Which macOS to choose?

[Apple_Robert]

Is 12GB going to break my early 2015 Retina MBP? (I have 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.)

Also, do I stand any chance of downloading such a huge file at the library using Mojave?

(I am fearful my mobile hotspot won't be enough, plus I don't want to burn through a month's data for one download. And I am not "home" anytime soon, so no luck using a more reliable wired connection.)

I would wait until you are home or can use a better WiFI source. If you happen to travel near an Apple Store, you can use their Wifi for free and it is usually fast.

I don't know what you mean by "break your MBP.." but, your Mac is more than capable of downloading and installing a 12GB file provided the WifI signal is strong for downloading.

 

[whiteboard]

I would wait until you are home or can use a better WiFI source. If you happen to travel near an Apple Store, you can use their Wifi for free and it is usually fast.

Good idea about the Apple store.

Also maybe an AT&T store.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Good idea about the Apple store.

Also maybe an AT&T store.

Your carrier store would work as well. At the Apple store is you had a problem, they could probably get you going again. Depending on the speed of the Wifi, it can take an hour or more to download the file.

 

[iluvmacs99]

Does someone have a link to the full install version of Big Sur? (I don't want the one that just points to Apple's servers, but rather a download that will give me a 5-6GB file that I can keep backed up for future use, and which I can use to make one or more bootable installers like the Mojave one I found - which was a real life svaer considering I couldn't connect ot the Internet to try and download macOS!

Also, now that I have a working Wi-Fi connection at the library, how long do you think it will take to f=downlaod the 5-6GB full installer? And will that even work at a public library?

I don't have the link since I use what comes from Apple's servers. In fact you want to get it from Apple Servers so it authentic. It's big; about 12Gb in size. Depending on the speed of your public library -- have you tried running a speed test to see?

So that is sorta like my mobile hotspot but not tied to a cellular company?

How many countries does thatw ork in?

How much does it cost?

You can check it out. It's popular with travellers all over the world. If you check the SSID in all major airports, you'll find a lot of GlocalMe routers, including mine.. It uses a cellular network of the local country and reprograms itself using e-Sim technology to provide WIFI service. Saves time for me to locate a local SIM. The advantage is its secured network. I had to use it in Eastern Europe close to Russia in 2019 as I didn't feel safe with Public Wifi close to the Russian border. Prices are on the website.

Home Main - GlocalMe®

As Seen On

www.glocalme.com

 

[whiteboard]

I don't know what you mean by "break your MBP.." but, your Mac is more than capable fo downloading and installing a 12GB file provided the WifI signal is strong for downloading.

Since the install is twice the size of traditional installs, I was afraid that it will take up tons of hard-drive space and maybe be such a memory hog that my older laptop won't preform well.

 

[whiteboard]

I don't have the link since I use what comes from Apple's servers. In fact you want to get it from Apple Servers so it authentic. It's big; about 12Gb in size.

It looks like if I log into the App Store then I can hopefully download the full version. (When I downloaded Mojave, I just recall there being a hyperlink to Apple's servers, but since Big Sur is currently, I guess you use the App Store?

Depending on the speed of your public library -- have you tried running a speed test to see?

I did, but they were closing and I didn't save the results. I wanna say it was maybe 9-13MB download speed Does that sound reasonable?

(If my math is correct, 12MB/second would make a 12GB file take 1,000 minutes which is nearly 17 hours - much longer than the library is open!!)

You can check it out. It's popular with travellers all over the world.

What part of the world do you travel in?

If you check the SSID in all major airports, you'll find a lot of GlocalMe routers, including mine..

What is SSID?

It uses a cellular network of the local country and reprograms itself using e-Sim technology to provide WIFI service. Saves time for me to locate a local SIM.

So you have to buy a SIM card in the local country to use it?

The advantage is its secured network. I had to use it in Eastern Europe close to Russia in 2019 as I didn't feel safe with Public Wifi close to the Russian border. Prices are on the website.

Do you really trust that cellular networks are any safer than WI-Fi networks?

I would think in countries like Russia, China, Iran, etc you would be under great danger even using a cellphone or being on the Internet...

 

[iluvmacs99]

It looks like if I log into the App Store then I can hopefully download the full version. (When I downloaded Mojave, I just recall there being a hyperlink to Apple's servers, but since Big Sur is currently, I guess you use the App Store?

Yes I do. Always. Never download any software outside of the App store unless you know the source is legit. Otherwise you're asking to be infected by virus or malware even from legit software!

I did, but they were closing and I didn't save the results. I wanna say it was maybe 9-13MB download speed Does that sound reasonable?

(If my math is correct, 12MB/second would make a 12GB file take 1,000 minutes which is nearly 17 hours - much longer than the library is open!!)

Try the Apple Store. They usually have free fast WIFI and is safe to use.

What part of the world do you travel in?

All over some parts of the world. Been to Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South and North America, Australia. Not been to Africa and Antarctica yet. So 5 out of 7 continents so far.

What is SSID?

SSID = Service Set IDentifier. It's the name of the WIFI network you see under the list on your Airport icon.

So you have to buy a SIM card in the local country to use it?

Nope. Not for GlocalMe. You buy the plan based on the continent you want to visit or you can buy all available continents which is more expensive and it will reprogram itself as you visit a new continent from the last continent and from country to country. It's really neat, because you don't have to search like mad for a local SIM which usually is hopeless in sketchy countries. They give you 15 free mins to buy the plan over on an iOS app if you need to recharge. Everything is controlled via app on iOS.

Do you really trust that cellular networks are any safer than WI-Fi networks?

I would think in countries like Russia, China, Iran, etc you would be under great danger even using a cellphone or being on the Internet...

Well, I usually add my own layer of encryption as I use ProtonVPN to create a VPN network ontop of the secured GlocalMe network. Cellular networks are usually safer since you are dealing with a known entity. Public WIFI networks however can be sketchy because anyone can set up a public WIFI under a known company and then tricking you to log-on and then steal your passwords through a middle-man attack. Countries like Russia, China and Iran use heavy censorship and set up these dummy WIFI hotspots to monitor people, more so than you expect in North America and Europe and so you need to be careful in how you exercise your civil liberty in those countries. You really need to be extra careful in what you say on social media especially in Russia or in China as freedom of expression is not as liberal as we expect here in the North America or in Europe.

 

[Fishrrman]

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 13". Glad I bought it instead of the 2016!

It came with El Capitan on it, and I just kept on using El Cap until last month.
Safari was showing its age, so I upgraded it "one notch" to 10.12 Low Sierra.

It runs fine on Low Sierra, so I'm just going to leave it there for now. I didn't care for High Sierra, and I see no use to upgrade it further to Mojave so long as it's doing well on Low Sierra...

 

[whiteboard]

All over some parts of the world. Been to Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South and North America, Australia. Not been to Africa and Antarctica yet. So 5 out of 7 continents so far.

What do you do for a living that requires you to travel so much? (Or was this all for pleasure?)

Where exactly are you based out of?

Nope. Not for GlocalMe. You buy the plan based on the continent you want to visit or you can buy all available continents which is more expensive and it will reprogram itself as you visit a new continent from the last continent and from country to country. It's really neat, because you don't have to search like mad for a local SIM which usually is hopeless in sketchy countries. They give you 15 free mins to buy the plan over on an iOS app if you need to recharge. Everything is controlled via app on iOS.

Thank you for sharing. After the pandemic, my dreams of traveling have been squashed, but who knows, maybe someday I can travel to places like Europe and Asia.

Very useful information to have.

Well, I usually add my own layer of encryption as I use ProtonVPN to create a VPN network ontop of the secured GlocalMe network.

I have tried a couple of VPN's and use iVPN currently - which seems to be the most secure and out of the 14 Eyes.

Why do you like ProtonMail's VPN?

I use ProtonMail, but didn't see a reason to switch to their VPN, but maybe you know something that I don't?

Cellular networks are usually safer since you are dealing with a known entity. Public WIFI networks however can be sketchy because anyone can set up a public WIFI under a known company and then tricking you to log-on and then steal your passwords through a middle-man attack. Countries like Russia, China and Iran use heavy censorship and set up these dummy WIFI hotspots to monitor people, more so than you expect in North America and Europe and so you need to be careful in how you exercise your civil liberty in those countries. You really need to be extra careful in what you say on social media especially in Russia or in China as freedom of expression is not as liberal as we expect here in the North America or in Europe.

A complicated topic, but thanks for the primer!

 

[whiteboard]

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 13". Glad I bought it instead of the 2016!

It came with El Capitan on it, and I just kept on using El Cap until last month.
Safari was showing its age, so I upgraded it "one notch" to 10.12 Low Sierra.

It runs fine on Low Sierra, so I'm just going to leave it there for now. I didn't care for High Sierra, and I see no use to upgrade it further to Mojave so long as it's doing well on Low Sierra...

Until my problem accessing the free Wi-Fi at this library, I was all with you.

But thanks to @iluvmacs99 and others in this thread, I can see definitely benefits to keeping my OS more up-to-date.

 

[iluvmacs99]

What do you do for a living that requires you to travel so much? (Or was this all for pleasure?)

Where exactly are you based out of?

I used to work in digital media, in broadcasting so that was part of my job to travel quite a bit. Otherwise, some of it were for pleasure. I don't have a particular country I'm based out of as I move around where I can get work. I prefer it this way. With a computer and an internet connection, you don't really need to have a base. You can work anywhere as some European countries had been way ahead of North America for sometime.

I have tried a couple of VPN's and use iVPN currently - which seems to be the most secure and out of the 14 Eyes.

Why do you like ProtonMail's VPN?

I use ProtonMail, but didn't see a reason to switch to their VPN, but maybe you know something that I don't?

Nothing particular. I started with their free VPN account and then progressed from there. I also use their encrypted ProtonMail and so it's like a one stop shop and seemed to work well in countries that block some VPN services.

 

[calliex]

@Apple_Robert if you had to guess, do you think my problem with not being able to get a "splash page" at the library so I can accept their Terms of Service and thus use the lobrary's free wi-fi could be related to the fact that I am indeed running a pretty ancient version of macOS?

Or could it be something else like a hardware issue?

That is main reason I am looking to update my macOS, although I suppose security is a concern too.

I am running Sierra on 2012 retina 15" MBP and do not have any problems getting to WiFi any where I have tried including the local library. I have not moved up because software I use and can not afford to upgrade will not run on High Sierra or above.

 

[Boyd01]

Makes me wonder if a clean install of Sierra would fix the OP's problems?

 

[iluvmacs99]

This is why the OP needed Mojave. Read below official from Apple in regards to server certificates.

About upcoming limits on trusted certificates - Apple Support (CA)

In our ongoing efforts to improve web security for our users, Apple is reducing the maximum allowed lifetimes of TLS server certificates.

support.apple.com

 

[whiteboard]

I used to work in digital media, in broadcasting so that was part of my job to travel quite a bit. Otherwise, some of it were for pleasure. I don't have a particular country I'm based out of as I move around where I can get work. I prefer it this way. With a computer and an internet connection, you don't really need to have a base. You can work anywhere as some European countries had been way ahead of North America for sometime.

I believe the term is "digital nomad".

Nothing particular. I started with their free VPN account and then progressed from there. I also use their encrypted ProtonMail and so it's like a one stop shop and seemed to work well in countries that block some VPN services.

Okay.

 

[whiteboard]

Makes me wonder if a clean install of Sierra would fix the OP's problems?

Interesting point, but if I have to go to that length, then I might as wel install Mojave or even Big Sur.

Originally I created a clone of my fresh install of Sierra, but then as the years went by, it occurred to me such a backup was useless, because a.) there are so many system updates you'd hvae ot do on a several year old "fresh" install, and b.) you would still have the issue of having to install all of your apps, update them, and configure them.

So I guess there really aren't any easy ways to avoid the ineitable of having to re-build things from scratch or do a fresh install short of cloning your Mac every month and keeping a whole library of old clones so you can roll back to a certain date. (I sorta do that by maybe a 6 month basis, but if anything gets messed up in between, you're forced to start over.)

 

[whiteboard]

This is why the OP needed Mojave. Read below official from Apple in regards to server certificates.

About upcoming limits on trusted certificates - Apple Support (CA)

In our ongoing efforts to improve web security for our users, Apple is reducing the maximum allowed lifetimes of TLS server certificates.

support.apple.com

Thanks for the link. But as I understand it, TLS certificates that are part of iOS, macOS, etc before Sept 1, 2020 would not expire after 398. So as long as my last macOS update and any TLS ceet updates occurred befoe last Fall, then this wouldn't apply, right?

Either way, I agree that I need to re-build my MBP with a new OS. Now the issue is deciding if that should be Mojave or Bug Sur. (Am trying to figure that out in my other thread...)

 

[iluvmacs99]

Thanks for the link. But as I understand it, TLS certificates that are part of iOS, macOS, etc before Sept 1, 2020 would not expire after 398. So as long as my last macOS update and any TLS ceet updates occurred befoe last Fall, then this wouldn't apply, right?

Either way, I agree that I need to re-build my MBP with a new OS. Now the issue is deciding if that should be Mojave or Bug Sur. (Am trying to figure that out in my other thread...)

Well here's the article..

PKI & SSL Trends & More - Cybersecurity Blog | GlobalSign

The GlobalSign blog is the top resource to see what's trending in public key infrastructure (PKI), SSL/TSL, digital signing solutions, cybersecurity & more!

www.globalsign.com

The fact that your library requires up-to-date certs meant that some places had already migrated to a yearly cert renewal and as I understand it from the article, the need for interoperability basically dictates that whatever root program policy has the most stringent standards becomes the new de facto baseline requirement, which means you must meet your library's base line requirement. Now I know that some people believe that root certs are supposed to last decades and that's why you hear conflicting views that you don't need the latest OS to get on any sites. I say Mojave has a good chance of being supported until the end of 2022. High Sierra got a security update in November 2020 from Apple and explained why my Mac Pro could get on a government site that my Mini couldn't since the Mini is running Sierra. I can understand why High Sierra got it after Sept 2020; probably because there are some Mac Pro 5,1, me included, that are running High Sierra on it to keep compatibility with Nvidia cards. Hopefully Mojave will get the same treatment and release a later extension because it's the last 32bit compatible OS.

I am awaiting to see what macOS 12 has in store before I make up my mind. I'll probably install Big Sur and then boot Mojave on an external drive when I need 32bit support if my 2014 Air can not be updated to macOS 12.

 

[whiteboard]

The fact that your library requires up-to-date certs meant that some places had already migrated to a yearly cert renewal and as I understand it from the article, the need for interoperability basically dictates that whatever root program policy has the most stringent standards becomes the new de facto baseline requirement, which means you must meet your library's base line requirement.

Okay.

Now I know that some people believe that root certs are supposed to last decades and that's why you hear conflicting views that you don't need the latest OS to get on any sites. I say Mojave has a good chance of being supported until the end of 2022.

That would seem reasonable.

Hopefully Mojave will get the same treatment and release a later extension because it's the last 32bit compatible OS.

I am awaiting to see what macOS 12 has in store before I make up my mind. I'll probably install Big Sur and then boot Mojave on an external drive when I need 32bit support if my 2014 Air can not be updated to macOS 12.

I was starting to type that as long as Big Sur isn't too different from traditional OS's that I'll likely skip to the newest version, however then I saw your comment and was reminded that Mojave is the last 32-bit OS.

I have been using a free VOIP app that I am very dependent on, and that might be a deal-breaker. :-(

 

[iluvmacs99]

I was starting to type that as long as Big Sur isn't too different from traditional OS's that I'll likely skip to the newest version, however then I saw your comment and was reminded that Mojave is the last 32-bit OS.

I have been using a free VOIP app that I am very dependent on, and that might be a deal-breaker. :-(

To me, that's also a deal breaker for Big Sur, because I have some paid 32bit apps that I paid a pretty sum for it and I am not motivated to pay again to be 64bit Intel compatible. At least if I pay again, I will pay for the Apple Silicon native version when I get the Apple Silicon MB Air in the near future. I've actually been contemplating Parallels for Mac and since it can run either Windows and Linux in a virtualized window and since I just need it to connect to https sites that might break under Mojave in the future, this is becoming more appealing to me rather than dual booting to Big Sur. Parallels for Mac has a travel mode and can exchange files via drag and drop between virtual host and native host and so that's another appealing aspect of Parallels for Mac so I can have both Linux Mint 20 and Mojave running together as Mint 20 will be supported until 2025. I already have a working Mint 20 copy for Mac.

For me, I use a free iOS VOIP app that's been with me for ages and continue to work with iOS 14, so I'm not tied to my Mac at all.

 

[whiteboard]

To me, that's also a deal breaker for Big Sur, because I have some paid 32bit apps that I paid a pretty sum for it and I am not motivated to pay again to be 64bit Intel compatible.

Yeah.

At least if I pay again, I will pay for the Apple Silicon native version when I get the Apple Silicon MB Air in the near future.

What is the advantage of using a new Mac that has a "Silicon Valley" processor?

(If I upgraded to Big Sur on my 2015 Retina, and then I had to buy 64-it software, and then I bought one of these new Macs, would I have to buy 64-bit sofwtare again?)

I've actually been contemplating Parallels for Mac and since it can run either Windows and Linux in a virtualized window and since I just need it to connect to https sites that might break under Mojave in the future, this is becoming more appealing to me rather than dual booting to Big Sur. Parallels for Mac has a travel mode and can exchange files via drag and drop between virtual host and native host and so that's another appealing aspect of Parallels for Mac so I can have both Linux Mint 20 and Mojave running together as Mint 20 will be supported until 2025. I already have a working Mint 20 copy for Mac.

Good idea, and something I need to find time to learn about. (It seems like all of the super technical people are proficient with VMware and Parallels as it allows them to have multiple computers in one, PLUS having multiple versions for dev/testing/navigating issues liek we are discussing here!)

For me, I use a free iOS VOIP app that's been with me for ages and continue to work with iOS 14, so I'm not tied to my Mac at all.

Which VOIP soft-phone do you use?

I have been using Zoiper since I started with VOIP maybe 8 years ago.

If the my Zoiper was an OS, it would like be Windows XP! *LOL*

It isn't pretty, and is very stripped down, but it's simplicity is a plus to me and it does what i need it to which is being able to make/receive calls for 13 DIDs!

But I am welcome to any suggestions you might have in the VOIP realm, and you are clearly a power-user! ;-)

 

[iluvmacs99]

What is the advantage of using a new Mac that has a "Silicon Valley" processor?

(If I upgraded to Big Sur on my 2015 Retina, and then I had to buy 64-it software, and then I bought one of these new Macs, would I have to buy 64-bit sofwtare again?)

Depending on the software vendor. Some vendors only have a 64bit Intel version and are playing a wait and see attitude as to the vast acceptance of the Apple Silicon platform. They have new versions that's Big Sur compatible, but while it will run under M1, it runs under Rosetta 2 which is a dynamic software translation to run Intel specific software under M1. If I upgrade, I want it native so it doesn't need to run under Rosetta 2. I had a sour experience with Rosetta 1 when Steve Jobs decided to terminate Rosetta 1 (PowerPC to Intel translation) in just 2 OS releases from Tiger to Snow Leopard, though with Snow Leopard it becomes an optional install. I don't see why Rosetta 2 (Intel to M1 translation) will not suffer the same fate as Rosetta 1 in future macOS releases.

If you use Apple made software like Pages, iMovie, Final Cut X etc, then it's all native M1 now or 64bit compatible.

Good idea, and something I need to find time to learn about. (It seems like all of the super technical people are proficient with VMware and Parallels as it allows them to have multiple computers in one, PLUS having multiple versions for dev/testing/navigating issues liek we are discussing here!)




Which VOIP soft-phone do you use?

I have been using Zoiper since I started with VOIP maybe 8 years ago.

If the my Zoiper was an OS, it would like be Windows XP! *LOL*

It isn't pretty, and is very stripped down, but it's simplicity is a plus to me and it does what i need it to which is being able to make/receive calls for 13 DIDs!

But I am welcome to any suggestions you might have in the VOIP realm, and you are clearly a power-user! ;-)

I like using VM quite a bit; I have an Android virtual OS via Bluestacks, have Win 10 and Linux Mint 20. As a digital nomad, you have to be well versed and keep up in differing platforms I suppose.

I wouldn't call myself a power user. Just a user needing to continue keeping up with what's current in the digital nomad world. There are way many MORE smarter people here in this forum and other digital nomads I met that I'm learning from and observing from.

My VOIP needs are pretty modest; maybe old school? I use Whatsapp, Fongo and Skype and occasionally WeChat. Whatever works in whichever country or region I'm in.

 

[whiteboard]

Depending on the software vendor. Some vendors only have a 64bit Intel version and are playing a wait and see attitude as to the vast acceptance of the Apple Silicon platform. They have new versions that's Big Sur compatible, but while it will run under M1, it runs under Rosetta 2 which is a dynamic software translation to run Intel specific software under M1. If I upgrade, I want it native so it doesn't need to run under Rosetta 2. I had a sour experience with Rosetta 1 when Steve Jobs decided to terminate Rosetta 1 (PowerPC to Intel translation) in just 2 OS releases from Tiger to Snow Leopard, though with Snow Leopard it becomes an optional install. I don't see why Rosetta 2 (Intel to M1 translation) will not suffer the same fate as Rosetta 1 in future macOS releases.

That went over my head.

Is M1 the current Intel chip?

What chip set is on my 2015 Retina MBP?

Is Rosetta 2 involved on my MBP?

It sounds like you are saying that on new Macs that use the newest "Apple silicon" chip set, that there might be software issues not because of 64-bit, but because software makers can't guarantee that their software will work properly on Apple's new "Apple silicon" chipset?

Why did Apple decide to stop using Intel chips?

Do you think Apple's decision will be a good or bad thing?

I like using VM quite a bit; I have an Android virtual OS via Bluestacks, have Win 10 and Linux Mint 20. As a digital nomad, you have to be well versed and keep up in differing platforms I suppose.

You use virtualization on your Android phone? 😮

If so, why do you do that?

It sounds like you are running Windows 10 and Linux on your phone? Please explain!

I wouldn't call myself a power user. Just a user needing to continue keeping up with what's current in the digital nomad world. There are way many MORE smarter people here in this forum and other digital nomads I met that I'm learning from and observing from.

My VOIP needs are pretty modest; maybe old school? I use Whatsapp, Fongo and Skype and occasionally WeChat. Whatever works in whichever country or region I'm in.

I'll have to keep an eye out for "digital nomad" threads (and people) around MacRumors!

 

[iluvmacs99]

That went over my head.

Is M1 the current Intel chip?

What chip set is on my 2015 Retina MBP?

Is Rosetta 2 involved on my MBP?

It sounds like you are saying that on new Macs that use the newest "Apple silicon" chip set, that there might be software issues not because of 64-bit, but because software makers can't guarantee that their software will work properly on Apple's new "Apple silicon" chipset?

Why did Apple decide to stop using Intel chips?

Do you think Apple's decision will be a good or bad thing?

M1 is an Apple designed chip. The chip inside your 2015 MBP is Intel so there's no need to translate. Apple decided to use its own chip in late 2020, because it gives them more creative flexibility in designing its OS to match its hardware. And Apple chips run cooler and great on battery power and access to its neural networks. You can see in the WWDC presentation that they are clearly leveraging more of the neural networks features of the Apple chips. So all in all, it's a good thing and a good innovative approach. I see Apple chips as fantastic for a digital nomad precisely because you are getting new features, useful features.

You use virtualization on your Android phone? 😮

If so, why do you do that?

It sounds like you are running Windows 10 and Linux on your phone? Please explain!

I have a Windows 10 PC which I use to virtualize an Android phone as well as Linux so I'm in tune to how Android and Linux works for part of my job.

 

[whiteboard]

M1 is an Apple designed chip. The chip inside your 2015 MBP is Intel so there's no need to translate. Apple decided to use its own chip in late 2020, because it gives them more creative flexibility in designing its OS to match its hardware. And Apple chips run cooler and great on battery power and access to its neural networks. You can see in the WWDC presentation that they are clearly leveraging more of the neural networks features of the Apple chips. So all in all, it's a good thing and a good innovative approach. I see Apple chips as fantastic for a digital nomad precisely because you are getting new features, useful features.

Okay.

What is a "neural network"?

I have a Windows 10 PC which I use to virtualize an Android phone as well as Linux so I'm in tune to how Android and Linux works for part of my job.

Do you own a MacBook too?

So you have a Windows 10 PC and you can run Android and Linux on that as part of virtualization?

If so, that is amazing.

Does that mean you can make Android cellular phone calls from your Windows PC?