Last call for Mac OS X 10.6

TIPS & RESOURCES

July 2011

With the imminent release of Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" this month, Intel Mac users who haven't upgraded to Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" should purchase a $29 copy while it's still available, and PowerPC Mac users should consider purchasing an Intel Mac that can run 10.6 before all new Macs require 10.7. To find out which Mac OS and processor type a Mac has, select About This Mac from the Apple menu.

Users running versions older than 10.6 will need to upgrade to continue receiving comprehensive security updates. Apple discloses security issues as updates are released, but these vulnerabilities are not patched on older versions. Mac OS X 10.6 is recommended since it extends the life of existing software. However 10.6 requires an Intel Mac — PowerPC Macs such as G4s and G5s will no longer be patched.

The end of PowerPC compatibility

Compatibility of existing software with new versions of Mac OS X is always uncertain initially, and problems can take time to be resolved. But we do know that PowerPC software will no longer work with Mac OS X 10.7. Examples of PowerPC software include some current printer drivers and older programs like Word 2004, Acrobat 7, QuarkXPress 6, Quicken 2007, AppleWorks, Eudora, Canvas and Freehand. Upgrading to 10.6 can buy time to update or replace older software, and also time for developers to fix 10.7 compatibility issues that arise with current software.

To see which software is PowerPC-based on an Intel Mac:

Select About This Mac from the Apple menu.
Select More Info... to bring up System Profiler.
Select Applications under Software.
Select the Kind column to sort the list of applications by Intel, PowerPC or Universal.

Stay covered with security updates

Development of security updates for Mac OS X 10.5 will most likely end with the July release of 10.7. Since comprehensive security updates won't be available for older Mac OS versions and PowerPC Macs such as G4s or G5s, running anything older than an Intel Mac and Mac OS X 10.6 is inadvisable, especially with the recent Mac malware and the end of Flash security updates for PowerPC Macs.

Square Circle Consulting can help

Square Circle Consulting can help Mac users take the steps to make upgrades by reviewing existing hardware and software for compatibility, running full backups prior to upgrading, installing upgrades and related updates and supporting users throughout the upgrade process.

Contact Square Circle Consulting to keep your Macs - and your projects - running smoothly.