Apple will release OS 10.11 “El Capitan” on September 30, 2015. The free upgrade will be available from the Mac App Store for personally-owned Macs. It will be available between November and December through Casper Self Service for university-owned Macs. Mac users should plan to upgrade to the latest operating system after:
- campus compatibility testing has been completed
- individual hardware and software applications compatibility is checked by each user
UNIVERSITY-OWNED MACS
When Apple releases a new OS, the Office of Technology Services (OTS) collaborates with technology professionals on campus to develop a standard configuration with university software and releases the configuration after testing it with university products and services. This helps identify compatibility issues with hardware (printers, scanners, etc.), special software installed on your Mac, and university products and services.
TIMELINE
- October-November 2015: OTS will create a standard OS and software image for testing and input by campus technology professionals.
- November-December 2015: the final configuration will be completed and the OS upgrade will be made available through Casper Self Service to faculty and staff, provided their Mac is compatible.
- All new university Macs purchased after November-December will have the new OS pre-installed.
OTS will communicate with the Mac users when testing is complete and the OS upgrade is ready.
PERSONALLY-OWNED MACS
Upgrading to a new OS is optional. If you use your Mac to access TU websites like PeopleSoft or Blackboard, or other services such as VPN or Virtual Workspace, consider waiting until the final campus version is ready between November-December. Consult Apple’s Mac Support site for information and requirements.
RESOURCES
For additional questions, concerns or suggestions about “El Capitan” at Towson, submit a TechHelp service request; use the “Employee” role and choose “Software, Apps, and Operating Systems” request type. Visit TU’s Apple Corner Web page for additional Mac resources.
