How do OS X Updates Work?

I just got a Mac Book Pro a few weeks ago. Aside from using the computer lab Macs back in college (and this was back in the early '90s :O ), this is my first time seriously using a Mac (I haven't switched from PC, I just think MBPs make for better laptops and It's always good to know more than one platform...).

Can someone explain to me how the upgrade paths to OS X work? I understand the current one is 10.7.x Lion...When 10.8 comes out, do I need to purchase and install and entirely new OS upgrade, or is it just a free download update?

Hello elsongs,

I agree with you! It's always a good thing to know more than one platform.

Here's how the update process works. We are currently on OS X 10.7.2. 10.7.3 could be coming out at anytime in between a week and a month. All the 10.7.x updates are FREE! All you do is just click on the apple logo in the upper left hand corner and click on Software Update.

Now when 10.8 comes out, you will need to purchase it. It'll be a digital download most likely from the Mac App Store. You'll buy it there and it downloads an installer file. You'll click on it and then just follow the instructions. It's always a good idea to backup your system for major OS updates. But I've gone through 3 major OS X updates (10.4, 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7) and I've never had a problem!

I hope this answers your question.

Welcome to the Mac community Hope you love it!

Cheers
Searay

Thanks for breaking it down! What's the usual price range for the 10.x upgrades?

Hello,
The last two were coming in at around thirty bucks.