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Mac OS X Lion Webpage Banner

This webpage provides information about Mac OS X Lion on UW-Whitewater campus, and includes instructions for the optional upgrade of the operating system on individual University-owned and managed Apple computers, which currently run Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6).

Optional OS X Upgrade to Lion (10.7)

The upgrade is available only for individual University-owned and managed Apple computers that meet the minimum hardware requirements, and currently run OS X Snow Leopard. Apple computers in general access computer labs and classrooms on campus will continue to use OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) without change at this time.

Upgrade Instructions

Please note that the OS upgrade is NOT reversible. If you are not familiar with OS X Lion, you may want to consult a separate PDF with a list of top new features first, to understand fully how this change may affect your work, and to decide if you want to proceed. If you have any files located on your computer's hard drive (and not on University network drives), iCIT strongly advises you to securely back up your data before proceeding with the upgrade.

Once you begin the upgrade, you will need to budget approximately one hour (the actual time may vary depending on your web connection and computer speed) for the process to complete. During this time you will NOT be able to use your computer. Once started, the upgrade process cannot be stopped or interrupted.

To begin, on your Mac run the app called Self Service. When the Self Service application launches, in its main window, in the Featured category, you will find Mac OS X Lion. When you are ready to upgrade, close all other applications running on your Mac, click the UPGRADE button next to the Lion icon in the Self Service application, and then follow the on-screen prompts.

Things to Consider Before You Start Using Lion

Below is a list of links to online resources with more information about Mac OS X Lion. Please note a few practical points to consider, before you start using Lion:

Do not use the Apple App Store application for any institutional software purchases - contact the TSC/Helpdesk for more info. on how to purchase software for your office workstation.
OS X Lion includes an app, called iCloud, that allows you to store files online, on Apple-owned servers, and synchronizes files across different devices, such as OS X Lion and Windows computers, and mobile (iOS) devices, such as an iPad or an iPhone. It is important to note that iCloud storage is not endorsed or supported by the University, and if you experience problems, TSC/Helpdesk will not be able to help you with iCloud stored or synchronized files. You should also keep in mind that any data that contains legally protected information (for example, FERPA-protected student information, such as grades, ID numbers, student assignments, and other personally identifiable student, faculty, or staff information) should never be stored on third-party storage systems such as iCloud.
When you share files with other Lion users through a wireless connection using the new AirDrop app, please exercise the same caution you would if you were exchanging files with another person using a USB thumb-drive: only accept files that you are reasonably sure do not contain any malicious programs or code; do not share with others files that may include private or protected information, such as personal data, ID numbers, grades, and so on.

Lion Resources on the Web:

UW-Whitewater PDF handout with highlights of Lion's most important new features
UW-Whitewater video podcast Let Lion Roar! on Vimeo or iTunes U.
Apple - The main page with HIGHLIGHTS of Lion's new features.
Apple - A detailed list of 250+ new features.
Apple - Lion's main support page with how-to articles.

This page last updated on January 26th, 2012 (GJ).