Is anyone else experiencing diminished functionality with their older iMac?

2011 to 2022 thats 11 years - - more than a life time in computer years . . . .

Most computers go out of warranty after a few years and are often replaced at the 4 or 5 year mark.

Now it is probably true that MAC's may last longer on average than PC's . . .

but in many cases the problem is not with FamilySearch . . . it is simply that the Operating System and Browsers are so old - they just aren't keeping up and compatible with the newer software and newer ways of doing things. There also may be serious security flaws with trying to keep an old computer running.

see: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-signs-time-replace-mac/

for anyone I advise who is thinking of buying a computer and wants to understand the cost

I tell them they cant just focus on the "up front cost" - rather that they should just assume from day one they will need to replace the computer after 5 years or so (if not sooner) and that their will be maintenance and support costs.

such costs (of upgrading/buying new software and hardware) should be factored in at the beginning and fully realized.

buying a new computer every 4-6 years is simply part of the equation that the majority of computer users have to work with (MACS maybe a bit longer) . You have got yours to last 11 years!!!!

the engineering and science behind building computers and then building faster and more powerful computers is a never ending thing that results in the innards of new computers changing every few years. computers today are based on designs and software that is continually evolving over the years.

I totally get the point that you dont want to spend a lot of money on a new computer . . . But truth is ultimately you may have no choice. . and to a large degree it probably may not be because of any action or inaction of FamilySearch. but simply the fact the the old computer is no longer operating according to current technology standards.

But again - to anyone I advise about buying a computer - -KNOW from day 1 - it is so much more than just the upfront cost you have to consider. It is the cost of upgrading, maintaining and fixing and ultimately buying new over various years

and if you dont keep a computer up to date . . . you often pay through the nose in the end . . . one way or the other you pay . . .

It is the double edged sword of computer technology that all of us struggle with

and when a person is on a limited income - it becomes more painfully the case.

I wonder if anyone else out there is still using a 2011 Mac ?

By the way I hope you have your computer full backed up . . . a computer that old could lose its hard drive ta any time.

Hi all,

I use a late 2012 iMac running Mojave, which allows running 32 and 64 bit programs. The next jump up in OS is Catalina, which allows only 64 bit programs, super encrypted and malware protected. Unfortunately for me it means a new computer, but probably a wise choice. One should keep up to the new technologies.