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which browser for 2009 macbook pro?

H

helenk

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 20, 2021
2
0
Hi
I have negligible knowledge on how computers run.
I have a mid-2009 Macbook Pro, with OSX Yosemite 10.10.5

I'm getting a lot of websites that wont operate or messages saying the browser is not supported, I only use it normally for emails etc but it also looks like im going to have to use Google drive for work stuff now.

Does anyone have suggestions of which browsers are possible that my old faithful computer wont struggle with? I need to keep it going for a bit longer.

thanks for any help
H
 
Unfortunately, the reason why old browsers are often prevented from accessing websites is security. I don't want to get too technical here so I'll just say that the way websites encrypt the data you send and receive was changed (for the better) a few years ago. Old browsers don't work with the upgraded encryption.

If I were in your position, I probably would buy a basic Chromebook or Microsoft Surface and a removable USB "thumb drive"/memory stick. I'd only use the Chromebook or Surface for downloading files from websites that reject the MacBook Pro. Then, using the memory stick, I would move the files to the MBP.

I know my suggestion isn't free. But if you can't buy a new, several thousand dollar Mac right now, getting a couple hundred dollar device for limited, yet more secure, web browsing than is possible with your current computer is the safest choice. Even technically adept people have to be constantly vigilant when using old hardware and software to do stuff online. Plus if you're uploading and downloading files for work, the last thing you want to worry about is if a hobbyist-altered browser or a workaround suggested by a stranger is truly secure or not.
 
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To me, the best two options for a Mac laptop in that age range are either to update the OS to Mojave via the dosdude1 method or choose a current, lightweight version of Linux. Either way you can run a current browser.

For that MacBook Pro, a Mojave upgrade should only be done if there's at least 8GB of RAM and the hard drive has been changed to an SSD. A lightweight Linux version might be usable on less RAM and a mechanical hard drive…probably as usable as Yosemite. 8GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD will set you back around $110 so there's that consideration. That's 10% of the way to a new M1 MacBook Air.

I have a 2008 MacBook and use it quite a bit for simple stuff. Mojave…and Firefox is the best browser for me on there. But I'm not sure I'd even spend $100 on it now.
 
Hi everyone, really appreciate the replies.

So its really about security then?
Well I just started using Chrome which looks like it's running ok, but have I still got to worry about security?

@TheEnthusiast, is Firefox ESR going to be more secure than chrome on this?

@KaliYoni, my next step was to get a chromebook! I just thought there was more life to use in the Macbook pro yet. But if chrome/Firefox work ok are you saying I should still get the chromebook sooner rather than later for security?

Like I said, I appreciate the really helpful replies and hope my lack of basic knowledge isn't too ridiculous!
H
 
The "security" referenced earlier is pertaining to old versions of browsers (that can run on Yosemite) not being up to snuff on web security and thus being unable to access many websites properly.

I don't have a computer currently running Yosemite and don't know what running Firefox ESR would be like. Perhaps TheEnthusiast can comment further on his current experience…or you can spend and hour with it and see if it works and is "the simple answer".
 
  • If you're using the most recent version (88.0.4324.182) of Chrome, you probably don't have to worry about browser-related security problems. You can check the version of Chrome on your Mac from the menu bar whenever Chrome is running (Chrome/About Google Chrome).
  • However, Apple no longer provides updates of any kind for Yosemite. So you could be vulnerable to other types of security problems, most of which involve attacks using the Internet. And unfortunately, I don't think there is an easy or free solution for your machine because it is a 2009 model. Unless you're a computer hobbyist, you won't be able to put any of Apple's recent operating systems on your MBP.
  • So, I'd say if you can afford it, buying a Chromebook might be a good decision from a security perspective. You could use the Chromebook for web surfing, email, and Google Drive. Then you can keep your MBP disconnected from the Internet most of the time–or only use it to view trusted web sites–and reserve it for activities that don't require you to be online. And you can postpone buying a new Mac for a year or so.
 
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BrianBaughn said:
The "security" referenced earlier is pertaining to old versions of browsers (that can run on Yosemite) not being up to snuff on web security and thus being unable to access many websites properly.
Click to expand...
One issue that FF ESR might have on some websites is that (I think), the latest FF ESR version is 78, while FF "mainstream" is on version 85. Some websites the OP uses might do a version check before allowing access.
 
One thing not mentioned is that the 2009 MBP can run El Capitan (macOS 10.11.x) if updating macOS through normal methods is a possibility. The current versions of Chrome and Firefox can be run in El Capitan. I'm not sure if El Capitan will get you the latest version of Safari.
 
helenk said:
@TheEnthusiast, is Firefox ESR going to be more secure than chrome on this?
Click to expand...
Technically, yes, as Firefox ESR is still being supported. That said, careful computer habits will always be the best security. There's another layer to that about only using current software, etc., but I doubt that you'd have any issue with Yosemite's version of Chrome, 87 (current version being 88), for the foreseeable future.
BrianBaughn said:
One thing not mentioned is that the 2009 MBP can run El Capitan (macOS 10.11.x) if updating macOS through normal methods is a possibility. The current versions of Chrome and Firefox can be run in El Capitan. I'm not sure if El Capitan will get you the latest version of Safari.
Click to expand...
This is also an option, though I can't comment on how well it would run performance wise. Safari would not be current. Safari updates are only for "supported" operating systems.
 
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