How does upgrading OS X work?

[skiz]

I'm new to Macs so please bear with me...

I have a new 13" MacBook Pro Retina laptop. When 'Mavericks' comes out, I suppose I'll be upgrading to it. Will I see that as an option in the Mac App Store similar to how I see Mountain Lion updates?

Also, I admittedly have a bootleg version of Photoshop installed to see if I'll like it and want to pay the new monthly fee they're moving towards (finally affordable?). Does all of that just transfer over to the new Mavericks OS X?

I'm used to PC's and having a new version of an OS can mean backing everything up and starting all over again. Can someone please clarify some of these questions for me? Also, feel free to point out any other points you feel might help. Thanks.

 

[Spink10]

Yes you will be able to install Mavericks right over ML. You will be able to purchase it from the App Store.

 

[benwiggy]

Also, I admittedly have a bootleg version of Photoshop installed to see if I'll like it and want to pay the new monthly fee they're moving towards (finally affordable?). Does all of that just transfer over to the new Mavericks OS X?

A default installation of OS X puts the new system "in place" of the old one, leaving all your apps, user data and preferences intact.

As for Photoshop, it's good that you're "coming clean", though I would urge you to think again about the new "software rental" that Adobe is offering. The monthly fee might be cheap, but it's forever. As soon as you stop paying, you can't use Photoshop.

For most purposes, there are plenty of other software packages that offer good image manipulation, conversion, adjustment, etc. Pixelmator, for instance, is gaining a lot of enthusiasm. Either that, or buy Photoshop Elements, which will have most of the standard functions and is very affordable.

My purchase of Creative Suite 6 is my last payment to Adobe, unless they change their minds. When CS6 no longer runs on OS X, I'll move to other software.