kmosx: Upgrade ! But do it right !

Hi !

From time to time, we see threads about "problems" caused by an update... The most common problems are system freezes and unstable applications.

However, at the same time, we see other threads saying "The new version is better than ever... !"

So, what's going on ?

There are a few ground principles that must be followed carefully in order to upgrade Mac OS X without any problems ! For Mac users, updating an OS is as easy a clicking on a "Update now" button, while the PC world still needs some CDs or Patches that are difficult to download and to apply...

So, remember :

1. 
   
2. Check if your system is OK. Installers won't mind installing on a "normal" configuration, with its "normal" problems. However, if your system files have been strongly damaged - by a poorly-written software, power supply problems that suddenly turn the computer off ten times a day... -, updating Mac OS X won't help !

   
   In order to do so, follow these steps :
   
   

   1. Backup your data
   2. 
      
   3. Boot from the "Mac OS X Install CD 1" and use the "Installer" menu in order to open the "Disk Utility". Then, click on "First Aid" and repair the hard drive.
   4. 
      
   5. Restart your computer and use the "Disk Utility" located in your "Utilities" folder in order to repair the permissions on the Mac OS X partition.
   6. 
      

   
   Note : Mac OS X v. 10.1.5 users will have to download the "Repair permissions" utility from the Knowledge Base.

3. 
   
4. As long as a system update modifies some system files, sharewares and freewares that were created to directly modify these files in order to "add" features or to "bypass" some others can be a little bit lost. So, it's always a good idea to turn off "Themes" softwares or "Optimizing" applications. Such applications are normally well-written but were created to work on a specific Mac OS X version and could be unable to run on the new one. After the upgrade, you'll be free to turn them on again and check if they still work...
5. 
   
6. Installers are softwares that automatically perform some very complex tasks. They are easy to use for the user but are usually very difficult to develop. So, just let them work the way they were created to ! Don't force-quit them, even while they are "Optimizing"...
7. 
   
8. Installers also perform tasks that are memory-consuming. Plus, you don't want to modify files at the same time than them... So, while updating Mac OS X, just let the computer work and quit all running applications before launching the installer... The update will go much faster and you won't have any problem. Upgrading Mac OS X while burning a DVD and running an Anti-Virus software isn't really a good idea !
9. 
   
10. When downloading update packages - if you don't use the "Software Update" feature -, make sure that you download the official and up-to-date ones. So, in one word, trust Apple ! They are the only ones that are allowed to upgrade your system !
11. 
    

By following these ground principles, you will allow updates to run faster and will avoid any problems that may occur later on your computer.

Mac OS X is great and fully functional ! Just upgrade it in the right way !

Would you have any additional questions, please, do not hesitate to post on the forums ! We would all be very glad to help you !