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My Mac OS is version 10.5.8 can I update to the lastest OS?

I want to upgrade the OS but not sure if I can go straight to the latest OS or if I need to install another one first?

Posted on Jul 21, 2012 3:23 AM

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Posted on Jul 21, 2012 3:31 AM

10.6.3 would be your first target, then update (Free) to 10.6.8. But you don't say what model you have.


Check out via Apple menu > About this Mac > More info. Post back with model details but not serial number.

15 replies

Jul 21, 2012 3:35 AM in response to seventy one

Thanks. Its an iMac with a 2.4 Ghz intel core 2 Duo which I bought in 2008.


Hardware Overview:


Model Name: iMac

Model Identifier: iMac8,1

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache: 6 MB

Memory: 1 GB

Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

Boot ROM Version: IM81.00C1.B00

SMC Version (system): 1.29f1

Jul 21, 2012 4:03 AM in response to machara

Yes, you've got it in principle. Just a personal opinion though. Lion has not been surrounded with plaudits and hopefully, Mountain Lion will incorporate all the best parts.


Just the same, the cautious side of me suggests you sort out Snow leopard first (don't forget to update with the combpo updater) then wait for three months and let Mountain Lion bed down. You'll have enough fun with Snow Leopard to keep you occupied and it is an excellent OS.


In respect of memory, if you are UK based, Crucial .com is a good source and if you phone them they will talk to you about your needs. They supply video and pictorial guidance to fitting and I have to say, it is not difficult. I did it and I'm no techno man.


Good luck.

Jul 21, 2012 4:25 AM in response to machara

Hello again,


And thank you for the stars. Seems just a little odd not to have 64 bit. Where did you check that?


Have you looked at Apple menu > About this mac > More info > Systems profile > Applications. The list it produces tells you if you have any 64 bit Apps. If you have ... well.


Great Aussi supporters here in my home ... except for the cricket.

Jul 22, 2012 12:11 AM in response to seventy one

Another post mentioned this:....


Your model must have a 64-bit EFI boot ROM. See OS X v10.6- Macs that use the 64-bit kernel


An easy way to tell if you are running a 64-bit kernel is to use the uname command-line program. Open the Terminal in the Utilities folder and enter the command line:


$ uname -a


Press RETURN.


The "x86_64" in the excerpt below means that you are running a 64-bit kernel. If the output showed "i386" instead, that would mean a 32-bit kernel.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I did the above and it returned......


9.8.0 Darwin Kernel Version 9.8.0: Wed Jul 15 16:55:01 PDT 2009; root:xnu-1228.15.4~1/RELEASE_I386 i386


but like you say I have no issues running applications 😕


as for cricket....I only follow rugby

Jul 22, 2012 3:47 AM in response to machara

Before the install

Ensure your data (at least all Home folders) is backed up before you install. Hard disks can fail at any time so it is important to regularly backup to an external disk with Time Machine or a third party alternative. Inexperienced users should follow Apple's install advice but experienced users may prefer to do a clean install.


OS numbers and names

OS X 10.4.x - Tiger

OS X 10.5.x - Leopard

OS X 10.6.x - Snow Leopard

OS X 10.7.x - Lion

OS X 10.8.x - Mountain Lion


More about Macs

The Apple History site has specifications for every Mac ever produced: http://www.apple-history.com


Upgrade to Leopard

Those wishing to upgrade to Leopard should be aware that install disks can be expensive. Details: http://lowendmac.com/deals/best-os-x-leopard-prices.html Standard Leopard installers impose several hardware limitations including speed and RAM size but all these restrictions can be overcome. Google for details. Leopard works well at 500 MHz with 1 GB of RAM and many happy users have less than this.


Upgrade beyond Leopard

OSs beyond OS X 10.5.8 require an Intel processor. If in doubt click the apple at the top left of your screen and select 'About this Mac'. This will give you your OS number. Then click 'More Info' to see which processor you have. If it says PowerPC you cannot upgrade to Snow Leopard and above. If you have an Intel Mac it is well worth upgrading to Snow Leopard now and then considering other options after that. You can buy Snow Leopard here: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A


Upgrade to Lion

Information about upgrading Snow Leopard to Lion: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD256Z/A


Upgrade to Mountain Lion

Information about upgrading Snow Leopard or Lion to Mountain Lion: http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/


Important

  1. Check that your Mac complies with any requirements.
  2. If you are not in the US you should use the Change Country link at the bottom of Apple pages.

My Mac OS is version 10.5.8 can I update to the lastest OS?

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