IMAC being run on 10.6.8. but what are the upgrade options

I have growing issues with 10.6.8 running for example music controller Sonos, Safari with Google browser compatibility, etc.

My iMAC10.1 has Intel Core 2 Duo processor running at 3.06 GHz with 3 MB of L2 Cache and 2 * 2 GB of DDR3 memory

So I need to upgrade but at what level and what make the difference in the system configuration required, functionality and compatibility with other software?  Where can you get the software from and how is this - I recall a quote from Apple for a free upgrade to one of the most recent operating system, but at the time was not interested.

I use Microsoft Office 2008 and wish to continue

I use extensively in molding and iPhoto iTunes

I sync my Apple iCal and address book with Google

I use Eye TV 3 (worm 3.6.8)

I use Automator to synchronize my mobile photos in iPhoto via Dropbox

I use (worm 6.0.6) iSyncr to sync my music Galaxy S6

I have a few other apps, but I could live without them if necessary.

I guess what never updated, I do, I'll have to do a system back up but how do I do that - I have a 1 TB external harddrive but formatted it my laptop, so I guess I should change it, whether I use it or is it possible this partition so I can use it with windows and MAC OS.  Spare my MAC HDD built in 1 TB and currently using 411 GB

Advice on options to upgrade and save very welcome process.

It's a long question with a long answer, so here are the main things that you should consider before the update...

1. all power PC based applications is more run in OS X 10.7 Lion or later version. The most often affected app (launching Lion) was Quicken. To find out exactly what apps do not work anymore,  > about this Mac > system information. On the software tab, click Applications. This should show what 'type' of applications you have. Whatever it is based on Intel will work while Power PC don't either not working or require an update, as is the case with Microsoft Office.

2. you can upgrade your RAM. I think that your computer comes with two 2 GB sticks, for a total of 4 GB. It is usually more than enough because each OS X updated as the Lion needs only 2 GB. Remember that RAM can age just like car tires and sometimes it is better to replace the RAM you have. You can always install a more recent OS and see how it works and then decide to install RAM later. You can use sites such as RAM Crucial or you can buy directly from Apple. Crucial is much cheaper and delivered their RAM quickly. They guarantee also the RAM will work and provide a computer "scan", you can download and it will tell you what RAM to buy. I have used this site for 3 different Apple computers and don't have any problems so far. A computer is a MacBook in 2006 that still works!

3. do your research. Contact the manufacturer of the software that you are concerned about. Office 2009 should work fine as long as it is installed on the computer before update you. Once the update of the BONE occurs, you will have a relatively large update for all Microsoft Office applications to make them compatible with the new operating system software. The Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Bridge, etc.) has had some problems in the past, but I think it works fine now.

All the built in Apple apps update automatically and ask you to "update your library." This may take some time, but is a matter of time. Automator and Dropbox still work as well, but drop-down list will need updates. I would check the Web site of the manufacturer for your other software as I am not familiar with all of your programs.

Note that iPhoto turns Photos if you update to Yosemite 10.10.3. This is a brand new application and some people don't like him because he is different than iPhoto. Personally, I think it has the same features, it's just different. Also iDVD can no longer be installed on a computer that is updated to OS X Lion. If iDVD is installed before the update, it will continue to work as expected

4 Time Machine backup. Yes, you want to back up, and Yes, you can use your drive current external hard to to do. But there are a few hiccups that you need to treat it first. In order to use your external hard drive for Mac and Windows, you will need to format the external hard drive to FAT32 using disk utility. THIS ERASES ALL CONTENT ON THE EXTERNAL DRIVE. So, if you want to format the drive, you'll want to play everything on the hard drive first.

If you want to know formatting the external drive for use with Time Machine, see this articleand follow the steps for a volume of start fail.

Note the types of format: Mac OS extended (journaled) should be used with Macs isn't FAT 32 for Mac and PC and MSDOS FAT is for PC only.

To start initial Time Machine backup, see this article.

5. Finally, your computer has a 1 TB hard drive and your external drive is 1 TB. In theory, you want to use a disk backup that is twice the size of your hard drive, or at least twice the size of current data on your computer (in your Go 411 cases). Use an external 1 TB drive for backup of 411 GB of data should be good for awhile, but eventually, it will fill the external drive. If you partition the external to work with Windows and Mac OS X, it fills up even faster since there will be less space dedicated to the Mac. Honestly, I would erase the external drive set up using Mac OS extended (journaled) and use it exclusively for Mac backups and then buy a second external for use between computers. It is better to have a single external drive for Time Machine, and it is preferable to use the Mac on FAT 32 format when using Time Machine.

I hope this helps. You have many options on your plate. Ultimately the decision to upgrade is yours. I've always updated because I like having the latest and greatest and I have not had too many snags, but you will get a different answer from different people.

Good luck

Tags: Mac

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