Read this before updating your Mac

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

October 8, 2019 at 10:17

Apple's MacOS Catalina software adds features including a new music app, complete voice control, and the ability to use an iPad as a second screen.Source:Supplied

A new version of MacOS is out today, but the update could cause some fatal problems for beloved apps and games.

Apple has released an update to the MacOS operating system used on its laptop and desktop computers, bringing with it new features and integrations, but one change has left loyal Mac users unhappy.

While it’s well-known iTunes will finally disappear in MacOS Catalina, it’s not the only software relic that won’t survive the update.

With the move to Catalina, Apple has ended support for 32-bit applications, a process it began in 2009 with the introduction of new 64-bit technology in MacOS Snow Leopard.

64-bit operating systems and applications are able to take advantage of better computing technology like more efficient processors and higher memory capacities.

While many users will have 64-bit versions of the applications they use, the change has angered some who have shelled out for expensive software they use for work, which now won’t operate on their computers.

Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi previews macOS Catalina at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.Source:Supplied

This includes workers in the creative industries that in the past have comprised a valuable sector of the MacOS customer base.

Some loyal photographers will be disappointed the update ditches Apple’s own long-shelved Aperture program, while designers who opted not to get on board with Adobe’s controversial switch to a subscription model may find some of the apps they rely on no longer supported in Catalina, including Illustrator CS5 and InDesign CS6.

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Film industry workers have also expressed dismay the update will make them lose access to QuickTime Pro 7, still widely used despite being succeeded by newer versions of the software due to it having more lightweight editing features and content-friendly layouts.

Older versions of Apple’s Final Cut Pro video editing program and Logic Studio digital audio workstation are also out the door.

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