This year’s update to the Mac operating system, macOS Sierra, marks the thirteenth iteration of Apple’s Unix-based desktop OS. It offers something for every user: refined and enhanced functionality throughout the operating system and its built-in applications, better integration with other Apple devices, and — for the first time on the Mac — access to the virtual assistant, Siri.

It’s that last addition that represents the biggest change, though how useful it is will depend on how comfortable you are talking to your computer.

Installation

Before downloading and installing Sierra from the Mac App Store, you need to make sure your Mac can actually install Sierra. Sierra runs on MacBooks and iMacs made in late 2009 and after, and MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, Mac Pros and Mac Minis introduced in 2010 and after. You also need to ensure you have at least 8.8GB of storage, 2GB of RAM and that your system is running MacOS X Lion 10.7.5 or later. (If you’re not sure, go to the Apple Menu > About This Mac to check.)

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