Software

macOS Ventura is installed on all new Macs and is available to upgrade to on most current model Macs. The University of Adelaide offers software to suit the current and previous version of macOS – macOS Ventura and macOS Monterey. We recommend upgrading to the latest possible macOS for your hardware as there is limited or no support for older macOS versions.

Apple will transition the Mac to its own custom silicon, based on ARM architecture, over the next 2 years. The M1 chip is the first in a family of processors to become available for Mac computers with Apple silicon. Apple will support Mac computers with Intel processors for many years after the transition to Apple silicon is complete.

Apple silicon is a complete change of architecture which requires some applications to be compiled specifically for ARM. While most standard software is now Apple silicon ready, compatibility and support will vary for many other software titles.

An app called Rosetta 2 enables Mac computers with Apple silicon to use apps built for a Mac with an Intel processor.

ITDS regularly review and test common applications used as they become available

macOS Catalina– End of Support, September 2022

Apple has ended support for macOS 10.15 Catalina and Macs running this will no longer receive security updates or support for standard University software. These systems will be subject to restricted or disabled network and service access. We highly recommend upgrading your macOS version immediately

macOS 11 Big Sur – End of Support, late 2023

Apple will end support for macOS 11 Big Sur in late 2023. Apple will stop releasing security updates and the catalogue of University standard software may become incompatible as developers move to support current operating systems. We highly recommend upgrading your version of macOS as soon as possible.

macOS 13 Ventura

macOS Ventura is the current supported operating system installed on all new Mac computers and free to upgrade to on most current model Macs

How to upgrade

Please refer to Apple's How to Upgrade guide. 

Do you need Help?

If you have any questions or would like advice before upgrading your Mac, you can contact the Service Desk or book in an appointment to have your Mac upgraded by one of our support staff. Call us on 8313 3000 or log a request via the MyIT Portal.

Hardware considered obsolete by Apple cannot run the latest operating system or receive security updates. These systems are unsafe and represent a risk to The University. It’s recommended this hardware is decommissioned and disposed of through our eWaste process.

A full list of obsolete devices is available in this Apple support site article: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201624

End of Life Macs - September 2022.

The following models (including any older models) have an obsolete date of September 2022 and should be replaced before this time. After this date, these computers will be subject to restricted or disabled network and service access.

MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012)

MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)

Macbook Pro (13-inch, Late 2012)

iMac (27-inch Late 2013)

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)

Mac Mini (Late 2012)

Mac Mini (i7 Late 2012 and Server)

Windows 10

The University of Adelaide offers software to suit recent and supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend upgrading to Windows where possible as there is limited or no support for older Windows versions.

Personal computer support information for Windows 10 Pro and Home

University computer support information for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education

How to check Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

How to Update Windows

University computers managed by Information Technology & Digital Services are automatically upgraded to new versions of Windows 10 when available and the computer is active on the network.

Windows 11

Windows 11 is currently being reviewed for its suitability on University computers. Windows 11 will support most current software on personal machines, however there may be some limitations and it's recommended you check system requirements.

Windows 10, version 1909 – Ending support, May 2022

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 version 1909, which will no longer receive security updates or support for standard University software. This includes versions prior to 1909. These systems will be subject to restricted or disabled network and service access.

Windows 7, all versions – Ended support, January 2020

Microsoft no longer provides Windows 7 with security updates or support. These systems will be subject to restricted or disabled network and service access. We highly recommend upgrading Windows immediately.

Please visit our Windows 7 End of Support website for more information. 

How to upgrade

University computer - Select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update then choose Check online for updates from Microsoft Update

Contact the Service Desk if you are having difficulties with updating to the latest version of Windows.

Personal computer - Please refer to Microsoft’s Update Windows page.

There is a number of popular free and University supplied software applications that have a limited or end of life status and are no longer receiving security updates. Many of these titles have an increasing number of security vulnerabilities and should be removed.

Information Technology and Digital Services will contact affected staff with options to remove or upgrade the following list of titles in use by staff on University computers:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro XI and older
• Adobe Reader XI and older
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 and older
• Adobe Creative Cloud 2017 and older
• Adobe AIR
• Adobe Flash
• Adobe Macromedia Flash
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Microsoft Office 2011 and older
• Oracle Java SE JRE 8 and older
• Oracle Java JDK 8 and older
• Internet Explorer

Staff members can request applications to be installed in Student Computing Suites using our online form. Please note that students are unable to request any new software installations or upgrades.

The non-standard software assessment form assists ITDS in reviewing intended software purchases to ensure that you are receiving the best value, that the software purpose is not already met by an existing service offered by ITDS and to mitigate to any compatibility, security and/or licensing issues.