Annette Boose
Level 1 (6 points)

Q: 2009 ibook

Hi,

 

My 76 year old mom who is not computer savvy has a 2009 ibook that has never been updated.  I'm thinking of wiping it clean and updating from there but I'm not sure of the most efficient way to get it to Mavericks. Input would be appreciated. If there is a better way to do this instead of wiping it clean please let me know although I think wiping it clean would get all the "junk" that she has on it and doesn't need off.

 

Thanks in advance.

A

Posted on May 12, 2015 8:31 AM

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Annette Boose

Q: 2009 ibook

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  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer May 13, 2015 12:48 AM in response to Annette Boose
    Level 6 (14,350 points)
    Desktops
    May 13, 2015 12:48 AM in response to Annette Boose

    The computer would probably be a MacBook 13-inch model, if it looks like an iBook but was made

    or bought new in 2009; the iBook G4 was no longer manufactured after the Mid-2005 build series.

     

    •How to identify MacBook models - Apple Support

     

    •Apple MacBook Specs (All MacBook specs 2006 through 2010) - everymac.com:

    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook/index-macbook.html

     

    Online look-up service links to help identify your Mac, by serial number:

    http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/

    https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

     

    The Mavericks 10.9 OS X version is no longer available. Depending on the actual build year spec

    information, the level of OS X upgrade (or perhaps best suited OS X for the vintage build) can be

    found and the possibilities discussed. The last OS X available on DVD install media, is OS X 10.6;

    that would be Snow Leopard and a retail version of that (unless the computer shipped new with a

    version of Snow Leopard 10.6.x in disc media specific to that model; then you'd use it to wipe the

    computer and start over with a completely new OS X installation.)

     

    An original iBook G4/G3 PowerPC computer cannot be upgraded to run an OS X past 10.4.11 or 10.5.8.

     

    Intel-based Macs can run OS X versions past Leopard 10.5.8; Snow Leopard 10.6.8 is required in an

    Intel-Mac before it could be upgraded to any system past 10.6.8, such as 10.7.5. 10.8.5, or 10.10.x

     

    •Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (US) $20 - installer DVD media is sent:

    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

     

    •Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 - for use after installation of Snow Leopard from DVD

     

    If the computer does not have at least OS X 10.6.8 available to it, via an installer DVD, this is

    the main source for official Snow Leopard 10.6.3; the combo update to 10.6.8 applies to this

    once it is installed, and that would be a download once the base 10.6 system is running in it.

     

    The computer may also require an upgrade in the amount of installed RAM memory so that later

    OS X versions can perform better. Usually above the minimum requirements is recommended so

    the computer OS X and applications running in it, can have a chance.

     

    Older computers that have never had their internal hard disk drive replaced, may be candidates

    for this since they do wear out and when the fail, will cause a loss of data and user information

    along with anything saved in the hard drive. A backup plan to store important items in duplicate

    to an externally enclosed hard drive, is recommended, too. At least one external archive.

     

    So to identify the computer correctly and exactly is a beginning.

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by Annette Boose,

    Annette Boose Annette Boose May 13, 2015 4:58 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (6 points)
    May 13, 2015 4:58 AM in response to K Shaffer

    Thank you. I actually have Snow Leopard on a disk.