[Mac-talk] Installation and Configuration

[Deborah Shadovitz]

On Oct 28, 2007, at 2:11 , Chris Keller wrote:

> Pre-Installation
>
> These rules apply to users upgrading from Mac OS X 10.4. if you have  
> other system software, you're mileage might vary be sure to check it  
> out in advance.
>
> BACKUP! My recommendation is to use Super-Duper to make a bootable  
> duplicate of your drive. This will allow you to go back at any  
> moment, if necessary.
> Update all of your existing software before upgrading, it might also  
> be a good idea to run disk utilities, remove all unnecessary files  
> and possibly even optimize your
> hard drive. (I use an application called iDefrag)
>
> I recommended having at least 10 GB free on your startup drive.
>
> This is a good time to archive and remove your OS 9 applications and  
> System Folder. I also recommend that you move any user files that  
> have been laying around outside of your users folder for years into  
> the correct locations in the users folder. As time has gone by,  
> Apple has restricted that level of the file system more and more for  
> security reasons.
>
> If you are concerned that your system might be messed up, use the  
> archive and replace option or since you have a backup (you do don't  
> you?) you could even use the erase and install option but that will  
> require more work to get your applications back.
>
> If you are using a program with activation, I recommend you  
> deactivate the application now and reactivate it after installation.  
> If we hear any different, we will update this note.
>
> This is the time to do all of the thinking through of your  
> installation and this is the time to choose to wait if you aren't  
> sure it will work out for you.
>
> Installation
>
> First of all, Leopard Desktop Retail (The version you will get most  
> likely.) is provided as a Dual Layer DVD and you need to boot from  
> it to install. (There are ways to
> do without booting from the disk but realistically, this is the best  
> way to make it happen.) Another way to do that is copy the DVD to an  
> External Hard drive so that you
> can install much faster or install on computers without a supported  
> DVD drive. (Since DL disks are +R, some older drives may not be  
> supported as Apple's first DVD
> drives were -R only.
>
> If you have no strange software installed, you should be fine with a  
> upgrade, it will also  While in the past this was not a recommended  
> option, I have done it several times and
> have found that as long as no strange system level software is  
> installed (and there is so little for OS X anyway)
>
> Configuration
>
> Check all of the new System Preferences options to see what is new  
> and what you might be able to configure to make the computer better  
> for you.
>
> Be especially aware of changes to sharing, expose and spaces and if  
> you have accounts for your kids (and you should) parental controls.
>
> If you have any input on installation and configuration, please  
> email me or the list.

Adding to that...

If you have Adobe software - or other software that has an online  
license authorization, save yourself hassle by Deauthorizing first if  
you're doing Archive and Install or Erase and Install. (I forgot. Now  
I have to call Adobe on Monday and can't use GoLive, etc until then.)

Turn off any questionable startup items before the update. (I found  
all the Unsanity stuff and Default Folder turned themselves off which  
is great. Updates being worked on.)








-- 
Deborah Shadovitz • <http://www.Shadovitz.com> • Based in Los Angeles
Mac|Life Contributing Editor
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