I would like to upgrade the operating system on my 2009 iMac from OS X Version 10.5.8 to 10.9.5. Is it something I can do on my own since AppleCare expired and I am not able to go to an Apple retail store to speak to a Genius? Where can I get the V. 10.9.5 for free? Thanks.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
1. You can upgrade the OS yourself, but see #2.
2. Mavericks is no longer available; you need to buy a Snow Leopard DVD, and then upgrade to either Lion, Mountain Lion, or Yosemite as desired.
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10.9 is no longer available. You can go to 10.7, 10.8, or 10.10, provided your Mac is compatible.
See http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade/.
You need to get 10.6 (Snow Leopard) before you can update to a later version. Order the DVD: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard. Once you get it, and run all software updates available for it, you will have access to the Mac App Store. You can use this to download any later version (except 10.9). For 10.7 or 10.8, you need to order a download code from Apple. See the first link above for more information.
PowerPC applications will not work in OS X 10.7 or later. See Will My Applications Work when I Upgrade OS X? for more information.
(Note that I am affiliated with that site, and some pages contain ads).
For the computer to access the online Mac App Stores and others, you'd need to upgrade
the computer to Snow Leopard 10.6 (and then 10.6.8) by use of retail DVD installer; and
that is available online from the Apple Store for about $20. The update to that installation
is a later download, to bring it up to 10.6.8; then it can access the online App Store.
And then, Mavericks 10.9 in no longer available there. If the computer can support 10.9,
it probably could also run Yosemite 10.10. However if there are indications it may not,
then you could buy a download code for about $20. (additional to Snow Leopard DVD) to
get Mountain Lion 10.8 from the Apple servers.
Be sure the computer is ready for an upgrade to a later OS X, and make sure you have at
least one complete backup of any files you want to keep. Some of them may not work or
won't work the same in a later system; you may have to purchase applications, also.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 3.06 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Thanks "Niel" and "stevejobsfan0123."
I am overseas visiting family for two weeks before I return to the States. I am not in a location of the world where I can receive a DVD by mail, UPS, or FedEx.
1. To which Operating System do you and Niel recommend I upgrade to based on the above specs?
2. Could you e-mail me detailed steps on how to upgrade online?
1. You should install more RAM in the computer before upgrading it past 10.6.8.
2. There is no way for you to upgrade online. You absolutely need a Mac OS X 10.6 DVD.
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With 2GB of RAM I concur with Niel that you should stick with Mac OS X 10.6.8. Your Mac can handle up to 6GB. Two good sources to buy RAM upgrades (once you return to the States) are http://crucial.com, and http://eshop.macsales.com.
I see. In this case, I will go to the capital city to buy the 10.6 DVD.
1. How much additional RAM do you suggest I add based on the following specs?
Hardware Overview:
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 3.06 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Is it easy for
2. Is it easy for me to install the memory board?
3. Once I download the DVD, which is the most reliable version you suggest I upgrade to? I read negative review about the Yosemite.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
I just read your reply. I did not see it until I finished writing my previous reply. I leave my iMac at my family home and usually visit only every couple of years. There are computer shops in neighboring towns that might sell memory boards (RAM) such as this:
CT3373664 ($69.99)
DDR3 PC3-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1066 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 • lead free • halogen free • for Mac
1. A 4GB module. Buy it from a vendor which advertises compatibility with your Mac model.
2. Yes. Instructions are available on Apple's website, as well as on OWC and Crucial's.
3. Unless you need Yosemite, I'd say Mountain Lion.
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... and there it is. Thank you very much Niel, stevejobsfan0123, and K Shaffer!
You may or may not be able to get 10.9 Mavericks by contacting the Mac App Store support: http://www.apple.com/support/mac/app-store/contact/, since it's no longer officially available. If you can, then I would say that is the best version for you. Especially considering the fact that your Mac may struggle performance wise, and Mavericks offers performance improving technologies.
How to upgrade a 2009 iMac from OS X 10.5.8 to OS X 10.9.5
