OSX Yosemite upgrade

[PowerGoat]

Hello Group, I'm a basic computer user and just got "offered" a free upgrade to OSX Yosemite (10.10.1) from a pop-up message. Right now, I'm running 10.6.8, and so this would appear to be an upgrade. In what ways is Yosemite "better," and for a basic user, is it worth it? I haven't updated to the next animal yet because things have been going well and I didn't see any need to risk an updating problem to get upgrades that didn't seem particularly useful to me. (I don't have anything on here "saved" externally.) I have a 2.66 GHz Intel core 2 duo processor and 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3 memory, FWIW. I use Word and Excel, internet, and play around with some games, iphoto, itunes, imovie, and garage band. Any assistance and/or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[pm-r]

Personally, I'd say if you don't need any of the later OS X versions or any of their "features" I'd stay where you are with SL 10.6.8 - one of the best OS X versions Apple released IMHO.

And then you might want to do a google web search on how to disable the Yosemite Upgrade nagging.

Your 10.6.8 is still getting updated with the security XProtect files, but do keep Flash etc. and other software up to date with any compatible third party software.

And no, you don't need some or most of the latest versions that turned commercial unless stated implicitly. And do keep your MS Office version up to date.

We're still using SL 10.6.8 on several Macs and it works fine for our use. Even with some recent iPads.

 

[Slydude]

If you do decide to upgrade beyond 10.6.8 make sure to check your other software first. Any software that uses Power PC code it won't work without upgrading the software.

 

[pm-r]

If you do decide to upgrade beyond 10.6.8 make sure to check your other software first. Any software that uses Power PC code it won't work without upgrading the software.

A good reminder, and one quick way to check is via the Applications in System Profiler.

Apple(menu) -> About this Mac -> More info -> Applications in the sidebar.

Or optionally, hold the option key and System Profiler will show in place of the usual About this Mac/More Info.

Most users are amazed at what software is on their Macs, and none of the PPC or even any listed Classic stuff will run in any later OS X version of course.

 

[PowerGoat]

Thank you very much, pm-r and Slydude. I appreciate the help and will carry on without going to Yosemite. ) pm-r, I went to that section and I AM surprised with several items that are there--mostly from old things I used to have connected to this computer, like scanners and old games, etc. I can't seem to delete them from that Applications section, but don't see them in my regular Applications folder either. Some have directories that start with "library," but I don't know where that is. Would you mind guiding me toward a way to delete these things? Thank you!

 

[pm-r]

PowerGoat, don't concern yourself over all the "applications" that might be listed as some will no doubt be shown that can't even be used by the user. Just focus on those that you do use, normally in the Applications and Utilities folders usually, unless you may have installed some elsewhere.

And even any of those that might be in the ~/Applications folder.

BTY: I will add that I've always cloned my existing volume to another partition or volume (using CCC (Carbon Copy Cloner) ), (or SD SuperDuper if one prefers) and then do the upgrade on it. Then I've always got the old OS X to boot from if things go really goofy or if there are old apps I may want to use later that won't run in later OS X versions. i.e.: AppleWorks or even maybe Eudora etc.

 

[cape cod wahine]

Thanks so much for this post.
I was planning to upgrade to Yosemite from SL 10.6.8 also. I thought Apple would stop supporting the security for SL. Good to hear that SL is a good operating system and security is still supported. I think I will just stick with SL as it appears to be running fine.

 

[harryb2448]

Actually support has finished a little over one year ago.


http://www.itpro.co.uk/security/21720/snow-leopard-users-left-exposed-as-apple-pulls-support-for-os

 

[pm-r]

Apple may not be releasing any more security updates for Snow Leopard, but it is still actively providing the XProtect files which can help some innocent Safari browser folks.

I almost wonder if SL isn't safer at times than some of the later OS X versions that had to be protected, yet SL and and some of the Lions were immune. Makes one wonder a bit…

Still, any user should be aware and cautious when connected to the 'net, yet they still get sucked in with scams etc. with all the latest security updates.

Case in point with a recent Canadian news release, and I'm sure others in other countries are just as gullible:
'Microsoft tech support' scammer recorded threatening to kill B.C. man - British Columbia - CBC News

 

[cape cod wahine]

software to protect SL?

Thanks. So, is there a software package available to protect those of us that want to run Snow Leopard?

 

[pm-r]

Thanks. So, is there a software package available to protect those of us that want to run Snow Leopard?

I'm not trying to be a smart-***, but in reality, I don't think there's any "magic bullet" software anywhere to completely protect anyone or user regardless of computer used or operating system.

Unless they don't connect to the 'net, but then they're still exposed to those that may want access to your data if and when you might leave it unprotected.

But what is one actually protecting or being protected from, if anything???, and the problem existed long before computers if you think about it.

 

[chas_m]

The truth of the matter, contrary to some of the responses, is that Snow Leopard is no longer protected from some of the big threats out there. You can increase your safety by turning off Flash and Java in your browser of choice, but of course this will diminish (less than you think) your web experience in some cases.

You should be thinking about your next Mac. That one is getting old, obsolete and unsafe. It's not a fire trap or anything in the near term (metaphorically speaking), but it is walking down that path. It's time to start planning its replacement.

 

[cape cod wahine]

antivirus software?

Thanks for the replies. I would like to protect myself from intruders and viruses. I would think there is a decent software program, comparable to Norton 360, for Macs, eh?

Cheers,
Cape Cod Wahine

 

[Slydude]

Thanks for the replies. I would like to protect myself from intruders and viruses. I would think there is a decent software program, comparable to Norton 360, for Macs, eh?

Cheers,
Cape Cod Wahine

There are a number of such programs out there for the Mac. For the most part though they are of questionable value since the virus "signatures" that they are looking for are based on Windows virus definitions.

There are several security-related threads in the forum at the moment.Here's a good starting point http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/security-awareness/307595-general-security-tips-your-mac.html

 

[cape cod wahine]

Thanks Sky Dude. I will check out this thread :Blushing:

 

[cape cod wahine]

Ooops, "Slydude". Sorry!

 

[Slydude]

Thanks Sky Dude. I will check out this thread :Blushing:

ROTFL I like that. If I weren't a;ready use the other name on several forums I'd beg Van for a name change.

 

[chas_m]

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's… SKY DUDE!

 

[cape cod wahine]

lol

LOL. Glad you like it

 

[cape cod wahine]

And chas_m... thanks for your post on How to keep your Mac running its best for years on end. I would love to keep my mid 2010 Macbook Pro and that post is very helpful.