Moving from 10.6.8 to Lion (Need Advice)

[PacMan3000]

Hey guys.

So, I have 10.6.8 Snow Leopard--bought my computer from the Apple Store in 2009. Now--and maybe it's all hype that's making me paranoid--but the security issues that are hitting the news/Internet regarding Apple operating systems have me a little concerned--even if people say my version of OSX isn't necessarily affected.

With that said, here are my questions:

1) If 10.6.8 no longer receive security updates, does it make sense now to make the jump to Mountain Lion? I'm not a person that needs the latest and greatest OSX--my needs aren't that massive, I just want something to be secure in case I need to, for example, pay a bill online or buy something from Amazon--things everyone does but that involves the transfer of personal information.

2) If so, I'm also curious...do I download Lion 10.7? Or 10.8? Or do I first need to download 10.7, and then go to the Software Update in the menu section to then automatically download whatever latest OSX version for Lion is available? I'm referring to Lion specifically just because I'm not sure I absolutely NEED Maverick, and I know it requires your computer to be a bit more powerful.

3) Lastly, if and when I pay for and purchase Lion (either 10.7 or 10.8), will the actual download itself of Lion INCLUDE this latest security patch update that was released on Wednesday (this SSL security update)? Or, will I first have to download Lion, and then go to Software Updates to THEN download the security update/patch after the new OSX itself has downloaded and installed?

Thanks guys!

 

[Weaselboy]

Is your machine on this list? If it is, just do the free upgrade to Mavericks. You can go straight from SL to Mavericks.

Or if you want to go to ML, you can go straight to ML and the version your download will be the latest with the recent security patches.

An upgrade like this will not erase your data, but backup first anyway just to be safe.

 

[Fishrrman]

Whichever route you go, I suggest you use CarbonCopyCloner to create a bootable clone of your 10.6 installation. The idea is to have "something to go back to" if for some reason you don't like the new OS, or the installation fails.

Both 10.7 and 10.8 seem fine to me.
I really don't care for Mavericks at this point (I see issues with the way it handles memory, slow loading of apps, etc.). My opinion only.

One consideration:
Will the current apps you use continue to work after the upgrade, or will they require updating as well?

If it was me, I'd do this:
1. Create the bootable clone external volume (as above)
2. Boot from the clone, download 10.7 or 10.8 (might as well go for 10.8)
3. Re-initialize the internal drive
4. Do a completely fresh install onto the internal drive
5. At the close of the install, "migrate over" existing accounts, apps and data
6. Boot from the fresh install. If things look good, run software update and get the OS "current".

 

[PacMan3000]

First off, thank you both. I appreciate the advice.

One quick followup....so if I understand Weaselboy correctly, Mavericks is free if you have 10.6.8. I can go to the Mac store and, if my computer meets the requirements, upgrade to Mavericks for free.

What I'm wondering then is this...why is it that when I Google 10.7 Lion or 10.8 Lion, it costs $19.99? Shouldn't Lion, which isn't as new or updated/robust as Mavericks be free, and in contrast shouldn't Mavericks have the $19.99 price tag?

I'm a little confused by this.

 

[Weaselboy]

First off, thank you both. I appreciate the advice.

One quick followup....so if I understand Weaselboy correctly, Mavericks is free if you have 10.6.8. I can go to the Mac store and, if my computer meets the requirements, upgrade to Mavericks for free.

What I'm wondering then is this...why is it that when I Google 10.7 Lion or 10.8 Lion, it costs $19.99? Shouldn't Lion, which isn't as new or updated/robust as Mavericks be free, and in contrast shouldn't Mavericks have the $19.99 price tag?

I'm a little confused by this.

Correct... just go to the App Store and "purchase" the free Mavs upgrade and DL then install it.

Apple charged (and still charges) for Lion and Mt. Lion... then went to free for Mavericks. For whatever reason they never went back and made Lion or Mt. Lion free.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

2) If so, I'm also curious...do I download Lion 10.7? Or 10.8? Or do I first need to download 10.7, and then go to the Software Update in the menu section to then automatically download whatever latest OSX version for Lion is available? I'm referring to Lion specifically just because I'm not sure I absolutely NEED Maverick, and I know it requires your computer to be a bit more powerful.

I've not found this to be true. The performance of Mavericks is almost identical to Mountain Lion and they both run faster than Lion on the four Macs I have access to.

Since you don't seem to upgrade your Mac often, I'd go with Mavericks because you'll get the longest period of support out of it.

If you encounter any major issues with whatever version you upgrade to - try doing a reinstall but backup all your data and then format your drive before installation.