2009 iMac, how can I update this?

[(didi)]

Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac11,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i3
Processor Speed: 3.06 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 5.86 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: IM112.0057.B01
SMC Version (system): 1.64f5
Serial Number (system): W80341TUDAS
Hardware UUID: D80D6D0D-5DFA-55D8-B9AA-1C2E39362D7C

This is what my hard drive is described as by my iMac. This machine works really well for my needs, but can't download useful software like Adobe file converters that work.
Has anybody any suggestions how I can update this machine to use more recent software developments, and which browser you would recommend using now?
I don't want to buy a new machine.
Kind regards

 

[padams35]

The 11,2 i3 is actually a 2010 model. Also its usually poor practice to publicly post unique identifiers like serial numbers and UUIDs.

To use more recent software upgrade to a newer version of MacOS. What version is currently running? (If you already use High Sierra then either find different software or buy a newer machine).

Upgrading to High Sierra from Mountain Lion and newer
Upgrading to Sierra from Lion
Upgrading to El Capitan from Snow Leopard

How to Upgrade Ram. (4GB isn't really enough for running El Capitan and newer with an HDD.)


For browser I'd recommend Safari or Firefox. Basically 'not Chrome'.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Has anybody any suggestions how I can update this machine to use more recent software developments, and which browser you would recommend using now?
I don't want to buy a new machine."

A 10-year-old Mac is simply not going to be able to "run the newest stuff".
Safari will reach the point where older versions won't load pages any more.

You "update" by buying a replacement.
If not "new", at least.... "newer".

The Apple online refurbished store is a good place to look.
Or keep an eye out for sales on "new-old stock" iMacs from the big dealers.

No matter what you do, you're not going to be able to "update" a 2010 iMac to be competitive with something new or late-model.

One other thing:
As another poster mentioned, DON'T use Chrome.
Use something -- ANYTHING -- else.

 

[jameslmoser]

The 11,2 i3 is actually a 2010 model. Also its usually poor practice to publicly post unique identifiers like serial numbers and UUIDs.

To use more recent software upgrade to a newer version of MacOS. What version is currently running? (If you already use High Sierra then either find different software or buy a newer machine).

Upgrading to High Sierra from Mountain Lion and newer
Upgrading to Sierra from Lion
Upgrading to El Capitan from Snow Leopard

How to Upgrade Ram. (4GB isn't really enough for running El Capitan and newer with an HDD.)

For browser I'd recommend Safari or Firefox. Basically 'not Chrome'.

Exactly. Make sure your are running the most recent version of MacOS and upgrade that ram. You need at least twice what you have (8GB) but I would got with at least 16GB. You can get 8 for just $40 here:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC...dUfkju_1yWzyphhykP4aAlKxEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you know how or know someone who can help you, you could remove the screen and upgrade the hard drive to an SSD. My guess is based on your config your machine came with a regular hard drive. This will make a huge difference in performance.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd...I-wJyEokJMLcA19cdZIaApqDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

But as Fishrrman said, you won't be able to update to a machine that is anything close to today's new machines.

 

[(didi)]

Thank you for replying. I’ll try one of the upgrades you have suggested.

When I posted the computer’s personal information I was unaware this was poor practice: thank you for the information.

 

[mikehalloran]

you could remove the screen and upgrade the hard drive to an SSD.

To replace the drive, the screen does not need to come off. Takes me about 15 minutes or so to do.

The NV RAM battery, OTOH is also 10 years old and will cause GPU and other problems once if gets low enough. The motherboard has to be removed to change it (late 2009–10 only) so you might as well remove the screen to do them both. If installing an SSD, a CR2032 medical battery is fine.

My guess is based on your config your machine came with a regular hard drive

They all did. Apple installed a second SATA bus and was experimenting with SSDs and fusion but none shipped that way.

I recently took my 2010 out of service. Works great (installed an SSD and new battery a few years ago) but some of what I do for a living needs a newer Mac.