Tips on Upgrading to Apple OS X Leopard

Recent reports are saying that users who are upgrading from OS X Tiger to OS X Leopard are experiencing issues that the system will periodically lock up. Typically when a new operating system comes out, whether it is a Windows, Mac, or Linux-based operating system, I always do a fresh install.

The first thing that you'll want to do it backup your home directory. Back it up to an external storage device such as an external hard drive or a thumb drive, if all your stuff will fit.

Next, insert the OS X Leopard DVD into the drive and reboot the computer. While the system is rebooting, hold "C". This will boot from the DVD and launch the OS X Leopard installer.

Press continue and select your current Mac OS X Disk. In most cases, this will be your only option. Click on options and you will have options on how to install Leopard. The first option is do upgrade...AVOID THIS.

The second option is to archive and install. This option will save all user's home directories, reinstall the operating system, ad then restore all of the user's home directories. In addition, this option will also retain the network settings.

The last option is to erase and install. This option does exactly as the name states. It will erase all data on the drive, and install the operation system. No user directories will be carried over, nor will the network settings be retained.

Click on continue and then select customize. Here you can select the different software packages that will be installed with the operating system.

Then sit back and relax while the operating system installs fresh.