10.6.8 upgrade

How far you can upgrade depends on the machine. If you have at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, or above, you can go to Lion, Mac OS X 10.7.5, by purchasing the download code from the Apple on-line store.

If your computer is in the compatible hardware list at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5842, you can go directly to Mavericks, Mac OS X 10.9.4, by the free download from the Mac App Store.

So, the first question is, what Mac do you have?

A caveat: you should know that if abandon 10.6 completely none of your older PPC applications will continue working, if you have any.

Check that your computer is compatible with Mountain Lion/Mavericks.

To check the model number hold down the option/alt key, go to the Apple menu and select System Information.

iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) model number 7,1 or higher

Your Mac needs:

• OS X v10.6.8 or OS X Lion already installed
• 2 GB or more of memory (More is better - 4 GB minimum seems to be the consensus)
• 8 GB or more of available space

Check to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported after 10.6.

Application Compatibility

Applications Compatibility (2)

Do a backup before installing.

The 2 places I’ve seen recommended most to buy reliable RAM are below. I have purchased RAM several times from Other World Computing and have always been very satisfied with the product and service. They have on-line instructions on how to replace the RAM. OWC has also tested RAM above what Apple states is the maximum. I now have 6GB installed on a machine supposedly limited to 4 GB.

Crucial

Other World Computing

One option is to create a new partition (~30- 50 GB), install Mavericks, and ‘test drive’ it. If you like/don’t like it it, you can then remove the partition. Do a backup before you do anything.