Additionally, the installer will copy a large chunk of data from the installation disc to the user's hard drive at the beginning of the installation process, allowing the bulk of the process to occur on the user's drive rather than constantly transferring data from the optical media. The Snow Leopard installer will also sequester existing applications known to be incompatible with the updated operating system, allowing for more reliable system behavior upon upgrading.- Although Rosetta and Quicktime 7 are both included on the Mac OS X 10.6 installation DVD, both are designated as optional installs by default. However, if Mac OS X 10.6 is being installed on a Mac that contains a registration a key for Quicktime 7 Pro, the installer will install Quicktime 7 automatically.
- Options to "Erase and Install" and "Archive and Install" are no longer present in the Mac OS X 10.6 installer. According to those familiar with the software, this was done for convenience, so that users do not accidentally erase and install their Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard partitions. However, "Erase and Install" remains available through Disk Utility, which is also included on the installation DVD.
- If you need to reinstall 10.6, it automatically archives and installs for you.
- A reinstallation will not affect your Mac OS X version number. In other words, reinstallation of Mac OS X 10.6 on a Mac that contains Mac OS X 10.6.1 (when it becomes available) will not overwrite any new components delivered by 10.6.1. So when the re-install is complete, you will still be running Mac OS X 10.6.1. This will save users considerable time.
It will be just as confusing then.MacRumors said:removal of the "Erase and Install" and "Archive and Install" options from the basic installer to reduce user confusion, although the options are still available via Disk Utility.
I wonder how this is handled OS wise. There's probably a do not touch folder and some new package installing scheme for updates.MacRumors said:- A reinstallation will not affect your Mac OS X version number. In other words, reinstallation of Mac OS X 10.6 on a Mac that contains Mac OS X 10.6.1 (when it becomes available) will not overwrite any new components delivered by 10.6.1. So when the re-install is complete, you will still be running Mac OS X 10.6.1. This will save users considerable time.
People familiar with Apple's upcoming Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system are corroborating reports this week that the software has achieved Golden Master status, adding some additional insight on various enhancements and changes that users will notice during the installation process when compared to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.
Build 10A432 reportedly went GM a bit earlier this week and is currently on its way to manufacturing, where it will pressed onto optical media ahead of a formal availability date next month. The GM build also began making its way into the hands of some Apple Care support representatives and Apple Technicians on Wednesday.
Some of the changes and enhancements to the Snow Leopard installation process are as follows:
- Although Rosetta and Quicktime 7 are both included on the Mac OS X 10.6 installation DVD, both are designated as optional installs by default. However, if Mac OS X 10.6 is being installed on a Mac that contains a registration a key for Quicktime 7 Pro, the installer will install Quicktime 7 automatically.
- Options to "Erase and Install" and "Archive and Install" are no longer present in the Mac OS X 10.6 installer. According to those familiar with the software, this was done for convenience, so that users do not accidentally erase and install their Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard partitions. However, "Erase and Install" remains available through Disk Utility, which is also included on the installation DVD.
- If you need to reinstall 10.6, it automatically archives and installs for you.
- A reinstallation will not affect your Mac OS X version number. In other words, reinstallation of Mac OS X 10.6 on a Mac that contains Mac OS X 10.6.1 (when it becomes available) will not overwrite any new components delivered by 10.6.1. So when the re-install is complete, you will still be running Mac OS X 10.6.1. This will save users considerable time.
- There is no "Previous System" folder at the root level after reinstalling.
- If a power outage occurs, installation will pick up from where it left off.
- To prevent the Blue Screen error that plagued some users when upgrading to Mac OS X 10.5, a software compatibility check is included that has a list of known "bad" apps, and disables them. Those programs are moved to an "Incompatible Software" folder.
- Unlike Mac OS X 10.5, you cannot install Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard on computers where the hard drive reports a S.M.A.R.T. failure.
- Installation initially triggers a large chunk of data to be copied from the installation DVD to the user's primary hard drive. The bulk of the installation is then managed from the hard drive, speeding up the installation process considerably. After a successful installation, that large chunk of data is automatically removed.
I underlined what I think is the solution to blank drives.
However, "Erase and Install" remains available through Disk Utility, which is also included on the installation DVD.Seems to confirm the idea that you are not going to be able to install it on blank drive.
No way it is getting released early.
So wait... Has the OPTION to Archive and Install been removed, or does it always automatically Archive and Install when upgrading, keeping the current apps and preferences installed?
Guess I'll be doing a clean install! Not the end of the world I guess.
So if it was $99, it'd be easier?This whole $29 thing is really just making it a big hassle for the way some people normally upgrade.
The August 24 tidbit is really interesting, but that is really quick turnaround, no? How long between GM and release for other versions of Mac OS X?
I would suspect the rumor about SL reaching GM is in fact true. If you go to Apple's website and go to the Mac OS X page, it defaults to Snow Leopard now, not Leopard.![]()
*fixedThe sentence before seems to contradict that idea. If you click erase and install, *I think that its clear the whole point is to erase.
This whole $29 thing is really just making it a big hassle for the way some people normally upgrade.
*fixed
And what do you mean? It says "Erase & Install" but you think its only going to erase?
If your speaking of the general, isn't that why they put it in DU instead of the main installer window? If your going to install a new blank HD yourself, I guess they would think you'd know where to go to install 10.6 on it.If you click Erase & Install, it seems like you would be aware that it's going to erase everything and then do the upgrade. How many users seriously think that when they click that, it is not going to erase.
We're getting so close!
Does anyone know if I can pick up my "up to date" disk at the Apple Store, or will I have to wait for it in the mail? I'd like to go to the launch...
I would suspect the rumor about SL reaching GM is in fact true. If you go to Apple's website and go to the Mac OS X page, it defaults to Snow Leopard now, not Leopard.![]()
FWIW, Apple charged my card Monday for the up-to-date program copy of SL.
I don't quite like that I can't install on a blank drive though.