Do I need an External HDD to upgrade?

[dscuber9000]

I've never installed a new operating system on a computer before. So do I need to back everything up on an external hard-drive to upgrade, or will all my files remain intact on my MacBook Pro's built-in hard-drive?

Also, will Snow Leopard be available only in Apple Stores on Friday, or will I be able to find it in Best Buy on Friday too? The closest Apple Store is a decent drive away...

 

[eawmp1]

1) You should ALWAYS backup any data you view as too valuable to lose. All hard drives can/will eventually fail. But no, you can install on your internal without back-up.
2) Why not order tonight online from the Apple Store? They have been offering free shipping.

 

[dscuber9000]

1) You should ALWAYS backup any data you view as too valuable to lose. All hard drives can/will eventually fail. But no, you can install on your internal without back-up.
2) Why not order tonight online from the Apple Store? They have been offering free shipping.

My MacBook Pro is still relatively new (13" MBP) and this is my first Mac, so I don't have anything valuable on here that I would be devastated if I lost. I want to eventually get an external, but I'd rather have Snow Leopard first.

As for ordering on Apple.com, I am too young to have a credit card. I prefer shopping offline anyway.

 

[eawmp1]

Call Best Buy and ask someone there.

 

[FSMBP]

Get it online - no credit cards for BitTorrents. KIDDING.

I would definitely give BestBuy a ring and ask if they will carry Snow Leopard on Friday. I would assume they would have it but if not, most likely next Monday.

 

[ElijahPost]

No External HD is required, but a backup is highly recomended