morticia63

Q: My understanding is Apple is no longer providing security updates for i-Mac OS X 10.6.8 with Snow Leopard installed. Is this true?

I've heard that if you have an i-Mac OS X 10.6.8 with Snow Leopard installed it no longer automatically nor manually provides Security updates or any updates for that matter. If this is tru, then I suppose anyone running this OS X system is completely vulnerable to any phishing, malware, viruses and so on. Is this true?

I really need to know so I can choose to either get a new computer or purchase an anti-virus protection program. This is the whole reason I purchaed an Apple product instead of staing with Windows P.C. I am at a complete loss and don't know what to do. Please assist answering these questions from a highly qualified specialist in this area. I greatly appreciate any feedback as soon as possible. Thanks, T.J.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), snow leopard

Posted on May 22, 2014 12:17 AM

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Q: My understanding is Apple is no longer providing security updates for i-Mac OS X 10.6.8 with Snow Leopard installed. Is this true? ... more

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  • by MrHoffman,

    MrHoffman MrHoffman May 22, 2014 6:01 AM in response to morticia63
    Level 6 (15,627 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 22, 2014 6:01 AM in response to morticia63

    This is a user forum, and not a source of official information.  You'll not get any official answer from us.

     

    You're always vulnerable to phishing attacks and to deliberately loading tools that optimize, enhance, improve or protect OS X, with all the problems which can ensue; to what can be called Trojans or otherwise junk tools.  The whole point of phishing attacks and of trojans is to bypass security, using the user's own curiosity or fear or inexperience against them.  Or to get the user's fear to work against them.

     

    As for the OS X releases (after the first dot in the version) and the updates (after the second dot), OS X 10.6 is comparatively ancient; it was released August 28, 2009.   OS X 10.6.8 is almost certainly the final update to the Snow Leopard release, as very likely is 10.7.5 for Lion.  10.8.5 might or might not be the last update for Mountain Lion — I'd not expect additional Mountain Lion updates after the release after 10.9 (maybe to be 10.10?) becomes available.  (Again: this is a user forum, and not an official Apple source.)

     

    OS X 10.9.3 is current for the Mavericks release, and will probably continue to receive occasional updates until whatever release following what might be named 10.10 arrives; until 10.11?

     

    Apple traditionally provided updates and patches for the current and the penultimate release.   Right now, that's 10.9 and 10.8.  Apple has occasionally gone and patched yet earlier releases, but not very often.   Apple has updated security including the XProtect definitions — the malware database — and has patched a few critical security bugs on the earlier releases.  There's AFAIK been no schedule and no plan for those announced.

     

    To upgrade to a release after 10.6.8, back up your entire system to external storage (at least once or twice), and "purchase" (it's free) 10.9 Mavericks from the Mac App Store if your particular Mac system supports Mavericks, download the installer, and install it.   With the Mavericks upgrade, you'll loose access to any PowerPC (PPC) applications — software written for pre-Intel Macs — with the Mavericks upgrade, but most of the rest of what's installed will likely continue to work.  Again, have backups — installing a new OS X version preserves all of your existing data and your applications and normally directly installs without hassles or issues, but once in a while something might go wrong.  But again, some of your existing apps might not run on the newer release, or those apps might need an upgrade or maybe a re-purchase.  Most apps will work.

     

    Microsoft Windows is a better choice for when you're staying on an older version for whatever reason, or maybe a long-term support (LTS) variation of one of the major Linux distributions — Microsoft releases roadmaps for support, as do the LTS releases.   With OS X, you're expected to upgrade and to stay more current.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody May 22, 2014 8:21 AM in response to MrHoffman
    Level 9 (66,876 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    May 22, 2014 8:21 AM in response to MrHoffman

    With OS X, you're expected to upgrade and to stay more current.

    Mac OS X is not as big a target for security hounds as Windows.    Thus the "expected" nature of this is iffy.    People with older Macs run around without being hacked, partly because the security is better to begin with, and partly because they are not as big a target.     Apple was surprisingly forthcoming offering a 10.7, and 10.8, and 10.9 update simultaneously when 10.9.1 was found to have a security hole, that required upating to 10.9.2.

    You'll find sites that test for security holes will not see any problem with a Mac running an older operating system without any patch.     Your best bet is to keep your data backed up.   Do not use MacKeeper, or any similar system cache cleaning utility, and only use anti-virus to prevent yourself from being a typhoid Mary.   Do not use peer to peer software, or torrrent opening software on a Mac.   Plenty of secure sites, including Apple's App Store exist to download software for th Mac.  Do not download software because of popups or advertisements.     Go directly to vendors if you need an update.  Here's how to remove MacKeeper, if you accidently installed it, or chose to:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3036

  • by MlchaelLAX,

    MlchaelLAX MlchaelLAX May 22, 2014 8:39 AM in response to morticia63
    Level 4 (2,256 points)
    May 22, 2014 8:39 AM in response to morticia63

    morticia63 wrote:

     

    I've heard that if you have an i-Mac OS X 10.6.8 with Snow Leopard installed it no longer automatically nor manually provides Security updates or any updates for that matter... Is this true?

    No: Apple recently released the 1.0.4 and 1.0.5 updates to Facetime for Snow Leopard.

  • by MrHoffman,

    MrHoffman MrHoffman May 22, 2014 9:43 AM in response to a brody
    Level 6 (15,627 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 22, 2014 9:43 AM in response to a brody

    a brody wrote:

     

    With OS X, you're expected to upgrade and to stay more current.

    Mac OS X is not as big a target for security hounds as Windows.   

     

    I'm referring to the difference between running an operating system release for five or ten years and sometimes longer — which is common with some users and with various enterprises — and with the iOS and OS X model of retiring the older releases and deprecating features somewhat more quickly.  

     

    This is the "trailing edge" versus bleeding edge" computing discussion — and that's obviously an individual choice, based on local requirements and expectations.  If a user wants or needs to sit on a release for a very long time — with some support available — then using Windows or LTS Linux might be a better choice. 

     

    These and some other operating systems target longer-term support, updates and security patches, and can and variously do publish support roadmaps — which is what's at the core of the OP's question.  OS X, not so much.

     

    Getting off 10.6 is something I'd recommend, in general.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody May 22, 2014 9:57 AM in response to MrHoffman
    Level 9 (66,876 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    May 22, 2014 9:57 AM in response to MrHoffman

    Getting off 10.6 is something I'd recommend, in general.

    Not completely practical.   Now while you can virtualize 10.6 Server to achieve compatibility with Rosetta in newer operating systems, as my tip explains:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6841

     

    unless you can coax some developers that are no longer existing, or no longer interested in developing their applications to release their applications to open source, you are going to have an indefinite period where this virtualization will be needed.     Point is, some tools have no counterpart in Windows, or the post PowerPC Mac world that is cost effective to migrate to. 

  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk May 22, 2014 10:02 AM in response to morticia63
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    May 22, 2014 10:02 AM in response to morticia63

    >> I suppose anyone running this OS X system is completely vulnerable to any phishing, malware, viruses and so on. Is this true?

     

    No, it isn't.

  • by morticia63,

    morticia63 morticia63 May 22, 2014 1:40 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2014 1:40 PM in response to a brody

    To: MrHoffman & a brody,

     

    First, I apologize if I by asking a question to the support community was NOT the approriate place to ask questions about my 2009 I-Mac OS X Version 10.6.8, Processor: 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Memory: 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3. 

    I asked the question regarding whether APPLE is still updating security & software/firmware or any other updates on the i-Mac OS X 10.6.8 w/Snow Leopard installed on the computer. I'm sure I'm not the only person who owns an older Apple product.

     

    I am by no means a "Technical Guru." I am a Mother who spends A LOT of time taking care of my special needs child & dealing with the school distrcit attorney's who want to argue & threaten me regarding his services, I.E.P. and FAPE!

     

    Therefore, I do not have time to try to understand all of the "technical information that goes into any computer! I purchased a Mac because I got sick & tired of spending money on a Windows P.C., anti-virus, malware ....crap & having problems all the time!!!

    Not everyone can just go out & buy the newest computer because by the time you buy it, it's pretty much out-dated.

    Technology is always one step ahead of the consumer; So once again, I apologize! I do NOT have $$$ to purchase the lastest & greatest computer, I-Pad, I-Phone etc. Otherwise I would be buying a new one on the day Apple releases it's newest & greatest products! BTY, Apple has fallen below Google now...Hmmm???

     

    Based on what I understand, I believe what you are telling me is to NOT ask any "security questions," & purchase a new computer, more or less, unless you know how to update your operating system & know the in's & out's of how Mac operates. I do not understand the technical language & furthermore, I bought a MAC so I would not have to worry about being "attacked" w/anything. I DO NOT install nor download ANYTHING unless I know for sure it is safe and it comes from Apple!

    I've always taken my computer to the Apple Store Genuis Bar if I suspected a threat was on my computer & I spent time talking to agents with Apple & was told if I update my current i-MAC to Mavericks, my computer will significantely slow down & may not even work based on the fact my computer is older. So I'm not sure what to do. I was hoping to get answers in "lament terms," so I would not have to drive 60 miles roundtrip again & again just to spend maybe 10 minutes with an Apple Genuis @ the Apple Genuis Bar. 

     

    I wish I could spend my time understanding Apple products firmware, software etc., instead of doing what I must do; taking care of a special needs child, not to mention the costs of $$$ it takes to do right by your child! Unless you've walked in my shoes, then please do not judge me as being "stupid." for not understanding the tech talk & not knowing where to look for help. (Just my perception based on your answers.) I DO NOT have countless hours to search the internet & read Apple articles talking about technical details just to get a simple question answered.

    I appreciate you providing what you did, but it did not answer my question & further I felt as though you believed I downloaded something or anything without trying to verify if it was from Apple & NOT some "pop-up ad." I can tell you I'm not that stupid.

    Regards, T.J.

  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk May 22, 2014 1:35 PM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    May 22, 2014 1:35 PM in response to andyBall_uk

    Some people recommend & use Firefox instead of Safari, since it's continually being updated, rather than say Safari 5.1.10 which was released in September last year.

    If you're sensible; & keep Flash updated & Java (not javascript) off... there's little need for that, in my opinion; but the regular updates may be reassuring.

  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk May 22, 2014 1:39 PM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    May 22, 2014 1:39 PM in response to andyBall_uk

    If you have a mid-2007 or later iMac with at least 4GB of memory, you can consider upgrading to Mavericks : it's free. You'll want to check software & printer/scanner etc etc compatibility first & of course, back up.

  • by MlchaelLAX,

    MlchaelLAX MlchaelLAX May 22, 2014 2:33 PM in response to morticia63
    Level 4 (2,256 points)
    May 22, 2014 2:33 PM in response to morticia63

    morticia63 wrote:

     

    To: MrHoffman & a brody,

     

    ...

    If Snow Leopard is working for you, stick with it!

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody May 22, 2014 6:09 PM in response to morticia63
    Level 9 (66,876 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    May 22, 2014 6:09 PM in response to morticia63

    Based on what I understand, I believe what you are telling me is to NOT ask any "security questions," & purchase a new computer, more or less, unless you know how to update your operating system & know the in's & out's of how Mac operates.
    No, I never said that.  Older Macs are generally not a security threat to themselves, compared to older Windows machines.

     

    However, people who pactice unsafe computing need to watch out.  That's all I'm saying.  The people who use peer2peer, torrent sites, open attachments indiscriminately, etc have more to fear than those who don't. 

    You do not appear to be at risk in that manner.

     

    Apple Gurus who say it might slow down may be accurate, or may not be.     I've for one run underpowered systems on the latest operating system they can run, and never had a problem.   But that's because I am someone who wants to know about software before my customers come to me with questions about it.

     

    I give the tips for those who are interested in updating.  If the only reason is security, that is not a good enough reason.  You have to genuinely need a software that does a specific task you can't do elsewhere to get the new operating system that only supports that software.  Otherwise, sticking with whatever you currently have is best.   The old motto amongst engineers, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Is there any evidence it is broke?

     

    Upgrading is only there to add new features, and not to fix existing problems.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody May 22, 2014 6:16 PM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 9 (66,876 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    May 22, 2014 6:16 PM in response to andyBall_uk

    Free is a relative term.  In terms of software compatibility it isn't free if you depend on a lot of older software.

  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk May 22, 2014 6:24 PM in response to a brody
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    May 22, 2014 6:24 PM in response to a brody

    Apple don't charge for it.  Compatibility of software etc was already mentioned.

  • by morticia63,

    morticia63 morticia63 May 23, 2014 3:22 AM in response to morticia63
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 23, 2014 3:22 AM in response to morticia63

    To: a brody, MrHoffman, MichaelLAX & anyone else I may have left out.

     

    First of all, this is very taxing on me since I am not as tech savvy as others are & when my son came home from college today, he was quite helpful to assist me in understanding some of the technical descriptions which were used & some of it did not really make a lot of sense to me! I try to be as cautious as possible before doing anything such as opening attachments, downloading & so on!

     

    I hope I did not offend anyone since that is not the kind of person I am!

     

    I greatly appreciate the feedback & will spend some time talking with my husband to determine if we will upgrade or go a different route. There is a lot to digest before deciding but I'm thankful for the assistance and replies I received!! I just want to make the right decision without jumping since that does nothing but causes trouble in the long run!

     

    As I mentioned it's a very time consuming when you have a special needs child who's care comes first & foremost.

     

    Once again, Thanks to all of you!

    Regards, T.J.

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