Updated: Mac users – caution about upgrading to El Capitan…

Update 1/11/15:

ITS has updated the MyDenison “Device to Lab Printing” page and https://printers.denison.edu to include the latest iPrint client which supports El Capitan.

If you have updated to El Capitan and previously had the iPrint client installed, please see the El Capitan/iPrint FAQ (https://apps.denison.edu/helpdesk/faq3362) for instructions on how to update the iPrint client to the latest version.

Please note, a bug has been identified in the latest version of El Capitan 11.2 which may affect Denison Macs that upgrade directly to that version. ITS continues to recommend that those with Denison Macs hold off on upgrading to El Capitan if you have not already done so.

Update 12/14/15:

Novell has released an updated iPrint client that supports El Capitan so printing to network printers is now available for Macs running El Capitan. ITS will be updating MyDenison and the https://printers.denison.edu web page to provide the new iPrint client on 1/7/16. If you need access to the new iPrint client prior to that time, please visit the Network Printing Support for El Capitan FAQ (https://apps.denison.edu/helpdesk/faq3362).

Update 10/24/15:

Apple released 10.11.1 – an update to El Capitan – on 10/21/15. According to Apple’s release notes, 10.11.1 improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. One of the specific items listed is that it “improves compatibility with Microsoft Office 2016”. ITS is testing this new release and will provide another update as soon as more information is available. At this time, ITS continues to recommend holding off on updating to OS X El Capitan.

Original Post:

Mac OS X El Capitan (version 10.11) was released on September 30, 2015. ITS is currently testing this public release of OS X El Capitan to determine its compatibility with existing Denison-supported applications and systems, including those provided by external vendors. At this time, ITS does not recommend upgrading to OS X El Capitan due to potential compatibility issues with various Denison applications and systems.

There are two known problem areas:

Microsoft Office. Since El Capitan’s release there have been reports in forums and technology publications indicating that Office 2016 has significant stability issues on El Capitan with crashes resulting in data loss. Microsoft has indicated that it is aware of and working on the problem but there is no date for a fix yet. Office 2016 is the version of Microsoft Office provided to Denison students, faculty, and staff in Office 365 for Macs running OS X Yosemite and above.
Printing to Network Printers. The Novell iPrint client does not currently function on El Capitan and a timeline for support is not yet available.

This NetNotes post will be updated as further information becomes available and testing proceeds. If you have any questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 740-587-6395 or helpdesk@denison.edu