Lesson 2: Update, Upgrade, Reinstallation

Question 1

What are the differences between a macOS update, upgrade, install, and reinstall?

Answer 1

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.)

Question 2

What steps should you take before you upgrade to macOS Big Sur?

Answer 2

Before you upgrade to macOS Big Sur, you should take these steps:

1. Verify installation requirements.
2. Plug MacBook computers into power.
3. Verify app compatibility.
4. Back up important content.
5. Document network settings.
6. Open Software Update in System Preference or open the App Store.

Question 3

What are the system requirements to upgrade to macOS Big Sur?

Answer 3

These are the system requirements to upgrade to macOS Big Sur:

• OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later
• 4 GB of memory
• Available Storage Space
  
  • 35.5 GB of available storage space for an upgrade from macOS Sierra 10.12
  • 44.5 GB of available storage space to upgrade from an earlier release
• Compatible internet service provider
• Apple ID for some features

Question 4

How do you check your Mac for app updates?

Answer 4

To check your Mac for app 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 app updates.

Question 5

How can you get the macOS installer?

Answer 5

The macOS Installer is free and available in the App Store.

Question 6

How do you reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

What can you use to troubleshoot macOS installation issues?

Answer 7

To troubleshoot macOS installation issues from the macOS Installer, select the Window menu and then choose Installer Log.

Question 8

What does the macOS Installer do with incompatible files and settings during an upgrade?

Answer 8

The Install macOS Big Sur app moves files into a Relocated Items folder in the /Users/Shared folder of your startup volume for review after the upgrade is complete.

Question 9

What are the oldest hardware models which are compatible with macOS Big Sur?

Answer 9

The oldest hardware models which are compatible macOS Big Sur are as follows:

• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13- or 15-inch, Late 2013)
• MacBook Air (11- or 13-inch, Mid 2013)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
• Mac mini (Late 2014)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013)