Upgrading to Snow.... but suspicious of updates

In two weeks, I'll be purchasing Autodesk Maya. Maya operates at 64 bits, and I use 6GB of RAM, so Snow Leopard seems like a logical upgrade.
Problem is, I hate upgrades. I'm both a Mac and Windows user, and have NEVER met an upgrade that makes my machine run faster! (with the exception of Windows 7). Updates always seem to be geared towards current hardware, and do nothing for me but remind me why my one or two year old computer is obsolete.
When I upgraded from .4 to 10.5, I discovered that ProTools wouldn't work on 10.5. I worked on my PC for months until it did...but then most of my plugins had to be updated. And of course PT8 use 16m colors, upgraded from 256 colors, so PT now has video latency on my Mac.
My Mac Pro is about 2 years old. Every update is going to slow it down a little. Will Snow Leopard be a regrettable decision?

Then don't.
Only reason would be if you need to. 6GB is not a reason and is actually very low amount for a Mac Pro.
Some graphic cards now require 10.6.5, like ATI 5870 (not sure what the Quadro 4000 requires but that card does a lot for those apps that use the nVidia CUDA and Adobe plug-ins, and benefit from 2GB graphics memory).
SL has been out almost 1.5 yrs so time for many applications to go through an upgrade cycle and be compatible. CS5 5.03 just came out.
I would suggest if you have not already pursuing
http://www.macperformanceguide.com
Mac Pro does have its own forum.

Similar Messages

  • Is there a cd drive that can be externally connected with my macbook pro unibody version approx. 2007? My cd drive is broke and want to upgrade to lion but need to update to snow leopard first.

    Is there an external cd drive that can be connected to my macbook pro, unibody, approx 2007. My cd drive is broken and I want to install snow leopard which only comes on a cd.

    Yes Any exrernal DVD drive that connecs by USP port will work. It does not have to be sold by or have the Apple name on it to work. I use an Asus, got it from newegg.com. $30US.

  • After hard drive crash, Pages app brought over, and upgrade to snow leopard installed, Pages would not launch.  Re-downloaded the 3.0.3 update and Pages launched, but will not open any documents or start new document.

    After a hard-drive crash, Pages application was brought over from the old hard drive, and upgraded to snow leopard.  However, Pages would not launch.  I do not have the disks and the computer was given to me by my son with iWork 08 installed, so I do not have the ability to re-install using Purchases.  I re-installed the update 3.0.3, which I already had, but thought it worth a try.  That enabled Pages to launch, but it will not open a new or old document.  I can see in preview the document, but it will not open.  Any suggestions besides repurchasing Pages.  I've just put out a lot of money for a new hard drive and retrieval of apps and docs from the old hard drive and would like not to have to put more money in it. 
    Thanks for any suggestions.

    You can not simply drag over Pages, particularly if it was perhaps damaged in a crash.
    As it was only Pages '08 it may be time to upgrade to Pages '09 from the App Store. It is not that expensive and will allow you to install it on any Mac sharing the same Apple I.D. and protect you from a repeat of this problem.
    There are free alternatives to Pages if you are hard strapped, it depends on what you are using Pages for, it is not the only option by far.
    Peter

  • Have upgraded to Snow Leopard. Pages icon still there but wont open, and i cant open my pages docs. Any ideas

    Have upgraded to Snow Leopard. Pages icon still on dock but wont open. Also I cant view my documents. Do I have to buy Pages from ITunes? Thankyou

    Good, use the disc. Also do the software updates. You can download from here http://www.apple.com/support/pages/
    and you don't need the Pages 4.1/ iWork 9.1 I downgraded from iWork 9.1 to iWork 9.0.5.

  • Trying to upgrade from snow leopard to lion. Father already purchased Lion online a few months ago but did not use upgrade (did not know cmp was already running on lion). How can I use his upgrade on my computer without having to buy another Lion upgrade?

    Hi,
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    Thank you so much!!!

    Unless he controls your machine (same household), you can't. At $30 USD, pop for your own copy.

  • I am new to mac's and have upgrade from Snow Leopard to Lion but......

    I am new to mac's and have upgrade from Snow Leopard to Lion but not all my application will work. Is it save to reinstall using original snow leopard dvd and does it wipe all my other application like apature? I am in a panic over this, any help!!
    I came across this online and i want to know is it safe to do this:
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    Insert the Snow Leopard disc. Restart your Mac and hold down C to boot to your DVD drive.
    Go to Utilities in the menu bar once the installer pops up and select “Disk Utility.”
    Find the drive in the sidebar where Lion is installed, select it and navigate to the Partition tab.
    Click on the drop down menu under Partition Layout and select “1 Partition.” Hit Apply.
    Now navigate to the Erase tab and make sure “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” is selected, then hit Erase to delete all data on the drive.
    Quit Disk Utility to get back to the Snow Leopard installer and proceed with the install.
    Restore your User folder and documents from your backup.
    Run Software Update to get everything current, install your apps from your original install media and update those as well.
    if any one can help me that would be great, thanks Mike

    Before you do that why not do this first:
    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your Lion Recovery HD. When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
    To boot from the Recovery HD restart the computer. After the chime hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
    If this doesn't help, then you can proceed to reinstall Snow Leopard as follows:
    Downgrade Lion to Snow Leopard
    1.  Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button.  When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
    2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area.  If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing.  SMART info will not be reported  on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
    3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
    4. Quit DU and return to the installer. Install Snow Leopard.
    This will erase the whole drive so be sure to backup your files if you don't have a backup already. If you have performed a TM backup using Lion be aware that you cannot restore from that backup in Snow Leopard. I suggest you make a separate backup using Carbon Copy Cloner 3.4.1.
    This will erase the drive so be sure to backup your files before doing this.

  • I have a MacBook 5,1 (13.3" aluminum from 2007 or 2008). Automatic updates will only let me get to OSX 10.5.8.  Can I upgrade to Snow Leopard, Lion 10.6 or even 10.6.8?  Also, will I have any issues with my iPhone if it's updated to iOS 7.1?

    I have a MacBook 5,1 (13.3" aluminum from 2007 or 2008). Automatic updates will only let me get to OSX 10.5.8.  Can I upgrade to Snow Leopard, Lion 10.6 or even 10.6.8?  Also, will I have any issues with my iPhone if it's updated to iOS 7.1?

    The 10.6 Snow Leopard DVD is in the Apple online store. You can get it for $19.99. You will need to be running 10.6.8 to access the App Store to order Lion or Mountain Lion. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
    System Requirements for 10.6:
    Mac computer with an Intel processor
    1GB of memory
    5GB of available disk space
    DVD drive for installation
    Some features require a compatible internet service provider: fees may apply.
    You can upgrade direct from 10.6.8 to 10.8 Mountain Lion without going through 10.7 Lion with the Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody. The Model 5,1 will probably run 10.9 Mavricks when it comes out.
    10.8 Mountain Lion is a download from the App Store, the price is $19.99.
    Mountain Lion will require at least 2gb of RAM but really needs 4gb to run smoothly.
    As for third party programs see this list for compatibility with 10.8 http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
    Also Mountain Lion doesn't run any Power PC programs. To see if you have any Power PC programs go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up select Applications under Software. Then look under Kind to see if any of your applications are listed as Power PC. Universal and Intel will run under Mountain Lion.
    Before Mac switched to Intel processors in 2006 they used Power PC processors from 1994 to 2005. Power PC 601 through 604, G3, G4 and G5. Applications written for the Power PC processors need the application called Rosetta to run on Intel processors. This was part of the Operating System in 10.4 and 10.5 but was an optional install in 10.6. With 10.7 Lion Apple dropped all support for Power PC applications.

  • Upgraded to snow leopard and ilife 11 and updated itunes

    I tunes is not recognizing my ipod touch.  I recently updated itunes after upgrading to snow leopard and ilife 11.  the ipod shows that it is charging and is recognized by iphoto but not itunes.  I followed the steps listed at http://www.apple.com/support/ipodtouch/assistant/itunes/#section_7 however no change.

    Download 9.1 and 9.2.3 updates and install them

  • I had quicktime pro, I upgraded to snow leapoard and installed iLife and lost quicktime pro. How do I get it back.  I tried re installing quicktime but it will not let me??

    I had quicktime pro, I upgraded to snow leapoard and installed iLife and lost quicktime pro. How do I get it back.  I tried re installing quicktime but it will not let me??

    Mac OS X 10.6 includes QuickTime versions 10.0 and 7.6.3. The QuickTime 7 player will only be present if a QuickTime Pro key was present at the time of installation, or if specified as part of a custom install, or individually downloaded:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/dl923
    Snow Leopard update 10.6.4 included an update to 7.6.6 (if installed). You can install it from the above link  even though it says for 10.6.3. It's the same version of QuickTime Player 7.6.6.
    (Only QuickTime Player 7.6.3 or 7.6.6 can be updated to "Pro".)

  • I upgraded to snow leopard 10.6.3 but it is not showing up...?

    So I upgraded to Snow Leopard 10.6.3 with the install disc and I'm pretty sure it installed properly since nothing came back about a failed installation but when I go to look at "about my mac" window it still says I'm running 10.5.8. I don't know if it actually worked or not now. Is there something else I need to do? Is there something I've done wrong?
    (I do have the intel processer so I know I can upgrade to snow leopard)
    my goal is to eventually upgrade to mavericks at some point,which is supposedly possible through snow leopard.
    Thanks so much for any possible help,much apperciated!

    Please do this:
    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and quit the installer.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    Upon satisfactory completion boot from your Snow Leopard DVD and resinstall Snow Leopard. Upon completion you may wish to update it to Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

  • I need to upgrade from Snow Leopard.  I want Mountain Lion, but says I need 10.7 Lion first.  How do I buy this?

    I need to upgrade from Snow Leopard.  I want Mountain Lion, but apparently I need 10.7 Lion first.  How do I buy this? It is not available in the App Store.

    Update Snow Leopard to  10.6 Snow Leopard  to 10.6.8.
    Download OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and install it.
    Mountain Lion system requirements.
    http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/
    Fore more info:
    http://www.macworld.com/article/1167855/installing_mountain_lion_what_you_need_t o_know.html

  • I have a canon multifunction printer that used to work with snow leopard but since I updated to mountain lion my printer stop working, How do I make it work again?

    I have a canon multifunction printer that used to work with snow leopard but since I updated to mountain lion it stoped working. How do I make it work again?

    This problem is not unheard of when upgrading from Snow Leopard. It is usually solved by completely deleting the existing printer in System Preferences > Print & Scan, and adding it again.

  • I purchased snow leopard and got a disk with OSX 10.6.3 but my macbook with intel processor and 1 gig won't update.  It restarts but doesn't update after disk installs

    I purchased snow leopard from online macstore in Australia and got a disk with OSX 10.6.3 but my macbook with intel processor and 1 gig won't update from 10.5.8.  It restarts but doesn't update after disk installs.  Do I need 10.6.0 to install first? 

    Insert the Snow Leopard DVD, restart your MacBook while holding down the C key, this should start your Mac from the optical drive instead of your hard drive. Choose your language and install Snow Leopard. When it's done and you've restarted on your new 10.6.3 system run software update to upgrade to 10.6.8. Done.

  • Hi, I am interested in upgrading to snow leopard but I've heard in some cases it messed up peoples computers. Is there any advantages in upgrading to Snow Leopard from Leopard? Thank you in advance for the advice!

    Hi, I am interested in upgrading to snow leopard but I've heard in some cases it messed up peoples computers. Is there any advantages in upgrading to Snow Leopard from Leopard? Thank you in advance for the advice points will be given to multiple users. Here are my computer specs (Leopard 10.5.8.)
      Model Name:    iMac
      Model Identifier:    iMac7,1
      Processor Name:    Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed:    2 GHz
      Number Of Processors:    1
      Total Number Of Cores:    2
      L2 Cache:    4 MB
      Memory:    2 GB
      Bus Speed:    800 MHz

    You need not upgrade unless there is something you do that cannot be done unless you upgrade. Upgrading OS X doesn't mess up anyone's computer. Users mess up their computers.
    Your model has 2 GBs of RAM which is adequate for Snow Leopard although 4 GBs would be better. Upgrading to Snow Leopard will cost $29.00. You can order from Apple's Online Store. Here's a good procedure to follow:
    How to Install OS X Updates Successfully
    A. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions:
    Boot from your current OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally. 
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger) and/or TechTool Pro (4.5.2 for Tiger) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    B. Make a Bootable Backup Using Restore Option of Disk Utility:
    Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder.
    Select the destination volume from the left side list.
    Click on the Restore tab in the DU main window.
    Check the box labeled Erase destination.
    Select the destination volume from the left side list and drag it to the Destination entry field.
    Select the source volume from the left side list and drag it to the Source entry field.
    Double-check you got it right, then click on the Restore button.
    Destination means the external backup drive. Source means the internal startup drive.
    C. Important: Please read before installing:
    If you have a FireWire hard drive connected, disconnect it before installing the update unless you will boot from this drive and install the update on it. Reconnect it and turn it back on after installation is complete and you've restarted.
    You may experience unexpected results if you have installed third-party system software modifications, or if you have modified the operating system through other means. (This does not apply to normal application software installation.)
    The installation process should not be interrupted. If a power outage or other interruption occurs during installation, use the standalone installer (see below) from Apple Downloads to update.  While the installation is in progress do not use the computer.
    D. To upgrade:
    Purchase the Snow Leopard Retail DVD.
    Boot From The OS X Installer Disc:
    Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.
    Restart the computer.
    Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.
    Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple logo appears.
    Wait for installer to finish loading.
    E. If updating:
    Download and install update(s) 
    Use Software Update, or
    Download standalone updater(s).

  • Hi, Hi, Hi  I have the old MacBook Pro. Upgraded to Mountain Lion which completely wrecked the system. So downgraded to Snow Leopard. The updated the combo update. Now stuck on blue screen at start-up. Need help. Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Hi,
    I have the old MacBook Pro. Upgraded to Mountain Lion which completely wrecked the system. So downgraded to Snow Leopard.
    Then updated the combo update. Now stuck on blue screen at start-up.
    Need help. Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Downgrade Lion/Mountain Lion to Snow Leopard
      1. Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer Disc. After the installer
          loads select your language and click on the Continue
          button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the
          Utilities menu.
      2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the
          mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status
          of the drive in DU's status area.  If it does not say "Verified" then
          the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing.  SMART
          info will not be reported  on external drives. Otherwise, click on
          the Partition tab in the DU main window.
      3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions
          from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS
          Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the
          partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Click on
          the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
      4. Quit DU and return to the installer. Install Snow Leopard.
    This will erase the whole drive so be sure to backup your files if you don't have a backup already. If you have performed a TM backup using Lion be aware that you cannot restore from that backup in Snow Leopard (see below.) I suggest you make a separate backup using Carbon Copy Cloner.
    If you have Snow Leopard Time Machine backups, do a full system restore per #14 in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions.  If you have subsequent backups from Lion, you can restore newer items selectively, via the "Star Wars" display, per #15 there, but be careful; some Snow Leopard apps may not work with the Lion files.

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