FAQ: macOS 10.12 Sierra and Pyware
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 3:43 pm
Look for Mr. Green to introduce each question that will inevitably come up.
What is Mac OS 10.12 Sierra?
10.12 is the newest version of the Mac OS. While it might look the same as prior versions of the macOS, there are lots of under the hood improvements. See https://www.apple.com/macos/sierra/ for information.
What are the system requirements for 10.12 El Capitan?
Well, this time, it's different from 10.11. Not every Mac that can run 10.11 can run 10.12. Officially, if you have one of these, you can run 10.12:
MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
Is there anything I need to do before upgrading to 10.12?
Yes.
De-authorize Pyware this time. You didn't have to for 10.11, but you have to this time. Failure to do so will result in the "you cloned this to a new hard drive" message from the application.
What versions of Pyware are working under Mac OS 10.12?
Officially, Versions 8.0.1 and higher will run. Apple once again removed the legacy MRJ Java, and with a plot twist we all knew was coming, has dropped any official support for it.
Wait...no official support for the old Java?
Yep. There is no longer official support, so anything from Pyware 8.0.0 on down can not be really supported at all under macOS 10.12. Dustin, Mark, and everyone else at Pyware might not be able to fix the problem you might have from future use now under the current macOS. This is truly uncharted waters for all of us in drill designing.
Right now, though, the legacy Java will install, which means the older versions of Pyware will launch. Be aware of a few things, though. First, it isn't supported by either Apple or Pygraphics. Second, if something breaks down the road, it might be unfixable and require you to upgrade to continue usage on the Mac.
Here is the link to the legacy Java install.
https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572?locale=en_US
AGAIN, you are unsupported by doing this and may have to downgrade back to 10.11 if you continue to use the older versions of Pyware.
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 10.12 Sierra?
MacRumors has you covered. So go to their 10.12 forum and click any of the sticky posts there. Be warned that you might have to dig around.
http://forums.macrumors.com/forums/maco ... 10-12.195/
Can I screen record under 10.12?
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.
What is this new Metal thingie I keep hearing about under El Cap? Does this still exist under Sierra?
Yes, the Metal API still exists under macOS 10.12 Sierra. However, it's still 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 10.12 Sierra?
10.12 is the newest version of the Mac OS. While it might look the same as prior versions of the macOS, there are lots of under the hood improvements. See https://www.apple.com/macos/sierra/ for information.
What are the system requirements for 10.12 El Capitan?
Well, this time, it's different from 10.11. Not every Mac that can run 10.11 can run 10.12. Officially, if you have one of these, you can run 10.12:
MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
Is there anything I need to do before upgrading to 10.12?
Yes.
De-authorize Pyware this time. You didn't have to for 10.11, but you have to this time. Failure to do so will result in the "you cloned this to a new hard drive" message from the application.
What versions of Pyware are working under Mac OS 10.12?
Officially, Versions 8.0.1 and higher will run. Apple once again removed the legacy MRJ Java, and with a plot twist we all knew was coming, has dropped any official support for it.
Wait...no official support for the old Java?
Yep. There is no longer official support, so anything from Pyware 8.0.0 on down can not be really supported at all under macOS 10.12. Dustin, Mark, and everyone else at Pyware might not be able to fix the problem you might have from future use now under the current macOS. This is truly uncharted waters for all of us in drill designing.
Right now, though, the legacy Java will install, which means the older versions of Pyware will launch. Be aware of a few things, though. First, it isn't supported by either Apple or Pygraphics. Second, if something breaks down the road, it might be unfixable and require you to upgrade to continue usage on the Mac.
Here is the link to the legacy Java install.
https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572?locale=en_US
AGAIN, you are unsupported by doing this and may have to downgrade back to 10.11 if you continue to use the older versions of Pyware.
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 10.12 Sierra?
MacRumors has you covered. So go to their 10.12 forum and click any of the sticky posts there. Be warned that you might have to dig around.
http://forums.macrumors.com/forums/maco ... 10-12.195/
Can I screen record under 10.12?
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.
What is this new Metal thingie I keep hearing about under El Cap? Does this still exist under Sierra?
Yes, the Metal API still exists under macOS 10.12 Sierra. However, it's still 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.