Certainly, if it is more secure. I have not had any problems. I still do not care for iTunes, but if your whole computing household is Apple it comes with the show.
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Post was last edited on April 22, 2016 12:46 PM PDT
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Certainly, if it is more secure. I have not had any problems. I still do not care for iTunes, but if your whole computing household is Apple it comes with the show.
If it works don't touch it with an upgrade. Each time I upgraded the IOS on the Iphone it got slower, should of stuck with version 5. Now I'm feeling like I'm being forced to upgrade to a faster Iphone thats only 4 years old, since all the upgrades made my phone soooo slow. If I could I'd downgrade but apple doesn't allow that. If you do upgrade, I highly recommend imaging the hard drive that includes the operating system incase you want to go back in 6 months from now. Now I'm looking for a program to image the iphone otherwise I might get an android.
4 year old iPhone? really?
Might want to get to a more current version of iPhone. Or don't upgrade the OS.
If you don't care about the new features, then stay right where you are. If you want the new features those features require more horsepower than your 4 year old iPhone can provide.
Your with iOS is neither universal nor relevant. The question was about OS X.
And there are lots of programs to fully back up and restore iPhone, including iTunes.
I have a macbook air with a 1.7 GHz Intel i5 core. I bought it running Lion. Then I waited and upgraded to Mavericks which I didn't like. My computer crashed after an update. Apple installed Mountain Lion, which I was all right but after another update itunes wouldn't open. My computer crashed again after a forced update. After much discussion Apple loaded El Capitan. My computer is running well. The "genius" told me there is a big difference between upgrading and a clean install. Go to the Apple store and tell them you want them to install El Capitan. You have to be 100% backed up because they have to reformat your hard drive. (Last year Apple reinstalled my operating system 5 times.) I have had no problems with ElCapitan and of course I am always well backed up to a 128 gb flash drive just in case. Being out of warranty is not an issue when it comes to software.
Upgrade, but... it is best to tweak your system fully when you do so you don't have to suffer the pain twice. Back everything up and then put a Solid State Drive in, and then upgrade with an upgrade CD. There are some short-cuts to use the Upgrade CD from Apple to do a completely Fresh Install. (A specific series of key strokes in a specific order. Youtube has the steps laid out pretty well, be patient.) Once you get your operating system in, then just load your Apple software back in and then transfer you back-up from Time Machine. Some of it may not be compatible with the new operating system so you'll have to go to the On-line store and download updated versions or do in-person visit to your local MAC Shop and get hosed in-person. This should keep your MacBook Pro working for several years to come. The Solid State drive will speed things up for you considerably. You won't regret it! Crucial makes decent ones.
If you have any legacy software that requires Rosetta emulation, which 10.6.8 and earlier OSX versions include, upgrading will eliminate the ability to run those programs. I have several such programs which I use, such as Now Contact and Adobe GoLive. There are no updated versions available for Now Contact and likely not for GoLive either.
My solution is that I have one iMac running 10.6.8 and a newer iMac running the latest version of El Capitan.
Your Mac Pro (2009) came with OSX 10.5.6 or 10.6. Apple says a Mac Pro from 2008 or later will run El Capitan, but that doesn't mean it won't be sluggish. I've upgraded OSX software versions before on a machine Apple said was fine for upgrade only to find it to be frustratingly slow.
I hope that info helps. ![]()
One other option…
Pick up Parallels and install your choice of OS X. You can install any version you want. Run it in cohesive mode and you don't even notice that it is running. Then you have rosetta and the most current OS X.
My uncle who's a doctor bought me an iPad mini. It turns out that it needed the newer iTunes to install songs onto. The only way the newer iTunes would work is in the latest OS. So that's what I did. After I put the songs on I went to my backup disc and reverted to Mountain Lion since it is more stable in my opinion. Plus many of the softwares didn't work on the newer system for some reason.
If I've missed something in your post please point it out to me. Thanks in advance.
Ask yourself...how does a problem with iTunes on your iPad Mini that runs iOS figure into Gary's concern regarding an OSX upgrade to El Capitan.
Also, what is the correlation between iOS and Mountain Lion which is an OSX? They are not the same platform.
Last...I say this with respect as offering advice is not always taken as such. Often it is viewed as just criticism although we try to lessen the impact by calling it "constructive critism". Having said that here's what I want to offer for your consideration....
You mentioned that your uncle gifted you an iPad. That statement in and of itself was sufficient to set the stage for the rest of your post. Interjecting the fact that he is a "doctor" does nothing to support your opinion. The point I'm trying to make here is that an individual's title in a forum like this says nothing unless that title has a direct correlation to the issue being discussed. Had your uncle been a "software engineer" would have given a little more justification to mention his title. Although, I must say that the mention of a title has often times had the reverse affect to open a person up to closer scrutiny by members in this forum.
Bottom-line... Be careful when using a personal title (be it yours or someone else's) not just in this forum but in any venue wherein you are offering advice or opinion. Be certain that the mention of a title will add credibility and doing so is germane to the topic of discussion.
Cheers!
Together Everyone Achieves More - T.E.A.M.
He is saying he needed to install a newer iTunes on his Mac in order to move data to his iPad.
Kinda makes the rest of the rant about logical fallacies look foolish.
I run iTunes on 4 Apple Computers (all of different builds), 2 Windows 10 computers, 2 iPods, 2 iPhone and 2 iPads - one of which is an iPad mini. They all pull from my ITunes account.
I've never experienced any cross platform incompatibilities where the iTunes on one platform required that I update the iOS, OSX or Windows on another. If use you iCloud as I do to management ITune content cross platform incompatibilities are non existent. As total back- up all of the content that's in iCloud is backed up to my NAS as I have one of my iTunes (iMac) pointing to it.
There are times when iTunes on a particular platform must be updated like Windows, but it doesn't affect my ability to use ITunes on the other platforms.
So what data are you referring to?
Gary has always stuck with the mantra "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and his current 2009 Mac Pro running Snow Leopard 10.6.8 is performing just fine. However he has been getting notifications that his existing software may not work if he doesn't switch to the latest Mac OS, and he's asking you for advice. Should he move forward with the upgrade or not? Have the folks who have moved on to El Capitan had any issues?
I added what Gary wrote because i have never heard of existing software, that is working perfectly in its running environment, all of a sudden stop working when it remains on the operating system it has always worked on, unless Apple are up to some dodgy tricks, more associated with Microsoft, and intend to torpedo his OS thus forcing him to upgrade.
Maybe i am misreading what Gary wrote?
Chrome pops up a message every time I launch it that it will no longer be supported. Safari hasn't been updated in such a long time that some websites won't work on it. Some apps are saying they require 10.7 or newer OS to run.
Apps that are already installed and running on 10.6 are not going to suddenly refuse to run unless you upgrade.
The old versions of Safari, Chrome, and Firefox that run on Snow Leopard don't support modern security features, and they're not compatible with the latest Java versions. Some websites are rendered useless, and it can be impossible to log onto some public Wi-Fi systems. These issues can only multiply as time goes on - the OP is reaching the stage where an upgrade is almost essential.
working, then you have either never used Appleworks or Quicken, just two pieces of software that required Rosetta to run on an Intel powered Mac.
OS X 10.7 removed Rosetta and instantly both Appleworks and Quicken stopped working.
Ever notice that the installation of OS X includes a folder called "Incompatible Software"?
P
I use it on two Macs:
1) 2013 MacBookPro 13i Retina with 8GB RAM. Absolutely delightful on this machine.
2) 2009 MacBook Pro 13i with 6GB RAM and after-market SSD. Again - very nice, although it loses some benefits (e.g. Personal Hotspot with iPhone/iPad) by not having Bluetooth 4.
It is helpful to do a clean install - the 2009 MacBook Pro definitely improved when I did that. The after-market SSD helps too - there are a lot more background processes in 10.11... OS X now supports TRIM for after-market SSDs.
The current OS makes my older hardware almost as usable and productive as the newer hardware. I wouldn't even consider going back. Just be aware that some software (e.g. Office 200
doesn't work well and will need to be upgraded.
Funny you should ask. I am writing this on my old iMac running Snow Leopard 10.6.8. Until last week this was my only desktop computer but with the latest versions I could get of Safari, Firefox, and Chrome all no longer being supported due to age (not to mention AppleWorks which followed ClarisWorks) there is a lot I am unable to do. So ... sitting next to this old iMac is now a new (well late '15 iMac) with ElCapitan installed. It's not yet plugged in but soon will be as my hard drive has been corrupted for years, the little twirling beach ball can only be stopped by my restarting the computer, TimeMachine gave out about a month ago, my RAM is full, and I have dead keys in my keyboard. Maybe you can eek out a bit more from your old computer, but for me it was time. I recommend that you bite the bullet.
I haven't had any problems with it. My user group urged me to upgrade. However, starting with the Mavericks OS, Mac Mail went berserk and I use Google Apps now. Not much better...
I think the sentiment 'if it ain't broke, don't...' is what you should follow. The newer versions of both Windows and the Mac OS might provide some interesting features that are 'new' to you but at what cost? If you have hardware that feels 'optimized' in your hands then why change? I do this for a living and I strongly argue against 'upgrades' unless there is a very compelling reason. In addition, the 'free' versions of both Windows and the Mac OS come with often intrusive monetization built-ins that render that hardware you think you own something new: a device that pushes you to make purchases you aren't interested in. The only upgrade I endorse is the Enterprise version of Windows 10. But, it ain't free.
@Robert_Larrance - You are spreading FUD and you are wrong!
For example, OS X has no "monetization" extras - Apple makes its money when you buy the computer. There is no built-in adware, spyware or freemium software.
Your advice is especially flawed because 10.6 is not supported and no longer receives OS updates. Up to date browsers no longer run on it. Modern software (e.g. Office 2016) won't work on it. Thus, you are taking a big risk in connecting it to the internet. Would you recommend that someone stay on Windows XP?? I hope not!
OS X El Capitan is a strong operating system that works well.
You may "do this for a living" but clearly not with Macs.
I have my doubts about your familiarity with Windows as well, but that's neither here not there.
I have been in a similar situation. Although when dealing with Windows operating systems, it is not always a good idea to upgrade, the same cannot be said for Mac OS. The thing to remember with Microsoft is when they upgrade an os, they are doing it for a large range of machines and hardware (HP, Toshiba, amd, intel...), where with Mac, they are dealing with a much more limited field. All Apple Mac devices running intel chipsets-and always top end chipsets for their respected times (2009 mac pro were all running quad core xenon 64bit, while macbook pro were running dual/quad core Penryn or centrino 64bit). OS-X in its many forms are generally optimized for them. Some features may not work, but they are generally features you never had with leopard anyways. I found the only thing I needed to do was upgrade my ram, but that was only because my macbook was shipped with 4gig (2X2gig). By upgrading I found my old macbook had better functionality. My JVC HD camcorder (using AVCHS) never worked at all in Snow Leopard, but I am able to get limited functionality in El Capitan (limited, but the graphics pocessor is exceeded at only 256gig). Using a Mac Pro, you have more functionality to upgrade hardware to match the newer software, and it will save you tons rather than buying a whole new machine.
I have the same vintage Mac Pro. Here's what I recommend — I've done this on many Macs since CD/DVD Installers were discontinued:
Ascertain if any of the software you need does not work on El Capitan. If you decide to upgrade, backup using either Time Machine or my personal favorite, Carbon Copy Cloner. I normally clean up my existing installation using DisWarrior before cloning.
Buy a new pro-quality HD, either mechanical, or preferably a SSD. Great opportunity to ensure reliability and speed. Remove one of your empty HD sleds and install the HD, or the SSD (needs a Sabrent adapter) on the sled. Slide the completed sled back into the computer. Also, find at least an 8GB flash drive.
Go to this link and follow the directions for downloading the El Capitan installer onto the flash drive:
http://osxdaily.com/2015/09/30/create-os-x-el-capitan-boot-install-drive/
Once you have the USB INSTALLER drive prepared, restart with the USB INSTALLER inserted, holding down the Option key after the chime. You should see the USB drive, your original HD, and any other drives you have plunged in, or internal to the Mac Pro. Arrow over to the USB drive and hit the enter or return key. You should be booting into the installer. You should be given the opportunity to format your new internal drive using Disk Utility. After formatting, continue with the installer which probably will take up to 45 minutes or less depending on the drive you bought. Reboot into the new drive and follow the prompts to set up the first account. I always call my first account AdminAccount. This is your backup when and if your normal user account gets funky. It also eliminates you creating an account with the same name as your old 10.6.8 account. You'll see why next.
After logging in, launch Migration Assistant and navigate to your old account on your 10.6.8 volume and move your Home Folder to a TOTALLY CLEAN PRISTINE OS. Restart, and log into your upgraded OS.
This is a totally bullet proof system. I've used this approach for years as a consultant and it has never failed. Good luck!
I have been in a similar situation. Although when dealing with Windows operating systems, it is not always a good idea to upgrade, the same cannot be said for Mac OS. The thing to remember with Microsoft is when they upgrade an os, they are doing it for a large range of machines and hardware (HP, Toshiba, amd, intel...), where with Mac, they are dealing with a much more limited field. All Apple Mac devices running intel chipsets-and always top end chipsets for their respected times (2009 mac pro were all running quad core xenon 64bit, while macbook pro were running dual/quad core Penryn or centrino 64bit). OS-X in its many forms are generally optimized for them. Some features may not work, but they are generally features you never had with leopard anyways. I found the only thing I needed to do was upgrade my ram, but that was only because my macbook was shipped with 4gig (2X2gig). By upgrading I found my old macbook had better functionality. My JVC HD camcorder (using AVCHS) never worked at all in Snow Leopard, but I am able to get limited functionality in El Capitan (limited, but the graphics pocessor is exceeded at only 256gig). Using a Mac Pro, you have more functionality to upgrade hardware to match the newer software, and it will save you tons rather than buying a whole new machine. That said, your Mac Pro is a legacy device. If you still have Apple Support, it is limited or near the end of its life cycle. El Capitan may be your last chance for an Apple supported software upgrade. Depending what you use it for though, it still has a lot of life and a lot of value in it.
I have a healthy, unproblematic, late 2009 Mac mini run by Snow Leopard and have been wondering about this very issue.
Having read a lot of negative feedback about the El Capitan upgrade on Apple's own site I hesitated and proceeded to read copious opinions on line and canvassed Apple staff every chance I had including at two Apple stores as well as Apple reps in various computer shops.
Their responses were divided equally for and against the upgrade so, while Apple advises it is feasible, I decided it was a risk I wasn't prepared to take with the older hardware including the Core 2 Duo CPU.
I have decided to follow the same routine as with every other OS upgrade I have performed lately on older (exclusively Windows), possibly at risk machines; clone the HDD (to a SSD now) and replace the drive in the case with the new one keeping the old drive safe with the entire system and data intact as backup and then upgrade (or clean install) and test using the clone drive now in the case and, once satisfied about functionality and stability, transferring required data via an external USB connection to the original drive. That way a rollback, should it become necessary, is as easy as replacing the new drive with the original one. Then I take the opportunity to upgrade/re-purchase my applications to their newest versions.
HTH
Why not buy yourself another hard drive,clone your current one then do the upgrade.
If the upgrade causes issues that are insurmountable clone the original os back,or just swap drives.
Thats what I've done for years on my Windows systems.
It was been a life saver on one occasion and very useful a couple of other times.
Um, why does he need to come the drive?!? Just pop a new drive into a drive bay/external, install OS on it, then swap boot drives. Done.
Yes if there some function and/or upgraded Apps you need on MacOS X, definitely upgrade to ElCapitan. We got into it at 10.11.2.
I had my 2.5 I5 4GB 500GB Mini on Mavericks, which I was quite happy with.
However moving from a Mac running SL 10.6 was a challenge, particularly since I was using Eudora for Email and switched to Apple's Mail. Mavericks Mail wasn't as reliable as Eudora, frequent crashes initially, but much better now.
Fortunately I didn't lose any Emails from the Mail crashes.
Recently I started using a USB3 external SSD as a boot disk containing ElCapitan and performance is excellent.
Eventually I'll install the SSD boot disk internally and may up the ram to 8 or 16GB.
This Mini is used for many Apps, some requiring good performance.
Earlier this year I upgraded my previous Early 2009 C2D 2.0 2GB 320GB HDD Mini to ElCapitan for another family member who had been using SL 10.6. Again Eudora was retired for Apple Mail which is performing quite well. It's unfortunate that Eudora attachments can't be brought forward with the Emails. ElCapitan performance on this oldest Mac Mini supporting it, was OK.
Then I added a USB2 external 120GB SSD containing ElCapitan and performance became quite good. This Mini is used for basic computing; Email, Web Browsing Photos, Spreadsheets, Skype; so the user was very happy. This user previously had a 1.66CD SL10.6 Mini and the old of date Internet browsers were giving increasing difficulties.
So here we are positive on ElCapitan.