OS X Mountain Lion

lozcart · Feb 16, 2012, 16:22:54

Another OS X update due to arrive late summer

http://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/

Steve · Feb 16, 2012, 16:30:37

Thanks I'm going to try the iMessage beta. You begin to wonder whether the definition between IOS and Mac OS X is becoming blurred. If so I find that a bit worrying as it won't work. i.e. I don't need a hi speed laptop to run IOS and vice versa. Perhaps this is the intention we'll all be using tablet like devices with blue tooth keyboards and the odd monitor when and if required.

Lance · Feb 16, 2012, 18:03:41

Interestingly it is now known officially as OS X rather than Mac OS X. I wonder if dropping the Mac signals future plans?

Steve · Feb 16, 2012, 18:10:09

The recent update of Airport Utility, an application to control Apple routers and Time capsule has been ported from IOS and to me it's not appropriate for OS X, it's become a graphical application ideal for touchscreen use imo.

pctech · Feb 16, 2012, 19:32:10

And all your data will sit on HP Proliant servers in an Apple data centre.

Steve · Feb 16, 2012, 19:32:55

That bit doesn't worry me!

pctech · Feb 16, 2012, 19:35:15

It will if you ever wanted to move to Linux

Gary · Feb 17, 2012, 07:36:22

I liked Mac OS X because it wasn't IOS, I don't want a massive iPad, so essentially more adventures in Mac OS X come to and end with Lion, time to move in to pastures cheaper and new, you can get fed up of seeing the same thing on every device. Xperia S is pre ordered

I want to see something different and have more options and have more fun with my device, and I have realised it doesn't 'just work' IOS 5 is a buggy mess close up, 10.7.3 introduced wifi reconnect failures on many iMacs...and now Mountain Lion (isn't that a Puma) is just sadly all a bit boring and familiar, as someone once said on this forum, using a Mac is like being stuck in a cupboard in the dark, on your own...that wasn't true back then, but for me it has gone that way, and a new OS every year on a main PC is far from what I want.

Glenn · Feb 17, 2012, 08:37:09

Quote from: Gary on Feb 17, 2012, 07:36:22
and now Mountain Lion (isn't that a Puma)

Or a Cougar.

Steve · Feb 17, 2012, 09:38:53

I don't game so I'm quite happy (I think) potentially to move completely to a tablet device. I very rarely use a desktop machine at home so I don't need all the paraphenalia that comes with a 'big case'. As long as I've access to a keyboard and full size screen for the occassional use and of course the TV and networked printer my needs are fulfilled.

Gary · Feb 17, 2012, 10:28:08

Quote from: Steve on Feb 17, 2012, 09:38:53
I don't game so I'm quite happy (I think) potentially to move completely to a tablet device. I very rarely use a desktop machine at home so I don't need all the paraphenalia that comes with a 'big case'. As long as I've access to a keyboard and full size screen for the occassional use and of course the TV and networked printer my needs are fulfilled.

I think Android has more flexibility than IOS and OS X now, the tablets and phones allow you to have fun with your gadget. I am getting fed up of Apple assimilating all the product line. In my view the software is more buggy (spent the last week with Apple engineers phoning/emailing me) capturing data trying to work out why 10.7.3 make some peoples iMacs only wake and connect to wifi when you press the power button, not the mouse or keypad as before, let alone the mess that the Delta caused. I am now hard wired to the Ethernet port.

IOS 5 is still not as flexible as it should be and its nothing really that new tbh, and Apples denial of issues with hardware (many peoples phones have hardware faults my iPhone 4S had to be exchanged due to kernal crashes) let alone some peoples battery life, well consumers are noticing the drop in standards, the bugs, the stonewalling and the fact they can have more hardware for literally hundreds of pounds less (phone wise and PC wise) For myself Apples fit and finish has gone downhill.

My printer does not need a PC I don't game on PC's so a decent Tablet (non Apple) will probably be my choice for the little I now do online. You can even get a separate box for Skype to use with your TV via HDMI that has its own camera. That's good enough for me.

pctech · Feb 17, 2012, 11:14:14

Why have several devices when one will do all.

Steve · Feb 17, 2012, 11:38:29

Quote from: pctech on Feb 17, 2012, 11:14:14
Why have several devices when one will do all.

For me I think it's moving away from the PC in the study or the corner of a room. I want to use the apps and facilities where I feel is appropiate ie I want to watch 'you tube', slide show,or a movie - let the tablet or phone stream to the TV. I know this can be done directly but personal files need to be somewhere. I want to write an email in the kitchen , If I wish to study or write a long document then I need privacy a keyboard and decent monitor. I don't need a big chunk of real estate gathering dust most of the time.

TheMonkey · Feb 23, 2012, 11:55:03

I'm looking forward to Mountain Lion. I'm not old school Mac. I came in in 2010 with Snow Leopard and i'm with Apple 100% with merging some features.

Notifications will most likely replace "growl"

iMessage seems to transfer any file you want and this is massive you want to send files about the interweb without signing up for hosting sites etc.

Social media integration in safari looks fantastic (even though I don't use it)

Reminders. Great, instead of my wife calling me up at work to get some shopping on the way home she can set it up on the mac and i'll receive it on my iPhone.

Airplay mirroring is a great feature. Straight to my AppleTV (any content I want)

Gatekeeper is another great feature. Although i'm a responsible user I can say the same for other using my Mac. Now i can limit downloads to the Mac App store/ trusted 3rd Party.

With all these features uniting my Apple products it can only be a good thing.

Simon · Feb 23, 2012, 11:57:55

Your cheque's in the post...

Rik · Feb 23, 2012, 12:08:32

TheMonkey · Feb 23, 2012, 14:11:58

Is it blank like the one I sent Apple?

Ardua · Mar 29, 2012, 20:04:15

I see that various Mac journals are reporting that Apple has set aside a sum of money in its accounts for free annual OS upgrades to customers. Interesting to see if they are right and it starts with Mountain Lion. Great way of 'buying' customer loyalty.

Steve · Mar 29, 2012, 21:44:35

Although some would argue that the upgrades are equivalent to a Windows service pack which of course are free.

pctech · Mar 30, 2012, 15:26:22

Quote from: Ardua on Mar 29, 2012, 20:04:15
I see that various Mac journals are reporting that Apple has set aside a sum of money in its accounts for free annual OS upgrades to customers. Interesting to see if they are right and it starts with Mountain Lion. Great way of 'buying' customer loyalty.

Or they are going to introduce a subscription computing model

Ardua · Mar 30, 2012, 16:37:12

Ten years ago I wouldn't have touched a Mac. They were completely alien to me. Five years later, my family has an IMac, MacBook Pro, IPAd and IPhone. No BSsOD and they just work. Apple also paid for an £800 - £1000 card replacement for my 4 year old plus MacBook. If IPads are good enough for our Queen .......

Glenn · Mar 30, 2012, 16:54:08

Have you got several Rolls Royce and horse drawn carriages too, along with the countries biggest council house?

Rik · Mar 30, 2012, 17:04:56

pctech · Mar 30, 2012, 20:36:32

Quote from: Ardua on Mar 30, 2012, 16:37:12
they just work.

I take issue with that myth that Apple and it's PR wonks peddle, problems DO occur with some applications that do more than word processing, I know this because I've spent many hours trying to troubleshoot problems with program installations or applying patches.

TheMonkey · Apr 02, 2012, 17:10:22

Quote from: pctech on Mar 30, 2012, 20:36:32
I take issue with that myth that Apple and it's PR wonks peddle, problems DO occur with some applications that do more than word processing, I know this because I've spent many hours trying to troubleshoot problems with program installations or applying patches.

I think the whole point is that you can take a mac out of the box put you details in on the start up and you are basicaly running in a matter of minutes. No faffing about get antivirus etc.

pctech · Apr 02, 2012, 17:22:54

The only reason Macs haven't needed AV up to now is because they weren't popular enough to be targeted, now they are I predict you'll end up in the same situation as Windows in 2 to 3 years.

TheMonkey · Apr 03, 2012, 09:21:54

Not quite true.

Currently NO OSX Viruses exisist in the wild and never have done in the 10 years of OSX.

Trojans and Malware on the other hand is different but that can be avoided with safe computing.

Technical Ben · Apr 03, 2012, 23:43:04

That's the problem of the PC producers though. No ones put the effort in to make one as good as Apple does. They slap it in a box, and hope to charge you for "service assistance". That's why PCs are cheap, service is expensive. Whereas Apple is expensive, service is not required.

Well, except us "build your own PC" people.

We decided to go do what Apple is doing, but for ourselves.

(All to their own.)

lozcart · Jul 24, 2012, 21:44:41

Mountain Lion will be avaliable to download from the app store from tomorrow.

Steve · Jul 24, 2012, 22:14:06

Thanks , I'll be waiting.

Gary · Jul 24, 2012, 23:06:40

Quote from: Steve on Jul 24, 2012, 22:14:06
Thanks , I'll be waiting.

I'll be waiting too, the is always a cluster*@%k on new releases, I sahll sit and wait, if nothing else for the servers to ease off as it will be a nightmare. Also I will let others beta test the update so to speak

Ardua · Jul 25, 2012, 08:33:08

Quote from: Technical Ben on Apr 03, 2012, 23:43:04

Whereas Apple is expensive, service is not required.

Not entirely true. I have a 5 year old MacBook Pro that suffered a video card failure last year. NVidia had admitted that there was a problem with the cards and Apple agreed to replace any cards for free that failed within 4 years of purchase. My machine had reached 4 1/2 years when I lost all video but rather than just say 'tough luck' Apple said 'OK', and they repaired my laptop for free. The repair cost to me would have been close to a £900.

pctech · Jul 25, 2012, 11:12:37

Even Apple have removed the claim that they are virus resistant, as they were previously a niche platform noone bothered writing viruses or malware for them.

lozcart · Jul 25, 2012, 12:59:01

Quote from: pctech on Jul 25, 2012, 11:12:37
Even Apple have removed the claim that they are virus resistant, as they were previously a niche platform noone bothered writing viruses or malware for them.

and the relevance to Mountain Lion coming out is?

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 14:31:44

Quote from: pctech on Jul 25, 2012, 11:12:37
Even Apple have removed the claim that they are virus resistant, as they were previously a niche platform noone bothered writing viruses or malware for them.

No relevance at all, just more of the same as usual

Technical Ben · Jul 25, 2012, 16:21:49

Quote from: lozcart on Jul 25, 2012, 12:59:01
and the relevance to Mountain Lion coming out is?

I think that's the news sites fault. They are announcing the new OS alongside a new Trojan/malware problem.

But not to worry, they are slinging equal amounts of Mud at Windows 8 too! I'd jump over to OSX if I could install it on my AMD system (For £30 who wouldn't?). But without the software to go along with it, I may as well plunge into the deep end and go Linux if I need a replacement to this system.

It's nice to see Apple at least keep things workable, while trying to make money. MS seem to have just gone crazy with their OS updates.

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 16:25:00

Quote from: Technical Ben on Jul 25, 2012, 16:21:49
I think that's the news sites fault. They are announcing the new OS alongside a new Trojan/malware problem.
But not to worry, they are slinging equal amounts of Mud at Windows 8 too! I'd jump over to OSX if I could install it on my AMD system (For £30 who wouldn't?).

It's nice to see Apple at least keep things workable, while trying to make money. MS seem to have just gone crazy with their OS updates.

£13.99

and on as many Macs as you like

Steve · Jul 25, 2012, 17:58:50

Decided to download hopefully down within the hour @2mb/sec.

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 18:01:41

Quote from: Steve on Jul 25, 2012, 17:58:50
Decided to download hopefully down within the hour @2mb/sec.

I'm waiting till tomorrow, or i'll get up early, some peeps in the states on fastlines are looking at 14 hours at 2.5mb/sec

the download keeps stop starting

Steve · Jul 25, 2012, 18:05:52

It's still chugging along 35 mins left, I shan't install tonight - no time.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57479690-263/how-to-create-an-os-x-10.8-mountain-lion-install-drive/

Simon · Jul 25, 2012, 19:23:34

So, forgive my ignorance, but are these full OS upgrades, like from Windows 7 to Windows 8, and you can just download and apply them to an existing OS?

Steve · Jul 25, 2012, 20:24:31

I think that's difficult to argue, Apple will argue it's a new OS, although as they upgrade their OS fairly frequently (but less so than a Linux distro). The process is completely different from Windows , in which the upgrades are infrequent so the ultimate result is much more of a dramatic change in appearance and function.

Recent Apple OS upgrades can all be applied successfully over the existing OS (again similar to Linux distros) and also as a fresh install, which differs from a Windows service pack which needs a base OS to install over.

I think with any Linux or Unix distro the frequency of OS updates allows a gradual evolution to occur for which in itself can be annoyance as the previous OS eventually lose support for new software.

As I understand it XP will still run up to date software which you good argue is an advantage but also it's achilles heel.

PS typed on Safari 6 OS X Mountain Lion following a visit to the pub whilst it upgraded.

Simon · Jul 25, 2012, 21:49:47

Another difference from Windows service packs being, you don't have to pay for those. I was just trying to work out whether the charge for Mountain Lion is comparable to paying for a new Windows OS, in that the Apple OSs are cheaper, but seem to come along more frequently. Once you've paid for a Windows OS, there's no further expenditure involved in it's upkeep, until a full new upgrade comes along.

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 22:26:14

Installed tonight and its way faster than Lion for a start, I have to say I am most impressed so far

And now I'm typing using voice dictation hands off no keypad and it seems to work really well

Stevescat · Jul 25, 2012, 22:53:48

Didn't expect the 4.3Gb installation file to download so quick. Went for an hour's walk and bingo, ready to install

Absolutely loving Safari at the moment, super quick and smooth. Swiping forwards and backwards is a joy.

I know, should get out more!

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 23:30:31

I know, me too. I have to admit so far this makes Lion look...well awful.

Gary · Jul 25, 2012, 23:39:16

Quote from: Simon on Jul 25, 2012, 19:23:34
So, forgive my ignorance, but are these full OS upgrades, like from Windows 7 to Windows 8, and you can just download and apply them to an existing OS?

I would say each update ie 10.8.1/10.8.2 etc is a service pack, going form 10.7 to 10.8 is a new os and at £13.99 its cheap.

Steve · Jul 26, 2012, 07:18:04

I think it's a bloody nuisance that Apple have got rid of rss feeds in Safari 6, nevermind we'll adapt or use FF.

Gary · Jul 26, 2012, 08:12:07

Quote from: Steve on Jul 26, 2012, 07:18:04
I think it's a bloody nuisance that Apple have got rid of rss feeds in Safari 6, nevermind we'll adapt or use FF.

I use FF anyway, must admit not keen on Safari 6 even though its really fast, but FF 14.0.1 seems to fly now as well, not sure if the code in 10.8 is updated top take advantage of hyperthreading more.

Steve · Jul 26, 2012, 08:25:44

If you want your Growl notifications to appear in the Notification Centre this beta program seems to work. http://collect3.com.au/hiss/

I use growl for the odd thing, mainly to see which graphic card I'm currently using.

Gary · Jul 26, 2012, 09:29:52

Quote from: Steve on Jul 26, 2012, 08:25:44
If you want your Growl notifications to appear in the Notification Centre this beta program seems to work. http://collect3.com.au/hiss/

I use growl for the odd thing, mainly to see which graphic card I'm currently using.

is it signed for gatekeeper?

Steve · Jul 26, 2012, 09:31:15

No it is not signed. Sorry I should have warned.

Gary · Jul 26, 2012, 09:33:12

Quote from: Steve on Jul 26, 2012, 09:31:15
No it is not signed. Sorry I should have warned.

Cheers Steve

Steve · Jul 28, 2012, 19:16:00

Having used the new OS for 2-3 days now on the MBP, It really has been a seamless transition and the laptop is working very well. It may be using a bit more memory (Crucial want £40 to take me up to 8Gb) I'll keep an eye on that.

Ardua · Jul 28, 2012, 21:00:11

Agreed - it is a good update. Had problems with Trusteer which required a re-install, and Time Machine. TM wouldn't delete oldest backup to make space. Fortunately, manual backup delete in TM works

Gary · Jul 29, 2012, 13:47:05

Quote from: Ardua on Jul 28, 2012, 21:00:11
Agreed - it is a good update. Had problems with Trusteer which required a re-install, and Time Machine. TM wouldn't delete oldest backup to make space. Fortunately, manual backup delete in TM works

I honestly would not use Trusteer at all, its not known for smooth running on Macs or some PC's for that matter.

Gary · Jul 29, 2012, 13:49:42

Quote from: Steve on Jul 28, 2012, 19:16:00
Having used the new OS for 2-3 days now on the MBP, It really has been a seamless transition and the laptop is working very well. It may be using a bit more memory (Crucial want £40 to take me up to 8Gb) I'll keep an eye on that.

Running 8GB here Steve and all seems ok although I may update to 16GB while I have the cash for the memory. I did notice my iMac running pretty hot. Quite a few preference pains did not transfer over so I did a clean install via the hidden partition. It has some bugs but I'm hoping 10.8.1 will help there, nothing show stopping so far though..

Steve · Aug 02, 2012, 22:12:27

I've stuck 8Gb in the MBP and the swap files now gone on light usage. Seems to be running pretty well.