Supported Operating Systems at Reed
Computer User Services supports modern operating systems of many flavors. Though Macs permeate our campus, we provide support for Windows computers and Linux systems as well. Basic support is provided for iOS, iPadOS and Android-based mobile devices.
- Supported Versions of macOS
- Supported Versions of Windows
- Automatic Updates
- Upgrade vs. Update
- Management of Reed-owned Computers
Supported Versions of Apple MacOS
Apple generally provides security updates for the most current OS, plus the previous two. CUS regularly reaches out to individuals with Reed computers running unsupported operating systems, to provide assistance in upgrading to a supported version.
Refer to our MacOS upgrade page to see the current list of supported versions at Reed. Find out the version installed on your computer by going to the Apple menu > 蜜桃社 This Mac.
For more information on the latest Apple macOS, please refer to the .
Supported Versions of Microsoft Windows
Microsoft provides security updates for Windows 10 and 11, listing . We encourage all students to use supported versions of Windows. For faculty and staff running Windows, CUS deploys and supports Windows 10 and 11.
For more information on Windows please refer to the Microsoft support pages or ask at the help desk!
Automatic Updates
macOS
One key to a safe and secure computing environment is keeping your operating system up to date. In supported versions of macOS, you can open System Settings > Software Update to make sure your OS is fully patched. It is wise to check the box to "Automatically keep my Mac up to date".
Windows
On Windows 10, search your system for "Windows Update", and verify that updates are set to be automatically downloaded and installed.
On Windows systems in particular, it is also important to have good, automatically updating anti-virus system running at all times. For more information, as well as suggestions, please refer to our computing safety page here.
All college-owned macOS and Windows computers are deployed with automatic updates enabled.
Upgrade vs. Update
This terminology can be confusing. At Reed, upgrade and update are defined in the following way.
Upgrading your operating system is a "major version" jump. Moving from Windows 8.1 to 10, or macOS Monterey (12) to macOS Ventura (13) would be an operating system upgrade. Your system is likely to look and feel different after an OS upgrade. When it is confirmed to be compatible with Reed's environment, Reed provides guidance on upgrading to the latest version of macOS.
To update your system is to download and apply patches or fixes to the current major OS version, in order to close vulnerabilities or improve system performance. For example, Windows 10 security updates are important to maintain. A system update to macOS Big Sur might take you from 11.6.3 to 11.6.4. Sometimes this update is not obvious in the Software Update window, but is hidden under "Other updates are available," "More Info..."
Management of Reed Owned Computers
Computer User Services manages some software and settings on Reed owned computers. Please visit our Managed Software page for details.