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Free update for Mac that replaces the 10.6 Snow Leopard version of its operating system

Free update for Mac that replaces the 10.6 Snow Leopard version of its operating system

Vote: (542 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Apple

Version: 10.7.5

Works under: Mac

Vote:

Program license

(542 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Apple

10.7.5

Works under:

Mac

Pros

  • Upgraded security software
  • New multi-touch controls
  • Refreshed user interface

Cons

  • Not compatible with older Apple devices
  • No longer supported by Apple
  • Missing newest macOS features

OS X Lion is the operating system that replaced OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, and this update is filled with useful new features and bug fixes.

Apple’s engineers are constantly improving their operating systems and taking care of the persistent bugs that many users struggle with. OS X Lion is one of their newest operating system updates, and it replaced OS X Snow Leopard. In addition to patching many of the security issues that plagued the previous operating systems, OS X also provides you with a new version of Safari. Those are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider upgrading from OS X Snow Leopard to OS X Lion.

Even though the OS X Lion image is lightweight, this update won’t work on many of the older Mac devices. Before you download this software, you should head to Apple’s website to see if your computer is compatible. As a general rule, this update won’t work on Core Solo or Core Duo processors. To install this software, all you need to do is double-click the icon after the initial file has been downloaded. You will then be given a list of options such what you would like to do with your personal files and which programs you would like to update. A clean install of OS X Lion should only take 20 or 30 minutes to complete, but installing this software over an existing operating system could take several hours.

The first thing that you are going to notice after upgrading from Snow Leopard to Lion is the multi-touch control feature. While Apple devices have had this feature for quite a few years, Lion was the first operating system to fully embrace that technology. In addition to two-finger scrolling, you can also use four-finger gestures to swipe and clear windows. With Lion, your computer will recognize dozens of unique gestures, and it might take you some time to master all of those movements.

Another important update that can be found in OS X Lion is a unique piece of software called Gatekeeper. While Mac devices are notoriously secure, they aren’t completely impervious to malware. Gatekeeper is a macOS security feature that enforces code signing and verifies downloaded applications before they are run. This software will greatly reduce your risk of executing any type of malware on your Apple device.

OS X Lion isn’t the newest operating system on the market, but it did boast some groundbreaking features when it was first released. If you are interested in testing those features, then you can easily create a bootable disk with OS X Lion installed on it. That will allow you to test then environment without making any permanent changes to your computer.

Pros

  • Upgraded security software
  • New multi-touch controls
  • Refreshed user interface

Cons

  • Not compatible with older Apple devices
  • No longer supported by Apple
  • Missing newest macOS features