FAQ: Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan and Pyware
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:47 am
Look for Mr. Green to introduce each question that will inevitably come up.
What is Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan?
10.11 is the newest version of the Mac OS. While it might look the same as prior versions of the Mac OS, there are lots of under the hood improvements. See https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-el ... 9117?mt=12 for information (this should open up your Mac App Store). Pyware is indeed running nicer under 10.11 than under prior versions of the Mac OS, particularly the current version using Oracle's Java.
What are the system requirements for 10.11 El Capitan?
If your system can run 10.9 or 10.10, it can run 10.11. Your system might not be able to take advantage of everything, but the improvements are enough to upgrade. (see later in this post)
Is there anything I need to do before upgrading to 10.11?
Yes.
First, download the Mac Runtime for Java here: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572?locale=en_US if you are using anything other than the current version of Pyware. The OS upgrade, once again, erases any MRJ that was on the system previously to prevent conflicts. Do not install it until after you have upgraded to 10.11.
Thankfully, the Oracle version of Java DOES NOT ERASE when installing 10.11.
Unlike Windows 10, Pyware will remember your authorizations under the Mac OS, so there is no need to deauthorize your version of Pyware. However, once you wait out the install process, you should reinstall MRJ if you're using any old version of Pyware.
What versions of Pyware are working under Mac OS 10.11?
Good question! From my personal experience, the following versions are working: Pyware V6, Pyware V7, Pyware V8.0.0, Pyware 8.0.6, and Pyware 9.
These versions were already installed prior to the upgrade, save for Version 9 because it wasn't out when I originally upgraded. If you install afterward, you mileage might vary. In any event, prior versions will require the legacy Java.
What about the legacy Java? I've heard rumors that Apple won't support it after 10.11.
I've heard those same rumors, as have Dustin and Mark over at Pyware headquarters. It's the main reason why the switch to Oracle Java happened and why the switch has infuriated Mac users. Yes, the current system of using MRJ wasn't broken, but it will be, and likely Soon™.
The switch had to happen sooner or later, and they chose sooner. However, under El Capitan, all the little improvement have actually sped up and stabilized Pyware in ways that 10.10 simply could not do.
Can I dual boot into Windows 10 and use just one installation license for the entire Mac?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Each OS under the Mac is treated as a different computer under Pyware. So each OS will need its own install or full blown license. Also, while it does run in Parallels, it doesn't see the registration you did under the Windows partition. Since there is a full-fledged Mac version, it's silly to do this. BUT...I wanted to try it because someone might ask.
Is there anything that won't work under 10.11 El Capitan?
I'm going to link two forum threads at MacRumors.
Hardware: http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/har ... n.1925474/
Software: http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/os- ... s.1890772/
Can I screen record under 10.11?
Yes! See the very next post in this topic for screen recording under QuickTime X for Mac.
There are lots of other screen recording options for Mac also. Check them out. You might find one that is perfect for you.
Soundflower is messed up and won't record sound after upgrading.
I know. El Cap borked it because Soundflower placed it in the system library. Remember though--it's not a BUG, it's a FEATURE!
Go here: https://github.com/mattingalls/Soundflower/releases and download the beta. Once you open the image, you will probably have to right-click open it and it will install like it should. Then you can use it under El Cap.
NOTE: I am having massive problems with Soundflowerbed even running under 10.11. This makes recording audio through it impossible. Stay tuned. I'm trying to look for a good workaround.
What is this new Metal thingie I keep hearing about under El Cap?
It's nothing to worry about yet. The developers (in this case, Mark and Dustin and the rest of those fine folks over at Pyware) have to code Pyware under the Metal framework. Until then, it won't affect us. When it is coded under Metal instead of OpenGL, expect Macs that support it to work amazingly. The Metal framework is designed to reduce the overhead that graphics intensive applications (like games and Pyware) need to run effectively.
If your Mac was produced (not necessarily sold) after 2012, your Mac will support Metal. You can check the production year under "About This Mac" from the Apple Menu. Alternatively, you can purchase any Mac Pro that will run 10.11 (Early 2008 or later) with an upgraded graphics card capable of Metal will work.
Compatible GPU's to look for when you are working with a Mac Pro:
Nvidia – GeForce gtx 4xx and newer
AMD – HD7000 and newer
Or run this little utility: http://fabulouspanda.com/downloads/metaltest.app.zip
Hey, thanks a bunch! You saved my butt.
You're welcome. If you'd like to you can follow me on Twitter (MilitaryDrills) or like me on Facebook (G S Bailey Drill Designs) or even click the Youtube link in my signature to subscribe. Or not. I won't be mad if you don't do it.
What is Mac OS 10.11 El Capitan?
10.11 is the newest version of the Mac OS. While it might look the same as prior versions of the Mac OS, there are lots of under the hood improvements. See https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-el ... 9117?mt=12 for information (this should open up your Mac App Store). Pyware is indeed running nicer under 10.11 than under prior versions of the Mac OS, particularly the current version using Oracle's Java.
What are the system requirements for 10.11 El Capitan?
If your system can run 10.9 or 10.10, it can run 10.11. Your system might not be able to take advantage of everything, but the improvements are enough to upgrade. (see later in this post)
Is there anything I need to do before upgrading to 10.11?
Yes.
First, download the Mac Runtime for Java here: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572?locale=en_US if you are using anything other than the current version of Pyware. The OS upgrade, once again, erases any MRJ that was on the system previously to prevent conflicts. Do not install it until after you have upgraded to 10.11.
Thankfully, the Oracle version of Java DOES NOT ERASE when installing 10.11.
Unlike Windows 10, Pyware will remember your authorizations under the Mac OS, so there is no need to deauthorize your version of Pyware. However, once you wait out the install process, you should reinstall MRJ if you're using any old version of Pyware.
What versions of Pyware are working under Mac OS 10.11?
Good question! From my personal experience, the following versions are working: Pyware V6, Pyware V7, Pyware V8.0.0, Pyware 8.0.6, and Pyware 9.
These versions were already installed prior to the upgrade, save for Version 9 because it wasn't out when I originally upgraded. If you install afterward, you mileage might vary. In any event, prior versions will require the legacy Java.
What about the legacy Java? I've heard rumors that Apple won't support it after 10.11.
I've heard those same rumors, as have Dustin and Mark over at Pyware headquarters. It's the main reason why the switch to Oracle Java happened and why the switch has infuriated Mac users. Yes, the current system of using MRJ wasn't broken, but it will be, and likely Soon™.
The switch had to happen sooner or later, and they chose sooner. However, under El Capitan, all the little improvement have actually sped up and stabilized Pyware in ways that 10.10 simply could not do.
Can I dual boot into Windows 10 and use just one installation license for the entire Mac?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Each OS under the Mac is treated as a different computer under Pyware. So each OS will need its own install or full blown license. Also, while it does run in Parallels, it doesn't see the registration you did under the Windows partition. Since there is a full-fledged Mac version, it's silly to do this. BUT...I wanted to try it because someone might ask.
Is there anything that won't work under 10.11 El Capitan?
I'm going to link two forum threads at MacRumors.
Hardware: http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/har ... n.1925474/
Software: http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/os- ... s.1890772/
Can I screen record under 10.11?
Yes! See the very next post in this topic for screen recording under QuickTime X for Mac.
There are lots of other screen recording options for Mac also. Check them out. You might find one that is perfect for you.
Soundflower is messed up and won't record sound after upgrading.
I know. El Cap borked it because Soundflower placed it in the system library. Remember though--it's not a BUG, it's a FEATURE!
Go here: https://github.com/mattingalls/Soundflower/releases and download the beta. Once you open the image, you will probably have to right-click open it and it will install like it should. Then you can use it under El Cap.
NOTE: I am having massive problems with Soundflowerbed even running under 10.11. This makes recording audio through it impossible. Stay tuned. I'm trying to look for a good workaround.
What is this new Metal thingie I keep hearing about under El Cap?
It's nothing to worry about yet. The developers (in this case, Mark and Dustin and the rest of those fine folks over at Pyware) have to code Pyware under the Metal framework. Until then, it won't affect us. When it is coded under Metal instead of OpenGL, expect Macs that support it to work amazingly. The Metal framework is designed to reduce the overhead that graphics intensive applications (like games and Pyware) need to run effectively.
If your Mac was produced (not necessarily sold) after 2012, your Mac will support Metal. You can check the production year under "About This Mac" from the Apple Menu. Alternatively, you can purchase any Mac Pro that will run 10.11 (Early 2008 or later) with an upgraded graphics card capable of Metal will work.
Compatible GPU's to look for when you are working with a Mac Pro:
Nvidia – GeForce gtx 4xx and newer
AMD – HD7000 and newer
Or run this little utility: http://fabulouspanda.com/downloads/metaltest.app.zip
Hey, thanks a bunch! You saved my butt.
You're welcome. If you'd like to you can follow me on Twitter (MilitaryDrills) or like me on Facebook (G S Bailey Drill Designs) or even click the Youtube link in my signature to subscribe. Or not. I won't be mad if you don't do it.