How do I get a free upgrade to Mountain Lion?

http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/

 

OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date Program​

 

That's up to you, but it's really not difficult to update it.

 

They probably couldn't - most likely it was already at their warehouse sealed up when you bought it before it was available. Once it has been built and sealed in the box, that's it. That's why they have the up-to-date program and in the past, drop in discs.

 

It'll take longer to go to the apple store, deal with the hassle of the apple store, and come home again than it will to install the update.

 

Once you get the install going go make a sandwich, eat it, and come back. It'll probably be done.