Trying to help a family member out who has an IMAC with 10.5.8. (Snow Leopard) I would like to bring them into the modern era, but am not sure how to make the jump to Sierra, or if I even can from that far back?
Any help would be appreciated.
You have to update Snow Leopard because the App Store app wasn't added until later version (10.6.6 to be exact) of Snow Leopard. The last version was 10.6.8.
See: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/01/06Apples-Mac-App-Store-Opens-for-Busines s.html
That model iMac can be upgraded to run OS X "El Capitan". To do that, click https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12.
Snow Leopard is a prerequisite for upgrading to El Capitan, and you did not resolve that uncertainty. To purchase Snow Leopard: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard.
Those subjects are addressed in the User Tip I referenced earlier.
Pokey38 wrote:
Trying to help a family member out who has an IMAC with 10.5.8. (Snow Leopard) I would like to bring them into the modern era, but am not sure how to make the jump to Sierra, or if I even can from that far back?
The exact model Mac needs to be identified, since OS X 10.5.8 is not Snow Leopard.
The following contains all the information you might need, including hardware requirements: Upgrading to macOS "Sierra" without fear.
If it can't run Sierra it might be able to run El Capitan. Those links are also included.
You might want to check to see how much RAM the computer has. That model can be upgraded to 6 GB of RAM and based on my experience using the same model iMac, it will run much better.
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 had 6GB installed on an early 2008 iMac supposedly limited to 4 GB and noticed an improvement.
Use the combo update to save time in Software Update.
Check to make sure your applications are compatible. PowerPC applications are no longer supported after 10.6.
Applications Compatibility (2)
El Capitan 10.11 Compatibility information
Also check to make sure there is a compatible driver for your printer.
Do a backup before installing, preferable 2 backups on 2 different drives.
The only safe place to download El Capitan is from the App Store. Once you complete the below, download El Capitan on the computer you are upgrading to avoid the error message.
Try using the combo update link in my last post to get to 10.6.8.
Then download and install this.
OK Gentlemen,
Got Snow Leopard installed. However, when I try the link to the App store, the link defaults to a basic Apple welcome page because Snow Leopard does not have the app store. To further complicate, I tried to download El Capitan on my mac, to transfer by thumb drive, but it won't let me because that would be going backwards. Anyone have link to El Capitan that is not thru the app store?
Thank you all very much. I am all up to date on Snow Leopard and waiting on RAM as the iMac will not let me install El Capitan until I have more RAM. I appreciate all the quick responses, helpful links, and friendly attitudes!
An iMac running Mac OS X 10.5.8 is at most a mid-2009 model, and none of these can run Sierra.
(149093)
Snow Leopard is 10.6.8, but do you know which iMac they have? Year or model identifier.
To check the model number hold down the option/alt key, go to the Apple menu and select System Information (or top item).
Thank you all, It is an iMac Model 8,1.
Great Thanks. I actually have a copy of Snow Leopard sitting on my shelf. Ill do that, then try the link for El Capitan. I will post back how I make out.
You have to update Snow Leopard to version 10.6.8. Run Software Update. That provides the App Store, and the ability to download El Capitan.
Need to upgrade from 10.5.8
