How do I know if my OS X (Leopard OR Snow Leopard) is original?

[Unica]

Hi,
I have a MBP running Tiger with the original discs that came with my MBP.
I am planning to move to OS Leopard OR Snow Leopard.

I am getting a (Mac computers service) company to do a complete check and erase install on my system.
So how do i know if the OS that they put on my system is original or pirated or something?

I am paying them, so I need to be sure I am paying to have an original put in.

I will not be getting a disc... they said the install will be from their 'diagnostics'... whatever that means.

But I am worried about having problems, incase I end up having a pirated version.
So how can I be sure its not pirated?

 

[Unica]

they said:
"We shall attempt to get a copy of Snow Leopard/ Leopard for you. If we don't - it will include the fresh install from our diagnostic services. You only ever really need this disc once, unless:
A. You want to install on another machine.
B. You want to do a refresh.
We can do both for you anyhow at no further charge" , incase required in the future.


so I may get the disc or not... whichever way, I need to be sure its original.

 

[Tomorrow]

This sounds shady to me...

 

[Consultant]

They sound shady. There is no diagnostics version that can be mass-installed. Each legit copy of OS X is provided on a physical disk.

Are they even Apple certified?
http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/


You can do it yourself. Either way, you need to backup.

1. Backup data yourself (get external drive)

2. Buy Snow Leopard $29 is upgrade version but works. Get the Mac Box set if you care about full "license" and getting the other software:
http://www.apple.com/macboxset/requirements.html

3. Erase, and install

4. You can restore all your apps, documents, etc using migration assistant.

 

[alust2013]

Yeah... There really is no reason to have someone else do it for you. It's a very simply process in fact.

 

[old-wiz]

It doesn't take long to install OSx. Any company that offers to do installs without giving you the disk is violating Apple's license agreement. If you do not get a disk you are getting pirated software.

 

[AdrianK]

But I am worried about having problems, incase I end up having a pirated version.

This isn't Windows. There are *no* license keys (at least in 10.4/5/6). Your copy of OS X will never expire or nag you to buy a legitimate copy.

I can't begin to explain the pain the Windows Genuine Advantage has caused me with a *legitimate* copy of XP, I actually had to resort to piracy in the end (*irony*). I really commend Apple for going without serials.

 

[cloakedpegasus]

This sounds shady to me...

awesome pic

 

[frunkis54]

buy a retail copy and do it yourself it is really simple and doesn't take very long.

 

[Gregg2]

So how can I be sure its not pirated?

By a disc. Then either install it yourself, or take it to the service, making it clear that they either give you back the disc or give you the cash to buy another one.