How long should the download take to go from Snow Leopard to the newest version of Mountain Lion? I started the download 2 hours ago and it's still running.

It's a very large file, how fast is your internet connection?

There are too many variables to say what is typical. Among other things the download time is a function of the load on Apple's servers and your internet connection speed. Some ISPs intentionally "throttle" or slow down large downloads to reduce their impact on the ISP's systems, especially during peak usage times. Suffice it to say at 4.4 GB the installer is a substantial download.

elainefromco wrote:

I have the Verizon Wireless 4G hotspot for my Internet access. I don't know how to determine how fast it is. I've never had a problem before but haven't tried to download something like this.

You're using a cellular link, oh dear, possiby as long as 6 hours or more, be very patient.

elainefromco wrote:

I don't know how to determine how fast it is.

There are several internet sites you can access to test both your upload and download speeds. Among them are:

Speedtest.net

Speakeasy.net

WhatIsMyIP.ccom

Be aware that there can and likely will be wide variations in the tested speed depending on the location of the server running your test, time of day, etc. The results should be taken with a grain of salt and treat variations of less than 10% as inconsequential.

Large downloads like this are best done without any dropped signals, etc. using a wired connection (ethernet cable to your modem) rather than relying on a cellular signal. In any case, even with a wired connection, it can take more than 2 hours; wireless much, much longer.

Try not to use the computer until the download is finished - you are using some of the bandwidth available making the download even slower.