Upgrading Macbook from OS X 10.6.8

[tsquad]

Hello all, Mac noobie here.

So I finally broke down and purchased the Snow Leopard DVD from apple as I had no other way of getting it to install onto my blank macbook and blank iMac. The iMac I was able to upgrade just fine through some googling all the way to El Capitan. The Macbook on the other hand wont upgrade to El Capitan. Aside from purchasing Mountain Lion from apple, is there any other way of getting anything higher than Snow Leopard to put on my Macbook? It is a Core 2 Duo 2.16 with 2GB RAM black plastic Macbook. I THINK it is a 2007? its model A1185 if that helps. I dont really want to purchase Mountain Lion as I dont think its worth the $20 for an outdated OS. I could justify Snow Leopard because it was my only option lol.

Anyway, any ideas?

Thanks guys!

 

[pigoo3]

OS 10.7.5 is the newest OS version that will run on this computer. OS 10.7.5 is $19.99...and is the first downloadable OS Apple offered.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/D6106Z/A/os-x-lion

- Nick

 

[tsquad]

OS 10.7.5 is the newest OS version that will run on this computer. OS 10.7.5 is $19.99...and is the first downloadable OS Apple offered.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/D6106Z/A/os-x-lion

- Nick

Thanks Nick!

Dang, so that means only one more step up for that laptop. Doesnt sound very worth the $20 to me. I guess I will just have to cut my losses on that guy and save for something newer.

From what I have researched, once an OS is no longer updated, it tends to fall behind pretty quickly on what programs it can use, or is that not true? Im used to Windows and Linux where you can use one OS for what seems like forever before your really forced to upgrade lol.

Appreciate your help.

 

[harryb2448]

Leave it where it is when you get Snow Leopard on it and up to MOS X.6.8. Safari browser ited to the operating system, no security updates etc do mean it is time to move on.

Lion was a very ordinary operating system and was soon replaced by version 2, known as Mountain Lion.

 

[pigoo3]

OS 10.6 came out 2009...and 10.7 came out 2010. This is very old for Mac OS versions. They can still be used...but they will slowly not be compatible with newest versions of apps. & they no longer get security updates. And a BIG issue is websites not being compatible with the version of Safari or Chrome that works with that version of mac OS.

Personally...if someone didn't need to run an older OS for app compatabiity purposes...I woudn't run any OS older than 10.10 (Yosemite) or 10.11 (E Capitan).

Yes...macOS versions don't last nearly as long as a single Windows OS version. But maybe the macOS is "better" updated & upgraded. AND...when was the last time Microsoft gave a newly released Windows version away for free?? All new macOS versions since macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) have been free downloads (5 years).

But agreed...Windows XP lasted a long long time! Lol

- Nick

 

[tsquad]

Windows 10 is "technically" free. Just unregistered so you have to deal with a watermark and not being able to change your background I think lol.

Anyways, so I also have an Early 2008 iMac that I am on now that I was able to get to El Capitan. It seems to be pretty solid considering its specs. I like the OS, but I hate the price of entry. Hence why I am only just getting into it. Looks like I will have to keep an eye out for a cheap yet newer Macbook and or iMac.

 

[pm-r]

Leave it where it is when you get Snow Leopard on it and up to MOS X.6.8.

+1 for that and as harry stated.

Lion 10.7.x was gosh awful. 'Nuff said.

Snow Leopard was one of Apple's best and a lot still works with it.




- Patrick
======

 

[tsquad]

I was hoping to use it for coding. I am attempting to learn web development/design, which is why I am looking to apple. Aside from the fact that I am very into computers and have zero experience with OS X, I hear the OS is very good for coding and design, so I want to give it a try. Just wish I could buy a decent one for a Windows laptop price lol.

 

[tsquad]

So far I have not found any websites that do not work with the version of Chrome on 10.6.8. I have actually been quite enjoying my experience. My question is, I know there are security issues with using this seeing as it wont get updates anymore. But I have been unable to figure out what exactly I am putting at risk. I wont have any information saved on this computer that is sensitive, but passwords for internet accounts will be used, and I'm assuming those are at risk? What about my wireless network? Is that something that could be compromised? I want so bad to keep using this OS, but I dont have the money right now to buy a newer Macbook lol.

 

[pigoo3]

So far I have not found any websites that do not work with the version of Chrome on 10.6.8. I have actually been quite enjoying my experience.

Many will still work...some will not. Generally speaking...I would say websites with the greater possibility of not working are sites like You Tube, financial sites (banks, Paypal, stock trading, etc.), and e-commerce sites. But also sites that require the latest or newer versions of Flash, Java, etc.

My question is, I know there are security issues with using this seeing as it wont get updates anymore. But I have been unable to figure out what exactly I am putting at risk. I wont have any information saved on this computer that is sensitive, but passwords for internet accounts will be used, and I'm assuming those are at risk?

If you don't store any sensitive personal info on this computer (name, address's, phone numbers, credit card numbers, SSN, userid's & password's that are the same as sensitive accounts, etc)...you're probably mostly ok.

But as soon as you use this computer for any financial transactions, online purchases, Facebook, email, Apple App Store, iTunes...or if websites you visit require a userid & password (and these are the same as your other sensitive accounts)...this is stuff that could be at risk.

Now the risk is probably not super high...and even if the computer was running the latest OS with the latest security updates there's no 100% guarantee of no risk (there is always risk). But...less risk with more up to date security.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

But I have been unable to figure out what exactly I am putting at risk. I won't have any information saved on this computer that is sensitive

Exactly!! ;D

I've been asking the same question for many years now at various places and gave up as there was never really a proper, accurate or constructive answer.




- Patrick
======

 

[tsquad]

Thanks Nick. That's about what I figured. Just wanted to make sure.

 

[pigoo3]

I've been asking the same question for many years now at various places and gave up as there was never really a proper, accurate or constructive answer.

I'm pretty sure much of what I mentioned is true (items that are at risk).

The REAL question is...how BIG is the risk? How much risk is there for someone running 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) vs. 10.13.3 (High Sierra). This is where things get "fuzzy".

For example. If someone does online banking (and has an account balance of $50,000)...and is running a computer with 10.6.8...this $50,000 will be at greater risk of being stolen than a computer running 10.13.3. Regardless of how great the risk is (10.6.8 vs. 10.13.3). No one wants to loose their hard earned $50,000. This is why ONLY doing these activities on a computer with a more up OS version is safer.

I CERTAINLY...would not want someone to loose their $50,000 just because they were too cheap or too lazy to upgrade their computers OS! But again...if a user does not do these things on an older computer running an OLD OS...then this stuff ($50,000) is not at risk on this computer.

- Nick

 

[tsquad]

So what your getting at is....because I'm broke, I should be good right!!!???

 

[pigoo3]

So what your getting at is....because I'm broke, I should be good right!!!

I think we all have something...and we don't want to lose it.

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

So what your getting at is....because I'm broke, I should be good right!!!������

Considering the nasties and hackers usually just want money, I think you should be OK, especially with your current financial position. ;D

 

[tsquad]

Now to save up for a newer macbook pro. I'm thinking a 2012....do those have gtx issues like the 2011s did? I want a 15 inch....

 

[tsquad]

Very true lol. I think I will reluctantly stick to web browsing and doing my Udemy code classes on that laptop, and keep my banking/ebay/paypal stuff to my phone lol.