2 computers to upgrade to lion - question

I'm having my computer gurus take care of some cleanup plus the upgrade to Lion on my iMac and my laptop. They're going to need to keep the computer(s) for a few days and I hate to be totally without anything for that long.
Is there any advantage to giving them both computers so they can do both upgrades at the same time? Or can I just have them do the iMac and then, when have it back, the laptop?
Just need somone's opinion.  Turning over both computers and going without just makes me nervous.

The only advantage to giving them both computers at once is that you will have Lion installed on both right away.  If you can do without both computers during whatever timeframe they give you on how long it will take to complete the installation, then do that.  If you need computer access, then have them do one at a time.

Similar Messages

  • Upgrade to Lion question

    Hi,
    I have Mac Mini with Snow Leopard pre-installed, I want to buy Lion upgrade from App Store, if I formatted my Mac and installed a new clean Snow Leopard from attached Mac OS DVD, can I get Lion upgrade again from App Store?

    Yes.
    (59504)

  • Help with simple OS upgrade and backup questions for a dumb old previous PC user...?

    Ok...have mercy on me, please...
    I am not completely dumb, I know typical board etiquette, and I have searched for various answers (and found many)...but I just want to confirm my personal "research" and get all of this clear up before I proceed with this insanity.  I know I could probably search more, but this is taking hours, because of all my various questions, one leads to 10 more...
    I have an iMac with Mac OS X Version 10.5.8 (which, though not mentioned anywhere?...is apparently "Leopard", right?  Told you I was dumb...)
    Processor:  3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory: 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
    My main goal:  install an app that was in the Mac App store.
    However, with Leopard, I can't access the Mac App store with Leopard, apparently. 
    I click on the Mac App store, and up pops up a Lion advertisement...telling me I should upgrade.  Ok, fine...probably a good idea, anyway...
    But how do you upgrade to Lion?  Apparently through the Mac App store!
    The web-redirects on the Apple site are amusing...taking me on an endless cycle...purchase Lion in the app store...click..."you need to upgrade to Lion"...OK...click..."you need Lion at the app store"...OK...click..."you need to upgrade to Lion to get to the app store"....etc.
    OK...fine...google searches...ahh, I need to upgrade to Snow Leopard first, apparently!  Yes?
    (Maybe the Apple redirects should detect that I have Leopard, and direct me to a screen that explains that I must upgrade to Snow Leopard...and then Lion!  Do you hear that, Apple?  Thanks.)
    Anyway...so here's my plan:
    1) Upgrade to Snow Leopard
    2) Access the Mac app store
    3) Upgrade to Lion
    Question A:  With my iMac (specs above), is it really advisable for me to do this?  Can my computer really handle Lion?  It seems I barely meet the minimum with my intel core 2 Duo and 2 GB ram...yes?  Is this a dumb idea, even if "OK"?  I know that "minimum requirements" on a PC often meant:  "Well, it will work...but it will be slower than a snail and crash if you run 5 programs at the same time" (which I usually do...)  I don't want to upgrade if the "minimum" is really not enough. 
    Question B:  If the answer to A is "not a good idea", then  do I just need a new computer (i.e. better processor)?  Or do I need more Ram?  And can I add Ram to this computer, and is it relatively easy?  I have added Ram to PCs tons of times, and you always have to determine type of Ram for your board, make sure they "match", or whatever, and then open up the machine and install.  Kind of a pain, but once I have the "right" type of Ram, opening the CPU and installing is within my abilities.  Will it be harder for a Mac?
    = = =
    Next:
    When upgrading an OS on a Windows, you pretty much format the harddrive and start all over.  Back in the day I was a PC user, there wasn't really a "great" way to back up programs and files, so this was a nightmare.  You could NOT just back-up software.  You typically had to re-purchase and install it all from scratch.  Is this the same with Macs?  Furthermore, personal files were scattered all over the hard-drive for the individual software...so trying to back all that up to get it back on the new system = nightmare!  I hate PCs.
    Anyway...so, my iMac has Time Machine.  I am pretty ignorant about this, and based on my previous PC backup program nightmares, I have a distrust for it...and don't really understand how it works.  But in any event, my external drive crashed a few months ago, and I haven't replaced it, yet.  So, I am replacing it soon and will get Time Machine back up and running...setting it up again, etc...leading to question C...
    Question C: When upgrading from Leopard to Snow Leopard to Lion, what is the best way to ensure I keep all my programs and files.  My wife and I both access the computer, so two user accounts.  Does Time Machine really do a good job backing up everything and all things?  Is it just a matter of upgrade to Snow Leopard...then immediately to Lion...and then some sort of "Restore" from Time Machine?  Anything for me to "watch out for"...or to do when I buy a new external hard-drive and setup up Time Machine for the first time on it, in order to make this work well?  Will I have to re-install all the various applications I have installed on this thing?  (like with PCs?)
    Thanks for any sincere help. 

    yachadhoo wrote:
    I have an iMac with Mac OS X Version 10.5.8 (which, though not mentioned anywhere?...is apparently "Leopard", right?  Told you I was dumb...)
    Processor:  3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory: 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
    Apple has discontinued support for 10.5, it's a plaque of our platform that Apple only supports the last two operating systems in circulation.
    Where as on Windows you can run the same OS version for 10 years and get updates free (if not stolen), on a Mac we get one year, two tops now and if you don't upgrade and break all your third party software and hardware drivers in the process, then your denied security updates.
    On top of that, the OS X upgrades tend to break your older hardware too, or slow it down so much that it drives you to want to buy newer hardware.
    It's funny Apple places the AppStore on your OS X version along with iTunes and Safari updates, but then doens't supply necessary security updates, your machine may be compromised and here you enter vital credit card info, banking  etc. thinking you have a secure machine.
    My advice, since that's a 10.5 era Mac, is to upgrade to 10.6.3 via this disk, then use Software Update until clear. You'll get security updates and your present installed 10.5 software will work in 10.6 using Rosetta.
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A
    Rosetta is not avaialble in 10.7 so it could be a lot of your software will no longer function
    http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
    I don't see the sense in you buying all new software for a machine that's at it's end of life stage.
    You can buy software in the AppStore with 10.6.
    Question A:  With my iMac (specs above), is it really advisable for me to do this?  Can my computer really handle Lion?  It seems I barely meet the minimum with my intel core 2 Duo and 2 GB ram...yes?
    You will need to buy 4GB of RAM to run Lion well, the 2GB is just a bare minimum, and your processor is a bit dated.
    Lion 10.7 is certainly slower than Snow Leopard 10.6, in fact so many wanted to go back to Snow Leopard and one of the resons was Lion was slow.
    So I wrote a User Tip, here, but the Tips were implemented only recently.
    How to revert your Mac to Snow Leopard
    Question B:  If the answer to A is "not a good idea", then  do I just need a new computer (i.e. better processor)?  Or do I need more Ram?  And can I add Ram to this computer, and is it relatively easy?  I have added Ram to PCs tons of times, and you always have to determine type of Ram for your board, make sure they "match", or whatever, and then open up the machine and install.  Kind of a pain, but once I have the "right" type of Ram, opening the CPU and installing is within my abilities.  Will it be harder for a Mac?
    RAM is easy, you can buy it at Otherworld Computing or Crucial.com and install it yourself, there is a little door under the monitor.
    Videos online at YouTube.
    When upgrading an OS on a Windows, you pretty much format the harddrive and start all over.  Back in the day I was a PC user, there wasn't really a "great" way to back up programs and files, so this was a nightmare.  You could NOT just back-up software.  You typically had to re-purchase and install it all from scratch.  Is this the same with Macs?  Furthermore, personal files were scattered all over the hard-drive for the individual software...so trying to back all that up to get it back on the new system = nightmare!  I hate PCs.
    Mac'soperaing system is seperate, it can be replaced or upgraded indepentantly of programs or user accounts on the machine.
    There are some programs that install a kernel extension file at boot into OS X, those get knocked out, but those can be replaced with a new install of the software.
    You should always backup your users files as those can't be repalced.
     Most commonly used backup methods explained
    Question C: When upgrading from Leopard to Snow Leopard to Lion, what is the best way to ensure I keep all my programs and files.
    OS X upgrades dont' affect User accounts but they can have a affect on programs installed, which most of your 10.5 programs likely will no longer work in 10.7
    However they will (with a slight update) work in 10.6 just like before.
    You need to backup regardless, I suggest a manual backup of users files to a storage drive, a 10.5 clone on another drive, the your ready to upgrade to 10.6
    10.5 to 10.6 upgrade is rather painless, also 10.6 gives accelerated video drivers, so your machine will appear faster.
    However once you install 10.7, you will slow down.
    Does Time Machine really do a good job backing up everything and all things? 
    No, you shouldn't rely upon TM, have a multiple backup stragedy, TM files are hard to access directly.
    Is it just a matter of upgrade to Snow Leopard...then immediately to Lion...and then some sort of "Restore" from Time Machine?
    No need to restore, OS X upgrades and leaves everything else in place, just some programs (with 10.6) or a lot (with 10.7) when you try to launch them they will fail.
    Also when you connect TM it will do a substancial change to reflect the new boot drive.
    If you were using TM as a "storage drive" thinking you can use the archived versions later, that wil change upon the new OS X  upgrade.
    But in any event, my external drive crashed a few months ago, and I haven't replaced it, yet.  So, I am replacing it soon and will get Time Machine back up and running...setting it up again, etc...leading to question C..
    You need not only TM drive, but a bootable clone and user files on a storage drive.
     Most commonly used backup methods explained
    Will I have to re-install all the various applications I have installed on this thing?  (like with PCs?)
    No, depending upon what OS X version you stop at depends how many programs no longer work.
    You will have to buy a lot of new or upgrade versions with 10.7, not so with 10.6 only updates mostly because of Rosetta on 10.6 and not on 10.7
    My opinion, since that machine is a bit dated, is to upgrade to 10.6, Software update to 10.6.8, and stay there.
    Later on 10.8 is being released after this summer, you may want to consider getting a new machine with 10.8 a few months later to ensure all the bugs are worked out of it.
    Your not a comptuer savvy person, you like most Apple users expect your machine to "just work" I think going to 10.7 will be a bad experience for you.
    10.6.8 will server your needs until 10.8 is released and on new hardware where Apple will hold your hand for free for three months, 3 years with AppleCare.
    Your not a "OS X upgrader type of a person" and Apple needs to get of thier collective assets and pay better attention to it's most common users.

  • We have two IMac computers.  Do I need to purchase two upgrades to Lion or can I use one upgrade on bo†h on my computers?

    I have two IMac computers.  Both running the latest version on Snow Leopard.  To upgrade to Lion, do I need to purchase two upgrades or can I use one purchase for bo†h computers?
    Thanks,
    Alice

    As I understand the as yet unconfirmed rumor by me, is that once you pay for a single copy of Lion, every computer you have that's authorized under your Apple ID can download it, no limit on number.

  • Question About Upgrading To Lion OS

    I have an iMac 27" which I got in 17-Jul.
    I want to upgrade to Lion OS from Snow Leapord v10.6.8. 
    My question is if I go to MAC App Store and pay $29.99 for Lion OS and install it, will it format my MAC or wipe out all of my data {photo's, mp3, video, data files} ?

    You should always do a full backup before any upgrade. By default Lion will not erase, but rather install over top of SL.
    I usually recommend doing a fresh install though as it will make for a better experience with the new operating system.
    If your interested, here's how to create a boot disc 
    http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20080989-263/how-to-create-an-os-x-lion-ins tallation-disc/
    Once created simply go into system preferences, startup disc and select your Lion boot disc. Once restarted go into utilities, erase your hard-drive. Install Lion and then restore from a backup.

  • I have a question? I update my macbook pro but every time I do and I go back to where it says software update it says that if I want to update my pro I just did, and Im using Mac Os X snow leopard is it that I have to upgrade to lion?

    I have a question? I update my macbook pro but every time I do and I go back to where it says software update it says that if I want to update my pro I just did, and Im using Mac Os X snow leopard is it that I have to upgrade to lion?

    It also says view updates, so select that option and see what it wants to update.

  • I just bought a 2009 macbook pro with an os upgrade to lion. my question is how do i take the previous owners name (like when i bluetooth) to my name???

    I just bought a 2009 macbook pro with an os upgrade to lion. my question is how do i change the previous owners name (like when i bluetooth) to my name???

    Your MBP should have been given to you with the original installation disks and OS.  The Lion OS is licensed to the person who sold it to you.  You will have create your own account and purchase Lion if you wish to use it.  Those are the stipulations in the licensing agreements.
    Ciao.

  • Hi, having old macbook pro intending to upgrade my os from snow leopard to lion but negative reviews on lion just put me off..i have ms office and photo shop installed on my machine..my question is will upgrading to lion stop me using those application?

    Hi, having old macbook pro intending to upgrade my os from snow leopard to lion but negative reviews on lion just put me off..i have ms office and photo shop installed on my machine..my question is will upgrading to lion stop me using those application? thank you.

    htfromgrantown wrote:
    Hi, having old macbook pro intending to upgrade my os from snow leopard to lion but negative reviews on lion just put me off..i have ms office and photo shop installed on my machine..my question is will upgrading to lion stop me using those application? thank you.
    Negative reviews are common place here as it is a trouble shooting forum. If you want to read the advantages, improvements and new features then go to the Apple site. If you are running Word 2004, Early Adobe suite, etc which are PPC programs, then don't update. Go to Apple logo in upper left menu bar, open About this mac > More Info > Software >Applications and sort by 'Kind' and look what PPC programs you have installed. If you are not prepared to upgrade these programs, then do not update to Lion.
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  • Question: i upgraded to Lion and now itune upgrade will not install (error message appears)

    i upgraded to Lion and now itune upgrade will not install (error message appears)

    iPhoto needs to be upgraded in order to work with Mavericks. You can do that via Software Update or the App Store.
    The iWork apps are free with a new iOS device since 1 SEP 2013. They are free with a new Mac since 1 OCT 2013. They are also free with the upgrade to OS X Mavericks 10.9 if you had the previous version installed when you upgraded.
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  • Switching from MobileMe to iCloud, but I can't upgrade to Lion

    My iMac is too old to upgrade to Lion, so when I switch from MobileMe to iCloud, I understand that I will no longer be able to use my desktop mail app to retrieve mail, and my calendars and contacts will no longer be in sync with my iPad and iPhone.  So when I switch over to iCoud, is there any work-around for this so that I can continue to use the desktop mail app on my iMac or otherwise get mail on my desktop, and keep my mail, calendars and contacts synced between my iMac, iPad and iPhone?

    Unfortunately you simply need Lion or Mountain Lion to access these features on your desktop "mac applications".
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    I do not have an @me or mobile me account myself. So you'll have to login and see if its already set up for you automatically, I assume there is no reason why it wouldn't be, as the mail server is already with Apple.
    Other iOS devices that are associated with your Apple ID by activating "Automatic Downloads" which in laymens terms is Apples' iTunes in the Cloud service can have up to 10 devices (max of 5 computers) that will automatically synce iTunes Purchases including Music, Apps and iBooks to all those devices straight from an internet connection without the need for an iTunes sync. But iTunes in the Cloud will not automatically push TV Shows, Movies or Music Videos.
    iCloud will also sync everything mentioned before about icloud.com, including Bookmarks and Photo Stream if selected, to any iOS devices setup with iCloud.
    I hope that makes sense, for more information on how to setup a device with iCloud read this
    Any more questions dont hesitate to ask :]
    Message was edited by: itsJash

  • Late 2010 MacBook Pro 15", upgraded to Lion on Sat 23rd no external display does not work

    Hi all,
    Wanted to ask this question here see if anyone might have a solution to my problem.  I have a Late 2010 Macbook Pro 15" which I upgraded to Lion yesteray.  Ever since that upgrade when I try to connect to my TV to watch a video no joy the image looks like the colours are out.
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    Hi Cyberviper42,
    I understand that you are seeing some issues with your connection to the internet on your computer. I have an article for you that will help you troubleshoot this issue:
    Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity - Apple Support
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202222
    Thanks for coming to the Apple Support Communities!
    Regards,
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  • I have a 3rd generation ipod nano. I upgraded to lion. I tried to buy an audio book and download it to my nano like I have done at least 50 times before. Now the dialog box states that I need an ipod touch for the same function. MacBook Pro 2008 w/ m.trac

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  • After upgrading to Lion my internet connection doesn't work

    Hey folks,
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    I had this problem on SL and on Lion as well, and it occures for WiFi and Ethernet connections.
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    It was the most frequent problem in my day to day work with SL and now Lion. It was never fixed by any patch from Apple. I tried almost all voodoo including fresh install, all possible config changes - no solution.
    The only version with no problems related to network was 10.5.8. All the other versions had issues of different kind (WiFi instability (lost signal), DNS problems (for wireless and wired connection) sometimes associated with machine sleep and wake up and sometimes with no reason.
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    I must say networking was (and still is) the weakest part, besides the other OS X weaknesses I experienced during 4 years of OS X usage.
    No problems in the same network with Linux or Windows beeing ran natively on my iMac So hardware is OK.
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    Below the fragment (with some connection to Apple)
    Software is everything. It also s***s.
    "It's like pre-Sumerian civilization," says Brad Cox, who wrote the software for Steve Jobs NeXT computer and is a professor at George Mason University. "The way we build software is in the hunter-gatherer stage."

  • After upgrading to Lion, I went to open Mail and received the message that it needed to upgrade my Mail database - this may take a few minutes. The bar shows it is about 1/5 along and has been there for over 10 hours. Help!

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  • I just upgraded to Lion 10.7.2 and it says that it will not support Power PC programs so my 2008 version of Mac Office and Intuit Quickbooks are blanked out.  I need these programs.  How do I proceed?

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    Upgrade to newer versions compatible with Lion or downgrade to Snow Leopard:
    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.
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    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 3.4.1.
    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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