A compatible computer: Not every computer will work with Mac OS X, even with the help of tools like Unibeast and Multibeast.This guide follows tonymacx86's method, but it also attempts to explain every part of the process in detail, from start to finish (with pictures, thanks to Virtualbox). While tonymacx86's guide on installing Lion is very good, it's also very basic, just like his Snow Leopard guide. We've already covered installing Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), but unlike Snow Leopard, Lion doesn't include an installation DVD, which complicates matters. Then follow the onscreen instructions to install Lion.If you're interested in running Mac OS X, but you don't want to pay ridiculous prices for a normal Mac, then a Hackintosh just might be for you. Open the Mac App Store from your Dock to buy and download it. For Departmental purchases: Contact Kengshi or Paul.įor Personal purchases: Download OS X Lion from the Mac App Store.If you have Snow Leopard, click the Apple icon and choose Software Update to install Snow Leopard v10.6.8, the latest version. Get up to date with the latest version of OS X Snow Leopard to purchase OS X Lion from the Mac App Store. Make sure you have the latest version of Snow Leopard.So, if your Mac already has Snow Leopard installed but its version is 10.6.7 or earlier (check by choosing Apple Menu > About This Mac), be sure to update it to the latest version In order to purchase Lion from the Mac App Store, you must be running the latest version of Snow Leopard. I recommend starting with at least 20 GB of free space (before downloading the installer). But my experience suggests that in real-world use, 8 GB is cutting it too close for comfort. And, in fact, a full install of Lion can, under optimal conditions, fit in less than 6 GB of disk space.

Īpple says Lion requires 8 GB of free disk space-presumably not including the 4 GB or so you’ll need for the installer itself. To see if a firmware update is available, check this Web page. Some computers may require updated EFI or SMC firmware to run Lion. Even though 2 GB is the official minimum, I strongly suggest having more, if your budget allows. Find out if your current Mac has one of these processors by clicking the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then choosing About This Mac.ĢGB physical RAM. Your Mac must have an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor to run Lion. Q: What are the minimum requirements for OS X 10.7 Lion?Ī: Listed below are some minimum requirements for upgrading to OS X 10.7 Lion.

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