Electronics

[Lilysmom1]

I get that the update is bigger than my available memory.  I am also hearing I have lots of company.

Can anyone shed any light on this?  TIA. S aka Lilysmom

[Mz iMac]

@Lilysmom1   Have you considered maxing out your memory for your model MBP?

[Sooner]

I have downloaded it and so far no real issues.

[Lilysmom1]

@Mz iMac , thanks for your reply.  I had to look up what you suggested and am guessing that means adding memory?  I have 8 gb memory.  My MacBook Pro is 2015.  I don't use it for much but keep it to do volunteer committee work which can include tables, budgets, reports and photos, also some spreadsheets.

I am not inclined to add memory.  I wonder how long I can go along with Catalina without major issues?

Any comments appreciated.  I am an occasional computer user.  I mainly use my ipad pro and iphone XR.  

What would you do in my situation.  S aka Lilysmom

[Lilysmom1]

@Sooner  I am glad you had no trouble.  S.

[Mz iMac]

@Lilysmom1   If you have 8GB of memory, you have enough to download Big Sur.

Why did you think you did not have enough?

Upgrading an OS is a personal decision.  If you want all the bells & whistles, you already determined all of your 3rd party apps will still work and/or you will need to update them, etc, then go for it. 

To check to see if all of your 3rd party apps will work in BS, check out the RoaringApps website.  It's the go to website for 3rd party app checking.

I have an iMac.  Me personally, I am waiting for v3 before I upgrade to BS.  I do this w/all the OS'es.  Some OS'es I skip.  I am currently using Catilina & still reading the reviews on BS.   Bugs are still being worked out.  So far, most of my 3rd party apps will run on BS even my game apps once I decide to upgrade (if I ever do).

You can run Catilina until your MPB falls apart. 

I am still using my silver keyed 2012 MBP running Snow Leopard.  Still runs like a champ.  Using it right now typing out this reply.  I have no intention of upgrading to the last OS that will run on my vintage MBP.  I think it's El Capitain.

[Sooner]

@Lilysmom1 I feel your pain and with computers it is an ongoing problem that the more that is added, and the greater security features that are more complicated, and graphics cards loaded up, it happens.  

I don't know of any solution but to stay with the current software or add memory.  At least that is what I can say from vast experience in the non-mac world for 20 years.  And I assume it is the same in Apple Land.

The REAL problem would come if machines got too old to run programs and handle data that was old.  I remember that from my working days. 

[mspatmac]

I did with no issue.

[Kachina624]

@Lilysmom1.  You'd probably do well to page @dooBdoo.  Shes the resident expert on fixing Apple stuff.  Maybe she'll see this. 

[Lilysmom1]

Thanks everyone for the replies.  I went to install and got the message that I needed more memory.

I think I will stay with Catalina for now.  I don't use my computer enough to go to the trouble of adding memory and I certainly don't want to replace my 4-5 year old MacBook Pro. 

My biggest use for it right now is Zoom for committee meetings.  S.