it's easy to restore from a time machine backup. Make a Big Sur installer on a USB drive that you can boot up from by holding option during startup. Instead of Install Big Sur, you'll select Restore from Time Machine Backup, and it would load your computer up to the exact state it was in before you upgraded the OS.

*edit*
So I just learned that Time Machine restores are no longer possible on Big Sur like they were on Catalina. You have to reinstall the OS and then use Migration Assistant.

 

[PhilsAir]

question??? Before I do the upgrade to macOS Ventura 13.3 should I disconnect my external hard drive that has my time machine back up on???

 

[davidlv]

are you saying that Big Sur 11.7.5 is going to stop getting security updates???

There is so much incomplete info here. Ventura is the only OS that gets all of the security updates, Monterey and Big Sur get some but not all of them. Apple releases that information when they announce the updates.see https://www.xlr8yourmac.com/
which shows,; 58 security patches for Ventura, 27 for Monterey and 25 for Big Sur.
So if the hardware will support it Ventura is the safer choice.

 

[Insidious]

question??? Before I do the upgrade to macOS Ventura 13.3 should I disconnect my external hard drive that has my time machine back up on???

I recommend unplugging externals so you don't accidentally format or install onto them.

 

[PhilsAir]

Thank-you for the info as well as your time for the response to my thread.. I decided to cross my fingers and go for the upgrade to macOS Ventura and hope it goes off without any problems.... or should I say "goes in and installs without any problems,,, lol I unplugged all externals as you recommenced... and am in the process of installing as I type... I'll do another post with the outcome .......

 

[PhilsAir]

So far so good.... I'm happy to announce that I am now running macOS Ventura 13.3.1 everything seems to be working.... I reconnected my external hard drive and did my first back up on time machine.... I would like to thank all of you guys for your support and time spent in response to my thread.... Have a "Very Good Mac Day Everybody"