Is It Safe to Keep Running a 2013 iMac with Outdated Software?
With the latest updates for Microsoft Office and TurboTax requiring newer operating systems, many users are left wondering if it is safe to continue using their 2013 iMac. Let's explore the implications of keeping your old Mac running, especially in terms of security and functionality.
The Current Situation
Apple discontinued support and updates for macOS Catalina (10.15) in 2022. This means that continuing to run a 2013 iMac with Catalina is still perfectly safe from a security and hardware standpoint. However, it does come with a few limitations.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft is recommending updates that require macOS Big Sur (11) or later. While this is a significant change, your existing Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021 installations will still function, albeit without security updates. They will not receive any further updates from Microsoft, but they will continue to work with Catalina.
TurboTax and Other Applications
Even worse, TurboTax 2022 requires macOS Big Sur or later to run, indicating that older versions of TurboTax will not function on your current system. This poses a significant problem if you rely on TurboTax for your tax preparation needs.
Are There Safety Concerns?
No, it is not unsafe to keep running your 2013 iMac with Catalina. Apple no longer provides security updates for this version, but the hardware is still functional. The risk lies more in the loss of security patches and incompatibility with newer software updates.
Long-term Considerations
While it may be safe to continue using your 2013 iMac, the long-term benefits of doing so are questionable. Here are a few points to consider:
Security Risks
The lack of security updates means your system is vulnerable to the latest threats. Malware and other security risks may target older operating systems more effectively. Although no harm will come to your hardware, your data and operating system could be at risk.
Software Incompatibility
Over time, more and more applications will require newer operating systems. This will gradually make your 2013 iMac less and less useful. Eventually, you may find that you can no longer run any significant applications due to the outdated system requirements.
Future-Proofing Your Work
While your current software may still work, future updates may not. For instance, Microsoft and TurboTax will continue to require newer operating systems, forcing you to eventually upgrade your Mac or switch to cloud-based solutions.
Conclusion
It is safe to continue using your 2013 iMac with Catalina in the short term, but from a practical standpoint, it might be wise to consider an upgrade. Newer Macs offer better security, more recent application support, and improved performance. If you rely heavily on Microsoft Office and TurboTax, the ongoing compatibility issues may make an upgrade a necessity.
Ultimately, the decision to keep your 2013 iMac running or to upgrade to a newer model depends on your specific needs and the software you use. However, it is important to stay informed about software requirements and potential risks associated with running older operating systems.