jenvm

Q: Updating system requirements to download icloud

I currently have OS 10.5.8.  I have had my computer since 2009, and I have not updated the OS before.  Which OS do I need to download in order to run iCloud--OS X or 8?  What is the difference?  I'm assuming both will work...?  I tried to check for software updates using the Apple menus, but it does not give me any options for new software updates.  Thanks!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 8, 2014 12:02 PM

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Q: Updating system requirements to download icloud

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 8, 2014 12:04 PM in response to jenvm
    Level 10 (271,392 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 8, 2014 12:04 PM in response to jenvm

    iCloud requires 10.7.2 or later. See the following for upgrade requirements:

     

    Upgrading to Snow Leopard

     

    You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.

     

    After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mavericks if your computer meets the requirements.

     

         Snow Leopard General Requirements

     

           1. Mac computer with an Intel processor

           2. 1GB of memory

           3. 5GB of available disk space

           4. DVD drive for installation

           5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;

               fees may apply.

           6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and

               terms apply.

     

    Upgrading to Mavericks

     

    You can upgrade to Mavericks from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mavericks can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for FREE.

     

    Upgrading to Mavericks

     

    To upgrade to Mavericks you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Download Mavericks from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mavericks is free. The file is quite large, over 5 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.

     

        OS X Mavericks- System Requirements

     

          Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mavericks

     

             1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later

             2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later

             3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later

             5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

     

    To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.

     

         Are my applications compatible?

     

             See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.

     

    Upgrading to Lion

     

    If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mavericks, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.

     

    You can purchase Lion at the Online Apple Store. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax.  It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.

     

         Lion System Requirements

     

           1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,

               or Xeon processor

           2. 2GB of memory

           3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)

           4. 7GB of available space

           5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Oct 8, 2014 12:06 PM in response to jenvm
    Level 9 (56,005 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 8, 2014 12:06 PM in response to jenvm

    First, you will need to purchase OS X 10.6. It is not downloadable. You can buy it from Apple for $20. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

     

    Then you can download OS X Mavericks from the Mac App store (for free) provided you have sufficient RAM and disk space.

    OS X Mavericks: System Requirements

     

    I would highly recommend that you max out the RAM your system can handle before upgrading. Especially if you haven't upgraded the RAM since the system was new.