You are kind. I appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I've never been able to afford to buy a new computer so I'm always several years out of date.

Today I use a MacBook Pro from 2011 on which I can't install later than High Sierra. I also have a Mac Mini from 2018. It came with Big Sur and I upgraded as far as Monterey with everything working fine.

Then, a few weeks ago, because there were such good reviews for Ventura and my mac was listed as a model that would run it, I updated to Ventura. It was a disaster for me with all manner of issues. I attempted to go back to Monterey and it would't let me. Even after trying online advice from mac forums and all the Apple support information I couldn't get off Ventura and, to cut a long story short, I must have caused some issue because the computer suddenly refused to boot to other than a dark screen with a padlock on it.

Its taken me two weeks and around $200 to get the issue fixed. It turned out to be both a firmware and activation lock for which I didn't have the password and which I hadn't set - indeed security measures of which I wasn't even aware.

So, I guess, 'Caveat emptor' applies even to those of us who have to purchase pre-owned hardware. I think that there is perhaps a notion that because of the myth that Macs are expensive, only those who are relatively well off are likely to own them. In reality, because their legacy features are usually strong and because they are well made, I think that there must be millions of us who would love to own the latest but are pleased that we can at least own the best, even without being bang up-to-date. (I still have a fully working Mac SE)

Anyway, I still appreciate the sort of information you provide, so thanks again.