All of Apple’s Marketing material has made it known that the next version of their operating system will be ready for consumers this July. Developers have already received the gold master version of the operating system which includes all of its features and capabilities. Lion will soon be available for everyone.
Unlike previous versions of OS X there will be no DVD or USB media for installing the new OS onto your Mac (unless you create your own USB Lion Install Drive). The replacement is an internet connection and the Mac App Store. The long lines at Apple stores to pick up the new software area thing of the past and Apple’s new data center should help make the process for downloading Lion quick and hassle free.
Can Your Mac Run OS X Lion?
While you anxiously await the official release of OS X Lion its a good idea to make sure that your Mac is ready and capable of utilizing the new operating system. Apple describes on their website 3 steps to ensure that you’ll be ready to go when Lion is released via the App Store.
- Check your Mac – OS X Lion can only run on Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processors. That means that if you’ve had your Mac for a few years now you’ll want to confirm that your processor isn’t too old. If it is, you’ll need to purchase a new Mac with Lion on it when its released if you want to enjoy the new features of the OS.
- Update Snow Leopard – If you don’t have the latest version of Snow Leopard (10.6.8) you’ll be required to download and install the update before you can install OS X Lion. Check for system updates and be sure to install all of them until your Mac is running 10.6.8.
- Download & Install from the Mac App store – When Apple finally releases OS X 10.7 Lion, head over to the App store to purchase the OS and start your download. When the download has finished you’ll be ready to install the new OS.
If you’ve completed steps 1 & 2 and you’re sure you’re ready for the new OS, then just anxiously await with the rest of us the release via the App Store.
