See that 'X' in the Mavericks logo? Maybe it means "DON'T DO IT!" Not at least until you've done some research on compatibility with your most-used applications, plugins, drivers, and hardware peripherals.

Many of you have probably heard the recent news that Apple just released their latest version of OS X, version 10.9 (aka "Mavericks"). You may have already been tempted to update. However, before clicking that big shiny "update" button, we advise you to STEP AWAY from the mouse, trackpad, or stylus, and give this decision some rational thought.

This tip isn't just for Mac users. This goes for anyone who uses a computer for their livelihood. The operating system (OS) is the nerve center of your computer and without it, you'd basically just have an expensive paper weight. You want your OS to work well - not just by itself, but with everything you use your machine for. Here are some things that you, as a Virtual Drumline user, may want to be careful with.

Not every software developer will have had the time to fully test their software on pre-release versions of the new OS. Before you update your OS, you'll want to check with the developers of your most-used software tools to see if they have information on how their programs will work on the new OS. 

Take Native Instruments' Kontakt for example. Kontakt is the sample player that loads your Virtual Drumline sounds. Some people have to use Kontakt 4 for compatibility in Sibelius 6. Others use Kontakt 5 in Sibelius 7, while others are still using Kontakt Player 2 in different environments. Each of these versions of Kontakt may behave differently in a new OS. At the current time, we're still awaiting details from Native Instruments as to how well different versions of Kontakt behave in the latest version of Mac OS X. We do not recommend updating your OS until further information about Kontakt compatibility is available.

Other important apps to consider might be Finale, Sibelius, Pro Tools, SmartMusic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Chrome, Parallels, Adobe Photoshop, Flash Player, PyWare 3D, etc. Depending on what type of work you do, there will typically be a core set of critical 'lifeline' applications that you MUST have to be able to work. Don't update your OS until you know they're going to work. And bear in mind…the developer may not know for a while.

Do you use any third-party music plugins? Kontakt is a perfect example. In addition to being a standalone application in which you can load your VDL instruments, it's also vital as a plugin. If your Kontakt plugins break, then all those VDL instruments you rely on to load into your favorite notation software application aren't going to work. Designers, musicians, and video editors often rely on plugins, so it's best to make sure they're going to continue functioning before taking the plunge.

Do you use a MIDI keyboard? If so, you'd better make sure the necessary MIDI drivers aren't going to break after migrating to the new OS.

Do you use a fancy mouse? Check that its drivers are going to continue working.

How about your printer? Check the model number on the manufacturer's website and make sure it's still going to work after you install the new OS. 

Does your ensemble or studio use a digital mixing console that connects to your computer? Be sure to research if this device has hardware drivers that are compatible with the new OS.

Do you use a special audio interface for playback? Check with the manufacturer to see if they have drivers that are compatible with your new OS.

Do you use an external DVD or CD burner or scanner? All together now -- Check with the manufacturer on compatibility with the latest OS.
 

We love staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest technologies as much as the next dude/dudette. However, like most of you, we're also really busy and can't afford for our primary tools to break while we wait for patches and updates from different developers. As we like to say, "If it ain't broke, don't break it."