Technology Services is strongly recommending that Gustavus Mac users avoid installing the upcoming Mac operating system release, macOS 11 (Big Sur).
The exact timing for this release is currently unknown, but it is expected to be available in the coming weeks. We already know that this new version will initially be incompatible with our cloud backup service, CrashPlan, and therefore it poses a data loss risk. Since this particular release represents the first major version update in 20 years, we anticipate that it may cause other issues as well, potentially including instability with WiFi, AirDrop, Bluetooth, and Virtual Private Network connections.
If you install macOS Big Sur and encounter these or other issues, your only option will be to schedule a time for GTS to erase your machine and reinstall an older OS version. In this scenario, you would be without your device for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours.
Technology Services will continue to deploy Mac machines running Catalina until such time as we are confident Big Sur has been thoroughly tested and proven ready for our environment.
Please reach out to GTS at 507-933-6111 or helpline@gustavus.edu if you have any questions.
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