Then, determine if your Mac meets ALL minimum system install requirements. This step is really needed in case something goes wrong with the install of the new OS or you simply do not like the new OS, you have a very easy way/procedure to return your Mac to its former working state. Then, use either OS X Time Machine app to backup your entire system to the external drive OR purchase, install and use a data cloning app, like CarbonCop圜loner or SuperDuper, to make an exact and bootable copy (clone) of your entire Mac's internal hard drive. Some features require an Apple ID terms apply.Before embarking on a major OS upgrade, it would be wise, advisable and very prudent if you backup your current system to an external connected and Mac formatted Flash drive OR externally connected USB, Thunderbolt or FireWire 800, Mac formatted hard drive. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,ģ. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.ġ. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. You can purchase Lion at the Online Apple Store. If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mavericks, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion. See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps It's displayed in the panel on the right. To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or laterħ. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or laterĦ. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or laterĥ. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or laterĤ. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or laterģ. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or laterĢ. Macs that can be upgraded to OS X El Capitanġ. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.

The file is quite large, over 5 GBs, so allow some time to download. To upgrade to El Capitan you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. El Capitan can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for FREE. You can upgrade to El Capitan from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard.

Upgrade mac os x 10.6 8 to 10.7