1 September 2009

Snow Leopard is here.  What do you need to know?

Two years after the release of Leopard, Apple has released Snow Leopard, the newest version of Mac OS X.  (Formally, the versions are OS X 10.5 and OS X 10.6 respectively.)  If you’re thinking that the similar names mean that there aren’t many additions, you’re partially right. 

What’s new with Snow Leopard?

Most of Snow Leopard’s improvements are "under the hood." The OS has been tuned to better leverage 64-bit applications as well as the multi-core processors that have become standard for computers.  Additionally, Snow Leopard can address more RAM, which means better performance when you have many programs open simultaneously.


Often, a new version of OS X comes with an array of "look and feel" changes, but there aren’t many in Snow Leopard.  Among the visible changes: a new version of QuickTime that has a transparency effect; built-in screen-recording capabilities, e.g, to make how-to demos; finder windows have some new touches, like the ability to increase icon sizes, as well as live previews of media (which seem to be an evolution of Leopard’s introduction of Quick Look) when you are in the cover flow view.
 
What will really be useful to me?

For Medical campus users, the biggest feature of Snow Leopard is full built-in Microsoft Exchange support for Mail, iCal, and Address Book.  Those of you who prefer these applications to Microsoft Entourage will now be able to sync to the Medical campus Exchange email system and have the same information available whether you’re logged on to Webmail, a Windows computer, or your Mac.

Are there any downsides?

Snow Leopard  is the first version of OS X that is incompatible with Power PC Macs.  If you do not have an Intel-based Mac, you will be unable to upgrade to Snow Leopard.


Most of the common third-party software for Macs has been upgraded to work with Snow Leopard, but not all.  See the Snow Leopard Software Compatibility List for the latest word on the applications that you use.


Unfortunately, Snow Leopard is also incompatible with the current versions of antivirus and encryption software used at UM.  Purchasers of new Macs will be asked to schedule an installation of these applications after the compatible releases become available (encryption for laptops only, antivirus for all systems).

How do I get Snow Leopard on my personal Mac?

All newly purchased Macs will have Snow Leopard installed by default.  If you purchased a Mac on or after June 8th, an upgrade is available for $9.95 at http://www.apple.com/macosx/uptodate/.  If you purchased before June 8, the retail cost is $29.

How do I get Snow Leopard on my UM-purchased Mac?

If you want Snow Leopard installed by Medical Information Technology, an upgrade license must be purchased for $25 from the Medical Information Technology Computer Store if your system does not qualify for a free upgrade. The Computer Store can be reached at 305-243-1189.  Once an IDR is received for the license, a technician can be assigned to install Snow Leopard.

What’s the bottom line here?

Medical Information Technology does not recommend rushing into an installation of a newly released operating system there’s a reason that practice is called "living on the bleeding edge."  Our strong recommendation is to wait a couple of months for any unanticipated issues to be resolved.
As noted, if you purchase a Snow Leopard Mac or a copy of the operating system with University funds, compatible encryption and antivirus software must be installed when they become available. 

More information