QA Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Server

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What if I would like to upgrade from Tiger 10.4 to Snow Leopard? What should I get?

I really would like to run Boot Camp on my computer, and feel upgrading from Tiger to Snow Leopard would be the smartest route. I am not sure what programs to buy.

  • Asked by Elizabeth H from Auburn
  • Dec 5, 2009

1 Answer from the Community

  • Best Answer

    Hi EH,
    Is this really an OS X Server question?
    You want to upgrade your Mac from OS X 10.4 Tiger to OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, so you can run Boot Camp and boot Windows, correct? You just need OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, $29.95. You don't need Server to run Boot Camp.

    Do you use iLife, or other separately sold and licensed Apple products on top of Mac OS? OS X 10.4 Tiger to OS X 10.5 Leopard was a significant upgrade, with many new features and it was priced to match. $129.95 for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard upgrade from 10.4, and you'll be wise to upgrade any separate products, Apple or other, you've got on your system.

    Apple has a migration path they call the "Box Set" that includes OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (not Server) with the latest iLife and iTunes, etc. If you are using iLife, the Box Set might be smarter than just throwing the $29.95 Snow Leopard under your 10.4 apps and hoping for the best. 10.5 really DID add a lot and 10.6 includes all that too.

    On the other hand, if you're running the Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client and Open Office, play your music on iTunes and keep your photos in separate directories, then back up your data, install Snow Leopard as an upgrade, and see what happens. Your productivity tools, except, iTunes, are all open-source and free to download the latest versions. You lead a slightly exciting life as a technogeek and you enjoy it.

    You have to pay to upgrade iTunes, you may have to do a clean re-install (initialize boot disk, that's the clean part. Then boot the Snow Leopard 10.6 CD/DVD and install it, then everything else). A clean install/reinstall means putting all (ALL) your user data back on (that's why you back it up first). You'll have to recreate user accounts and browser book marks, and reinstall your applications. Some of them may need to be upgraded from 10.4 Tiger to their latest versions, 10.5/10.6. You can back-up your iTunes by sync'ing to an iPod and then sync'ing back back to the new OS.

    • Answered by Bill A from Oakland
    • Sep 24, 2010