macOS 12 Monterey: The Ars Technica review

[OneMoreThing...]

Enlarge (credit: Apple)

Big Sur was a landmark release of macOS, in ways both technical and symbolic. It introduced a major new redesign, it was the first version of macOS to run on Apple's own in-house processors in addition to Intel's, and it was the first version of macOS in nearly 20 years to change the version number. Coming off that, this year's release was bound to feel a little small.

Welcome to Monterey, macOS version 12.0.

Monterey feels of a piece with maintenance-mode macOS updates like El Capitan or Sierra or High Sierra—change the default wallpaper, and in day-to-day use you can easily forget that you've upgraded from Big Sur at all. It's not that there aren't any new features here—it's just that improving any operating system as mature as macOS involves a lot of tinkering around the edges.

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[stevem44]

So I should have no issues installing Monterey as a software update to Big Sur?

Thank you
Steve

 

[harryb2448]

Not an update a new operating system but probably not depending on your macs specifications.

 

[pm-r]

So I should have no issues installing Monterey as a software update to Big Sur?

It's not the upgrade from Big Sur to Monterey that could be a problem, it's the compatibility and lacking or delayed support for third-party software applications and peripherals such as printers and scanners etc. that can cause issues but usually, nothing that a good healthy bank account balance can't fix...


- Patrick
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[Rod]

Printers in particular. I was holding off upgrading my wife's 2018 MBP because I anticipated a problem with her Epson USB connected printer/scanner. I wanted to test it on mine first because it's a common issue discovered after upgrade and enough for some people to want to go back.
In this case I was pleasantly surprised. On attempting to print a document I got the "No printer selected" window and I thought uh-oh! However it asked me to choose a printer and after a few tense seconds my default printer appeared in the "Select Printer" window, I clicked Select and it worked BUT thats just my Epson L360 Series. Worth checking compatibility of your device before upgrade just to be sure. Originally when I upgraded to Big Sur I had to get updated drivers specifically from Epson in India. Not available on the US site.

 

[stevem44]

Thank you all for your replies ! Greatly appreciated. I will delay the upgrade on my MAcPro until the bug fixes are available. Last thing I need is loosing my printer capabilities.


Thank you all again !

 

[Rod]

Well you should check this with your Printer manufacturer, it looks like, at least for me, if it works for BS it will work for Monterey but this is not a thing Apple will fix. It comes down to HP or Canon or whichever to update their drivers and they can be very slow.

 

[pm-r]

Last thing I need is loosing my printer capabilities.

If your printer is an AirPrint supported device, it should just work as it does not need any driver software downloaded and Apple advises not doing so:

AirPrint is an Apple technology that helps you create full-quality printed output without the need to download or install drivers.

About AirPrint

AirPrint is an Apple technology that helps you create full-quality printed output from your Apple device without the need to download or install drivers. It's built into most popular printer models, including those listed here. AirPrint features include easy discovery, automatic media selection...

support.apple.com

And more options:

Add or remove a printer on Mac

To use a printer with your Mac, add it to your list of printers using Printers & Scanners preferences.

support.apple.com

At least that is the theory according to Apple...!!!

Others tend to differ:

AirPrint or you’re on your own: macOS printing changes

Want support for an older printer? Apple says that’s your problem, and the printer manufacturers aren’t too interested either. But it can be done…

eclecticlight.co

- Patrick
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[Rod]

Good point, we are still stuck in the past here in Indonesia, got a WiFi printer in Aus.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

If your printer is an AirPrint supported device, it should just work as it does not need any driver software downloaded and Apple advises not doing so:

Been using an HP laser printer via AirPrint for... probably about a decade now and counting. The single most aggravating thing I have to do is walk to the office and press a button to wake it up since I use it so rarely.

 

[pm-r]

The single most aggravating thing I have to do is walk to the office and press a button to wake it up since I use it so rarely.

Any chance that maybe one of these suggestions they help wake the printer remotely...???

Google Search

I guess the old Network utility "Wake On LAN" wouldn't work with an AirPrint printer to get it to wake up???

Just a way out thought...


- Patrick
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[harryb2448]

Rod that is how Epson printers work. No problems and updates included in operating system. Even scanning by wifi no problems.

 

[chscag]

My HP Laser Printer is so old that it doesn't support AirPrint but still works great via an old fashioned USB connection.

BTW, I still have a bunch of old Parallel Printer cables laying around in my junk drawer if anyone needs one.

 

[pm-r]

My HP Laser Printer is so old that it doesn't support AirPrint but still works great via an old fashioned USB connection.

I have often wondered why such a basic thing as printing would change so much or fail with so many printers that still utilized the same connection communication cables. Isn't the computer just sending some pretty standard printing instructions to the printer???

Obviously things changed drastically with my old HP LaserJet 4ML Mac serial printer that relied on a Mac serial connection and AppleTalk that Apple discontinued with the release of Snow Leopard 10.6, but software changes haven't been so drastic for a number of years.


- Patrick
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