Q: How long does it take to download Maverick? The icon says it's downloading, but I don't see a progress bar.

That becomes irrelevant now then. You did know that some of your software may no longer run when you install Mavericks? You can check here.

http://roaringapps.com

Also you will need a minimum of 4GB RAM to get a reasonable response from Mavericks. The more the better. Here are the recommended specs for Mavericks.

http://www.apple.com/au/osx/specs/

Pete

I hope the fact that you're currently missing the Launchpad features, even though Launchpad was available about 2.5 years ago, helps convince you to update your operating system and software more frequently in the future.

When the installer eventually finishes downloading you will be prompted to run the it. If you have not got backup to restore from should you need to for any reason, you may want to quit the installer before running it and performing the upgrade.

A Time Machine backup or a clone of your system should do nicely (or both).

The installer will remain in your Applications folder and be named 'Install Mac OS X' - you can run it at any time once you are certain you want to proceed, having ensured you are not going to end up in the 'doodoo' .

You may also want to make a copy of the installer before running it as it self-deletes on completion of the install. It may save you another 5+gb download in the future.

I've also read that if you rename the installer 'Install Mac OS X 10.9.2' it won't self-delete on completion (not tested this myself though)

Mike92234 wrote:

 

I don't know Launchpad. I just know it's really stupid for Apple not to give guidance -- or a progress bar -- on a download. I'm going for a bike ride. If not downloaded when I get back, I'm tossing it.

Open the App Store and go to your Purchases page, the progress indicator is there.

Depending on your connection speed it could take as long as 5 hours, but I don't know what type of speed you actually get, and if you are using WiFi it will take longer, and will be less reliable.

I am running 10.6.8 and it took me at least 6 hours, but I think much more.  I did get a progress ribbon but I can't remember how I got it.  It is not immediately obvious.  Very un-Apple like.

Mike92234 wrote:

 

The very issue you raised -- that I'll lose some software compatibility -- is why it takes me so long  to upgrade.

I view the world just the opposite.  I upgrade generally within 24 hours of when Apple releases a new version.  You mention software compatibility - I keep the third party software up to date as well.  If there is a compatibility issue (which has happened to me once in the eight years I've used Apple products), then I am quite certain it is the third party software vendor that has failed to keep up with compatibility rules Apple announced some years previously and has started to enforce in this latest version of their software.  (By the way, this was the case with the third party software failure I encountered.)

I would adapt your approach if I were dealing with some company less robust than Apple.  But in Apple's case, I always look forward to the added benefits I will receive by using their latest software.

You're welcome.

When you get to the screen with the downloading caption on the left side, look at the top and to the last heading on the right-I think it's update-if you click that, you will get another screen with the ribbon and the time left for the downloading.  You can even pause downloading and restart if necessary.