1. Introduction and reasons for my change to 10.6 Snow Leopard
2. The installation
3. Conclusion
1.
Like many others I've used a normal Windows PC also. With the theme of Mac OS X, I have previously not actually really dealt me. Until I then 10.4 Tiger could make my first experience with a Mac about a year ago with an older Mac Mini G4 and OS X. Unfortunately, however, I had to notice that many programs no longer support older versions of OS X and especially Macs with PowerPC processors barely up. An update to 10.5 was not an option due to the lower performance of the Minis and the very high price of 10.5-DVDs. Thus, aside from Internet applications and programs like iPhoto was unfortunately hardly anything is possible with the Mini.
Recently, I then had the opportunity to conveniently get an iMac with OS X 10.5. With 10.5 Leopard was already significantly more possible than it was with 10.4: More modern user interface, more pre-installed applications, also has supported 10.5 of significantly more programs.
Why the change to 10.6 Snow Leopard?
The update to 10.6 There were several reasons for me. Above all, the fact that many features of the current Macs until 10.6 will be available:
-For One of the Mac App Store. While this is on the DVD itself is not included, since 10.6.3 is delivered via software update to the Mac invites but even the latest version of Snow Leopard down in the well of the Mac App Store is then included. The App Store, I knew originally only from the iPhone, where this has me very committed because of the security and the large selection. When I then heard that Apple has rendered this service on the PC segment, I was immediately enthusiastic: Many programs can be loaded finally quickly, easily and safely, without having to browse any websites. Also, the programs can pay here by the available in many stores Apple credit cards. iPhone / iPod / iPad users therefore need to create a new account, but can simply continue using their existing. Very handy, especially, the contents as well as pay without giving credit card details. Although the number of apps is compared to the App Store of mobile devices still much smaller, there is still an abundant selection. Again, as some free content are again, the prices of the paid apps are here, however, considerably more expensive than the normal App Store, but it is also understandable if you generally look at the prices of good PC software. Overall, one can say, the Mac App Store is a great idea and a useful feature. Since the Mac App Store but only from 10.6 to work or higher, which was one of the reasons for the update.
- A second reason why I wanted to upgrade to 10.6, was the Magic Trackpad. Before I came to the trackpads on Apple, I knew really just the usual touchpad Windows notebooks. This went to me after a short use enormously on my nerves: slow and sluggish response, small surface. Possibly, there are now also better touchpads, to those with whom I had worked so far, which met however. The single touchpad who reasonably promised me so far, are those of the ASUS ultra-books, however, not come this my opinion to the trackpads on Apple approach. At some point I then met by chance in a store on the Magic Trackpad. I had never heard of it, so I was initially somewhat surprising. However, after trying recently I was really excited, super response, to a large, pleasant smooth through the glass surface, super! Unfortunately, the trackpad works only from 10.6, so it was useless for my Mac Mini with 10.4. Thus was the Magic Trackpad, the second reason to upgrade to 10.6.
- Another reason was, finally, the fact that relatively many programs run only from 10.6, so BSW. the latest version of iTunes. Also for other, non-Apple programs that Snow Leopard is now minimum requirement.
In summary: Many great features current Macs, BSW. the Mac App Store or the Magic Trackpad, and many current programs require at least 10.6 Snow Leopard. Therefore was, at least for me, the update to 10.6 totally worth it.
. 2
The installation:
At first I was a bit skeptical about whether Snow Leopard would run smoothly on my Mac. Although 10.5 ran flawlessly, but I was afraid that my Mac 10.6 slowed significantly. In addition, I had previously made little experience with Mac OS X, an operating system, I had never installed. Because of the new features I have but ultimately, despite concerns, decided my Mac to upgrade to 10.6.
First, the data on my Mac:
iMac (Late 2006)
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz
3 GB RAM
The basic prerequisite for Snow Leopard is a Mac with an Intel processor (Important: PowerPC processors BSW, G4 or G5, are no longer supported, here is with 10.5 Unfortunately circuit.!) And 1GB of RAM. You also need to install a DVD drive. The requirements fulfilled my iMac, so I ordered Snow Leopard.
Supplied are located next to the installation DVD still a manual describing in addition to installing more new features in 10.6 (which are rather incidental, because Snow Leopard now brings much greater innovations with itself). Otherwise, two relatively large Apple stickers are still included, not important, but a nice addition.
I was as I said in advance a little skeptical because I have never installed an operating system and hardly had experiences with OS X, according to reports, however, seemed to be very simple to install. To be honest, I still can hardly claim to have installed an operating system, because the Mac is really doing this almost all by himself. Once you have inserted the installation disc into the drive, already opens the installation software. Here you will now start the installation and indicates whether you want to install everything (including printer drivers, etc.). Optionally you can also everything you need not deselect. Since Snow Leopard, however, total only about 5 GB occupied, I have everything installed by default. Subsequently, the installation, which takes about 30-45 minutes to start. When finished, you can still possibly specify name, address, etc. for Apple, then Snow Leopard is ready for use. The pace of work has really surprised absolutely no loss of speed, the system continues to work very fast. Even the start-up is much faster compared to a Windows machine. I even have a whole feel that the Mac is still working a little bit faster than before.
With appropriate software update to the Mac downloads the latest version 10.6.8. After restarting the Mac App Store and is therefore now available.
I have not done a backup before installing, since I already previously had little data on the Mac. All data were available but even after installation.
. 3
Conclusion: I am running Snow Leopard more than satisfied. The installation went very easy absolutely, these are practically no previous experience necessary. The operating speed of Snow Leopard is excellent, although my Mac already has under his belt a few years, everything goes very quickly by hand. The new features that brings with 10.6 to inspire me absolutely: The Mac App Store is a sensible and very practical idea, so applications can be quickly, easily and clearly download. Even the Magic Trackpad, which requires at least 10.6, and inspires me absolutely convinced me in many applications, more than any mouse. The price of around 30-40 euros I find very fair, because you really excellent new features offered here. Overall, I would therefore recommend any owner of 10.5 Leopard and the appropriate hardware, the update to Snow Leopard warmly, it is worth it in my eyes anyway. I have at least never regret it!
If there is still any question about Snow Leopard, Mac OS X or the installation, of course, I am always happy to help!
