I have an older 17" MacBook Pro and trying to get it the operating updated. It is currently on 10.5.8. Leopard. Do I need to go to 10.6? first? Can I do that by downloading what I need?
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
Start by checking if you cn run Snow Leopard:
Requirements for OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard'
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575
Whilst Apple have withdrawn Snow Leopard from their stores, you can still get it from Apple by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE (if you are in the USA) and they will supply the SL DVD for $20 for a single user, or $30 for a family pack that covers up to 5 Macs. You can also purchase the code to use to download Lion from the same number (Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM, running the latest version of Snow Leopard), or you can purchase Mountain Lion from the App Store - if you can run that:
http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/
If you are outside the US call your national Apple Helpline:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
If you're in the UK, use this number: 0871 508 4400
When you have installed it, run Software Update to download and install the latest updates for Snow Leopard.
How do you upgrade from leopard to snow leopard
