Lesson 2—Update, Upgrade, Reinstall macOS Flashcards
What are the differences between a macOS update, upgrade, install, and reinstall?
The following are the differences between a macOS update, upgrade, install, and reinstall:
• macOS update—Installs an incremental update of macOS but doesn’t upgrade it to the next major
version.
• macOS upgrade—Installs the next major standalone version.
• Install—Installs macOS on a volume that doesn’t have macOS—for instance, a volume you erased.
• Reinstall—Installs the same major version of macOS on a disk that already has macOS installed. This
overwrites the existing system files but leaves apps, user home folders, and other files in place.
What steps should you take before you upgrade to macOS Big Sur?
Before you upgrade to macOS Big Sur, you should take these steps:
a. Verify installation requirements.
b. Plug MacBook computers into power.
c. Verify app compatibility.
d. Back up important content.
e. Document network settings.
f. Open Software Update in System Preferences or open the App Store.
What are the system requirements to upgrade to macOS Big Sur?
These are the system requirements to upgrade to macOS Big Sur:
• OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later
• 4 GB of memory
• 35.5 GB of available storage space for an upgrade from macOS Sierra 10.12, or 44.5 GB of available
storage space to upgrade from an earlier release
• Compatible internet service provider
• Apple ID for some features
How do you check your Mac for software updates?
To check your Mac for software updates, go to the App Store, click Updates, and click the Update
buttons for the app updates that you want to install. Or you can click the Update All button to install all
of the updates.
How can you get the macOS installer?
The macOS Installer is free and available in the App Store.
How do you reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery?
To reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery, start up from macOS Recovery, go to Utilities, select Install
macOS, and continue to the license agreement. If it’s acceptable, click Agree, select your volume or
show all disks, and select your volume and install.
What can you use to troubleshoot macOS installation issues?
To troubleshoot macOS installation issues from the macOS Installer, select the Window menu and then
choose Installer Log.
What does the macOS Installer do with incompatible files and settings during an upgrade?
The Install macOS Big Sur app moves incompatible files and settings into a Relocated Items folder in
the /Users/Shared folder of your startup volume for review after the upgrade is complete.
