HT201260: Find the OS X version and build number on your Mac

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alktngirl
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I have OS X 6.8 where do I begin to upgrade?

To which system do I need to upgrade my MacBook Pro so I have the support from Apple that I need? I guess I'm so far behind and I had no idea there had been so many changes. Do I need to start by going back to Lion and working forward? I don't like the tech part I just use the computer to make beautiful things so bare with me....but Help! Please!!! :-)

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 11, 2016 12:47 PM

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alktngirl

Q: I have OS X 6.8 where do I begin to upgrade?

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  • by Zyriab,

    Zyriab Zyriab Mar 11, 2016 12:56 PM in response to alktngirl
    Level 4 (3,312 points)
    Mar 11, 2016 12:56 PM in response to alktngirl

    OS X 10.6.8 is Snow Leopard. It precedes Lion which was 10.7. Snow Leopard includes the App Store so you can upgrade to El Capitan for free. Ensure that your MBP is sufficiently spec'ed up for El Capitan - you'll need at least 4Gb RAM, 8Gb would be better.

  • by Wayne Contello,

    Wayne Contello Wayne Contello Mar 11, 2016 1:02 PM in response to alktngirl
    Level 6 (19,007 points)
    iWork
    Mar 11, 2016 1:02 PM in response to alktngirl

    You should backup your computer to a Time Machine backup

    Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

     

    if you already have a Time Machine back up make sure it has completed a back up in the last hour.  If not, set up Time Machine, then perform the initial backup (which can take many hours).

     

    Then select the menu item " > App Store…" to open the App Store.  type in the phrase "OS X" into the search field (top right with the magnifying glass).  Select the version of Mac OS X in the App Store.  The latest is Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), first item in the top-left:

    Screen Shot 2016-03-11 at 3.01.26 PM.png

     

     

    click download and follow the directions

     

    After that you will want to migrate data from your time machine back up to get your applications and user data