Software update
How do I update my Mac software from OS X 10.5.8 to the latest version? Is that possible? A lot of programs I need can't download because I don't have the 10.6. version.
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
4 replies
You have to understand the difference between an Update and an Upgrade.
An Update is a free change to add to the base code or as a bug fix within an existing Operating System. Such as the .8 added to 10.5.
An Upgrade is a complete new Operating System that must be purchased. Such as 10.5 Leopard to 10.6 Snow Leopard.
10.5 Leopard was based on Power PC code and was written to be able to run on both Power PC and Intel processors.
10.6 Snow Leopard has completely rewritten code and only runs on Intel Macs.
10.7 Lion used some 32 bit which allows it to run on Late 2006 through Early 2008 MacBooks and a lot of 64 bit code.
10.8 Mountain Lion is pure 64 bit, which excludes more systems than Lion did. It can only run on the Late 2008 through Mid 2010 MacBooks. It's not something you can add memory to, for example, as it involves the base architecture.
The 10.6 Snow Leopard DVD is back in the Apple online store. You will need to upgrade to it before you go any further. You can get it for $19.99. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
Thank you Frederic! That really helped me. Now I know what to do. About how much would it cost to get the upgrade?
Mac OS 10.6 - Snow Leopard $19.99, Minimum of 1gb of RAM
Mac OS 10.7 – Lion $19.99 downloaded from the App Store, Minimum of 2gb of RAM, more is better
Mac OS 10.8 – Mountain Lion $19.99 downloaded from the App Store, Minimum of 2gb of RAM, more is better
The Early 2006 model 1,1 Core Duo can only run a maximum of 10.6 Snow Leopard.
The models Late 2006 Core 2 Duos 2,1 through Early 2008 4,1 can only run a maximum of 10.7 Lion.
The Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody through the Mid 2010 White Unibody model 7,1 can run 10.8 Mountain Lion.
To see which model you have go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up check the Model Identifier and post it back here.
Software update