I would like to connect a printer that requires OS 10.6 or newer. My MacBook is currently using OS 10.5.8. In searching for a software update, I am told no updates are needed. How can I upgrade my OS to 10.6 or better?

I would like to connect a printer that requires OS 10.6 or newer. My MacBook is currently using OS 10.5.8. In searching for a software update, I am told no updates are needed (and am given no option for updating my OS). How can I upgrade my OS to 10.6 or newer?

You have to understand the difference between an Update and an Upgrade.
An Update is a free change to add to the base code or as a bug fix within an existing Operating System. Such as the .8 added to OSX 10.5 or the .11 added to OSX 10.4..
An Upgrade is a complete new Operating System that must be purchased. Such as 10.5 Leopard to 10.6 Snow Leopard.
10.5 Leopard was written for Power PC Macs with code added to force it to run on Intel processors.
10.6 Snow Leopard has completely rewritten code and only runs on Intel Macs.
10.7 Lion ($19.99) used some 32 bit which allows it to run on Late 2006 through Early 2008 MacBooks and a lot of 64 bit code.
10.8 Mountain Lion ($19.99) is pure 64 bit, which excludes more systems than Lion did. It can only run on the Late 2008 through Mid 2010 MacBooks. It's not something you can add memory to, for example, as it involves the base architecture.
10.9 Mavericks is pure 64 bit and is a free download from the App store.
The 10.6 Snow Leopard DVD is in the Apple online store. You can get it for $19.99. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard After you’ve installed that then download the 10.6.8 combo updater to finish it off. http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399 You will need to be running 10.6.8 to access the App Store to order Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks which are downloads only.
System Requirements for 10.6:
Mac computer with an Intel processor
1GB of memory
5GB of available disk space
DVD drive for installation
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