Q: I have an earlier model imac the 2006 24inch and im running the os x 10.5.8 leopard. i want to update to the newest mountain lion, what should i do first?

Sorry, Mountain Lion will only run on a 2007 or later iMac.

see > Apple - OS X Mountain Lion - Read the technical specifications.

Here are the requirements for Lion and Snow Leopard (which you will need first(:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4949

Both are only available by calling Apple; Snow Leopard is on a DVD and you'll get a redemption code for Lion to download from MAS (which is part of Snow Loepard).

Lion will run on your iMac. see > OS X Lion - Technical Specifications

Problem is that you will need to find/buy a Retail Snow Leopard Upgrade DVD, upgrade and update to 10.6.8 first, then go to the App Store and buy Lion. 

Last I heard, Apple still sells SL if you call them; the prices from online resellers has jumped significantly.

To clarify;

Snow Leopard 10.6;

Lion 10.7:

Snow Leopard DVD:

You can get it only by phone now from Apple.

In the US, call 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask for a sales assistant. Last quoted price was $19.99 for the single-user and $29.99 for the family licence.

For other countries, check here; http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57

Don't forget to ask for Sales; the tech support guys can't help.

When you've installed SL it will be 10.6.3. You need to update that to 10.6.8 with the combo installer from http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

Lion is only available by phone also - same number and they'll give you a download code to use in the Mac App Store.

No problem at all and good luck!

Good to know, thanks!

Yup' insane > Amazon.com: Mac OS X version 10.6.3 Snow Leopard: Software

Wonerding if I should sell yet.... 

You mean you've got an extra copy? Too bad, I was gonna sell you mine......