If buy used Mac how get regular Apple security upgrades,etc? Desperate.

Question

Need to buy an older used Mac. Worried that they wouldn't be able to get regular updates to security, etc., from Apple when I go online.
My present broke old iBook I bot from a store and registered with Apple and so of course was getting regular automatic updates (or upgrades, what do we call em?)
Ain't be gots no money now, so gots no choice but to buy used, from a local, probably off Craigslist.
I've been advised to, of course, insist on the original installation CDs or DVDs (?) that came with it when new bought.
But even so, would i be able to register it for the updates?
And if the original CDs lost and not available, what then? Out of luck? Would that be way too risky and a stupid buy?
And many used macs are described as 'Leopard INSTALLED'. Where would that leave us? What does that mean? I'm guessing it means the OS was just put in from somebody elses CDs and a buyer would be orphaned and unsupported and unable to get extremely necessary regular improvements from Apple.
It is good luck that is wished to those who help me with this.

Answer 1

thelnukus wrote:
Q: OK, thanks, I understand that all OS, whether Tiger or Leopards, whatever, can still be updated. But say I buy said, used, how then can I just go to Apple.com and get registered for regular Updates?
You don't even need to register to get the updates but it would be a good idea.
thelnukus wrote:
You advised: "If the owner does not have the original disks you can get them from Apple by providing the serial number of the Mac."
Q: How much might that cost? If i only have $500 and so have to buy a used mac, would it cost big bucks more to buy these disks? And are these disks essential for safe operation and regular Software Updates for security, etc?
Yes, you should get the disks. Since they are replacement disks they will be very inexpensive.
thelnukus wrote:
You wrote: "To be consistent with the license agreement the seller should also give you that software and license."
Q: Yes, they 'Should', of course. But how important is that 'Should'? What if they doesn't? Whatever the reason (they kept it, they lost it, they never had it, or its been re-sold a few times). If buyer doesn't get the disks for software and license, can they still get regular Updates from Apple online?
Yes.
thelnukus wrote:
Further Q: Some sellers say they can give buyer "BACK-UP Installation Disks". Would such a description be a warning that this is just a suspect unauthorized Copy of the disks, and thus might be a problem or not honored buy Apple? It suggests to me that seller may have a)never had a legit copy themselves, and or b) they are keeping the original and maybe even using it still themselves on another computer, and if I try to register it with Apple so can get updates, Apple might say that it is in use to another, so I'm out of luck.
Yes, if they have backed up the disks and intend to keep a copy, it would be a violation of the software agreement. Their violation, not yours.
-mj