Mac OS X Lion is Out: How to Get It

Click here to see why you'd even want Mac OS X Lion.

After many rumors, Mac OS X Lion, Apple's latest edition of their Mac operating system, is finally out. And if you have a Mac computer of any kind, you probably want to upgrade to the newer, better OS. The good thing is, it's never been easier. Or cheaper. Unlike previous versions of Mac OS X, Lion is only a $29.99 download, and you basically get licenses for as many computers as you want.

Firstly, you must make sure that your Mac is compatible with Lion. To do this, click on the small Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen, a menu will come down, and select "About This Mac". A box will appear. Look under the "Software Update" button where it says "Processor". If the processor you have is a Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon, then your Mac is ready to Lion it up. Almost.

About This Mac

Next, while staying on that same About This Mac screen, is to check if your operating system is ready to upgrade. Immediately above the "Software Update" button it will show a version number. If your version is 10.6.8, you can skip to the next paragraph, if not, read on. If the version number is starts in 10.6. but is not 10.6.8, click the "Software Update" button below. This will update your Mac to the latest version of OS X Snow Leopard. If your version number starts with anything besides for 10.6, you have to get Snow Leopard, (Version 10.6) by buying it for $29.99 here. Once you've upgraded to Snow Leopard, you are ready to go.

Click here to open up the Mac OS X Lion page, and click "View in App Store". If you are running the latest version of Snow Leopard, that should bring up the Mac App Store, in which you can simply click "Buy". Mac OS X Lion is a pretty large download, so it could take a few hours, or even more. When done downloading, follow the instructions shown on the screen, which should be pretty straightforward. When you are done, you'll have Lion.

Hoped you enjoy. Any problems with the install? Have any other questions? Pop me a comment below, and I'll get back to you ASAP.