macOS 12 - Monterey was released this week. As usual, we plan to block upgrades on LS IT-managed Macs for a limited time so that we can test compatibility with our common applications and upgrade paths from previous macOS versions. We anticipate that upgrades from Big Sur to Monterey will be unblocked within a few weeks. However, we expect that upgrades from earlier macOS versions, such as 10.14 - Mojave and 10.15 - Catalina, will be more problematic.
When macOS 11 - Big Sur was released last year, it included significant architectural changes*. We had hoped to make the upgrade available on LS IT-managed Macs soon after release, but we have continued to find that in-place upgrades from earlier macOS versions to Big Sur are plagued with problems, and so we have continued to block upgrades to Big Sur.
This is not to say that Big Sur is a bad version of macOS. Instead, what we have found is that in-place upgrades from Catalina or Mojave to Big Sur often have stability and performance issues.
Our best advice for upgrading from earlier macOS version to Big Sur is fresh installation rather than an in-place upgrade. By "fresh installation," we mean a full backup of data, a clean installation of Big Sur or Monterey, a reinstallation of applications, and a restore of data.
We expect that Monterey will be similar to Big Sur: the best option for earlier macOS versions (Catalina, Mojave, and earlier) will be a complete reinstallation.
For university-owned Macs, LS IT is happy to provide this service. Just contact the service desk to schedule an appointment. The full backup/clean install/restore process typically takes at least one full business day and sometimes longer, so please plan accordingly. In most cases, LS IT can provide a loaner computer to use in the interim, if needed.
* What do we mean by "significant architectural changes?" In addition to supporting the new M1 "Apple Silicon" processor architecture, with Big Sur, Apple is changing how system-level utility software—including antivirus, file streaming tools like Box and Google Drive, and many other tools that require deep hooks into the operating system—interacts with macOS. These changes are good for both security and functionality, but they require the other software vendors to release major new versions of their system utilities. Even when vendors release these new versions, the changes are so significant that we are finding stability and usability issues for months after the release.
Unfortunately, some UC Davis students have been scammed by these campaigns, losing non-trivial amounts of money to the scammers.
In at least some of these cases, the reason these phishing campaigns have been effective is because they were sent from actual UC Davis faculty, staff, and grad student email accounts that had been compromised by the scammers. In effect, students were receiving messages from legitimate @ucdavis.edu email addresses, making the messages seem much more legitimate.
Here are some quick tips to avoid being scammed AND to avoid having your UC Davis computing account compromised and used to scam other members of our community:
Do not ever purchase gift cards or make other online purchases based solely on an email—and particularly not based on a promise of reimbursement. Get independent verification before making any such purchase.
We continue to experience the effects of global supply chain delays on monitors, printers, some computers, and other equipment. In many cases, items we order today are not shipping for up to 6 months—and sometimes longer. Please plan ahead by ordering as soon as possible, and please be patient.
Appointments for On-Site Support
While we are happy to provide drop-in support, we give priority to appointments. If you need on-site support, please schedule an appointment via our online booking tool. You can book appointments at our service desk (2235 SS&H) or at any of our drop-in locations around campus.
Daily Symptom Survey Required
For any in-person support, including drop-ins, your LS IT service analyst will ask to see your Daily Symptom Survey results. IT support often involves close contact, so for your protection and ours we ask that you be prepared to show your DSS for any in-person support.
Letters and Science IT
Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
530-752-8800 lshelp@ucdavis.edu
2235 Social Sciences & Humanities
