This section covers operating system upgrade procedures for both Macintosh and Windows and useful tips for keeping each OS finely tuned. We recommend performing the maintenance described in this section at the beginning of every term.
Macintosh
To best ensure a healthy and secure Macintosh, you should keep its operating system and third party applications completely up to date. If your Macintosh is running an older version of macOS please upgrade now following the macOS Upgrade instructions below.
2021-08-31 : Fall21 General Computing Orientation Notes available here
2021-08-31 : Fall21 Macintosh Clinic Notes available here
macOS Upgrade
Be sure your computer is running the latest macOS release. If it is not, follow steps below:
- Backup your crucial files now! (see Backup)
- If upgrading from OS X 10.7 (Lion) or 10.8 (Mountain Lion), be sure first to disable FileVault on any accounts for which it enabled
- Run /Applications/App Store
- Download latest macOS release
- When install completes: System Preferences > Software Update. Repeat this step until no more updates found
- Check that all of your applications (Office, Adobe, etc.) are all completely up to date
Follow these tips when using your Macintosh:
- When shutting down your Macintosh, wait until it powers off before closing lid. Should you not, you risk hard disk damage and overheating
- Never shut down your Macintosh by holding the power key down until it turns off. This causes hard disk directory damage. You risk file loss
- Do not place your laptop on its case or any other soft surface which will block air circulation beneath. As a computer warms it will slow down. If it becomes too hot it will shutdown or become damaged
Malware Protection (Anti-virus, etc)
The most effective protection against malware is common sense. Stay away from websites circumventing the law (e.g. dodgy sports streaming sites, sites distributing hacked software, etc). Also stay away from sites which request you download and install software to access their services (typically Flash Player). Leave sites immediately which warn you that your computer is infected or some such nonsense. Porn sites are particularly noxious as they (and aforementioned sports streaming sites) have proven to be very effective 'honey traps'. Coupled with exercising common sense when on the internet, it is extremely important always to keep macOS and your applications up to date.
If you would like a bit of technical backup to accompany your safe practices, IST provide Sophos to all faculty, staff and students: ist.mit.edu/sophos/all. Though Sophos is an industry standard, an alternative (available in both free and paid versions) is Malwarebytes. In our limited experience, we have found Malwarebytes marginally more effective than Sophos with safe browsing practices informed by commonsense the most effective of all.
Windows
2021-08-31 : Fall21 General Computing Orientation Notes available here
2021-08-31 : Fall21 Windows Clinic Notes available here
Windows 10 Upgrade
- Backup your crucial files to an external hard drive and preferably an offsite location such as with Code42
- Download the Windows 10 install media from here
- If the upgrade is successful, reinstalling programs is not needed. Windows 10 now allows you to upgrade/downgrade versions without reinstalling
- Go to the Windows.old move out any files you want to keep
- Delete windows.old (see Disk Cleanup)
Windows 10 Maintenance
Note that Windows 10 64-bit is cron's preferred version of Windows. While a new Windows installation will make sure your computer is in good condition, those with any version of Windows should make sure they are in good health by doing the following:
- Install up-to-date Anti-virus software (i.e. replace that expired trial version that came with the machine). While Windows Defender in Windows 10 is adequate, more effective alternatives are reviewed at PCMag. Run a full scan (preferably in safe mode if infected)
- Clean computer of adware/spyware: Download and run free anti-spyware from www.superantispyware.com and/or www.malwarebytes.org (also in safe mode if infected). Just say NO to trials and pro upgrades during installation and startup. The free versions work fine
- Make sure other software is up-to-date with PatchMyPC (free)
- Check the health of the hard drive. In a administrator command window type:
- chkdsk /f c: (and then reboot)
- defrag.exe -fv c: (only if you have a spinning hard disk and not an SSD and it may take hours)
- Backup you computer (see Backup)
- Bonus: Run system update software from your vendor (support.dell.com, lenovo.com, etc.)
Malware Protection (Anti-virus, etc)
The most effective protection against malware is common sense. Stay away from websites circumventing the law (eg. third-party sports streaming sites, sites distributing hacked software, etc). Also stay away from sites which request you download and install software to access their services (typically Flash Player). Leave sites immediately which warn you that your computer is infected or some such nonsense. Porn sites are particularly noxious as they (and aforementioned sports streaming sites) have proven to be very effective 'honey traps'. Coupled with exercising common sense when on the internet, it is extremely important always to keep Windows and your applications up to date.