Leopard 10.5

Not surprisingly, Apple has released Mac OS X Update version 10.5.6 for both Client and Server users of the Mac OS. Weighing in at around 370MB and 470MB respectively, the two updates are immediately available to download and install on Leopard-running Macs.

Following a rumor-full couple of weeks, Apple has kicked off this week with a slew of updates for users of its Mac operating system, including the two most anticipated updates to Mac OS X 10.5, versions 10.5.6 for Leopard Client and Server. Additionally, the Cupertino-based Mac maker has issued Security updates for both Leopard and Tiger users, as well as the usual laundry of Combo updates. We'll be detailing each and every one in separate articles. For the time being, feast your eyes at the latest (general) enhancements and fixes on the Client side of Mac OS 10.5.6, followed by the tweaks and changes occurring with the Server counterpart.

Mac OS X 10.5.6 Client

General

· Includes Mac OS X security improvements.

· Addresses inaccuracies with Calculator when the Mac OS X language is set to German or Swiss German.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, released on October 26, 2007, was the biggest change to Mac OS X since Apple first released OS X 10.0 in March 2001. For the first time, a version of OS X was certified as Unix, and the new unified appearance makes Leopard friendlier and less confusing for users. Leopard itself was also a unified operating system. As Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 ISO is one of the powerful and efficient creations of Apple, we have closely monitored the features of Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 ISO. Another important feature is the open computing language facility in Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 ISO. This language helps Apple for this kind of improvement in Leopard. Download leopard-webkit for free. WebKit for OS X Leopard. Builds of current WebKit frameworks for Mac OS X 10.5 (PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5). In order to revive the Snow Leopard builds at least one volunteer with skills in building open source software is needed! Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard, is the sixth major update to Mac OS X for Apple's Macintosh computers, and was released on October 26, 2007. Other recent Mac OS development code names have been 10.3 Panther and 10.4 Tiger. Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard was available as an upgrade to new Apple computers purchased after 1st October 2007 that did not already have Mac OS X 10.5 installed or a Leopard.

· Improves the performance and reliability of Chess.

· Improves DVD Player performance and reliability.

· Performance improvements for iCal are included.

· Fixes an issue when running the New iCal Events Automator action as an applet.

· Adds a Trackpad System Preference pane for portable Macs.

· Improves compatibility with smart cards such as the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card.

· Updates time zone data and Daylight Saving Time rules for several countries.

Mac OS X 10.5.6 Server

According to Apple, the 10.5.6 Server update includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for:

· directory service reliability and authenticating new File Sharing connections

· binding and authentication in Active Directory environments

· editing Wiki content in Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer

· viewing Wikis and Blogs from an iPhone or iPod touch

· searching with Spotlight in the Finder and on the web

· sending 'Welcome' email messages to users in Server Preferences

· importing users and working with nested groups in Server Preferences

· randomization of DNS source ports and transaction IDs

· updating DNS information when server IP address changes occur

· hosting DHCP services

· supporting private events in iCal

· synchronizing Portable Home Directories

· enabling Software Update Server

· using SNMPv3 services

· hosting with WebObjects; update to version 5.4.3

· hosting mail services for users with long user names

· preventing mail server database corruption

· ensuring security of LDAP password hashes

· propagating password changes to Open Directory replicas

· creating and editing DNS records in Server Admin

· using System Image Utility to create NetBoot and NetInstall images

· creating augment directory records in Advanced server configuration

· using Managed Preferences when clients are bound to Active Directory

· providing RADIUS authentication to 802.11n-enabled AirPort Base Stations.

There are two ways to update Mac OS X, one of which involves downloading one of the two installer packages located under the links below - simply double click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions, followed by a system reboot. A more traditional way requires firing up Software Update from the Apple menu (Apple Menu -> Software Update) and selecting the updates available to download and install automatically.

So, you've decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac's performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we'll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

We'll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it's good to know the basic macOS timeline.

STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation

Given your Mac isn't new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have 'fuel' to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.

Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:

• Uninstall large unused apps
• Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
• Locate the biggest files on your computer:

Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren't comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic 'room cleaners'. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it's most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)

STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download

Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That's why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.

How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store

If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you'll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn't always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:

1. Click the App Store icon.
2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
4. Click Download.

· Adds a Trackpad System Preference pane for portable Macs.

· Improves compatibility with smart cards such as the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card.

· Updates time zone data and Daylight Saving Time rules for several countries.

Mac OS X 10.5.6 Server

According to Apple, the 10.5.6 Server update includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for:

· directory service reliability and authenticating new File Sharing connections

· binding and authentication in Active Directory environments

· editing Wiki content in Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer

· viewing Wikis and Blogs from an iPhone or iPod touch

· searching with Spotlight in the Finder and on the web

· sending 'Welcome' email messages to users in Server Preferences

· importing users and working with nested groups in Server Preferences

· randomization of DNS source ports and transaction IDs

· updating DNS information when server IP address changes occur

· hosting DHCP services

· supporting private events in iCal

· synchronizing Portable Home Directories

· enabling Software Update Server

· using SNMPv3 services

· hosting with WebObjects; update to version 5.4.3

· hosting mail services for users with long user names

· preventing mail server database corruption

· ensuring security of LDAP password hashes

· propagating password changes to Open Directory replicas

· creating and editing DNS records in Server Admin

· using System Image Utility to create NetBoot and NetInstall images

· creating augment directory records in Advanced server configuration

· using Managed Preferences when clients are bound to Active Directory

· providing RADIUS authentication to 802.11n-enabled AirPort Base Stations.

There are two ways to update Mac OS X, one of which involves downloading one of the two installer packages located under the links below - simply double click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions, followed by a system reboot. A more traditional way requires firing up Software Update from the Apple menu (Apple Menu -> Software Update) and selecting the updates available to download and install automatically.

So, you've decided to download an older version of Mac OS X. There are many reasons that could point you to this radical decision. To begin with, some of your apps may not be working properly (or simply crash) on newer operating systems. Also, you may have noticed your Mac's performance went down right after the last update. Finally, if you want to run a parallel copy of Mac OS X on a virtual machine, you too will need a working installation file of an older Mac OS X. Further down we'll explain where to get one and what problems you may face down the road.

A list of all Mac OS X versions

We'll be repeatedly referring to these Apple OS versions below, so it's good to know the basic macOS timeline.

STEP 1. Prepare your Mac for installation

Given your Mac isn't new and is filled with data, you will probably need enough free space on your Mac. This includes not just space for the OS itself but also space for other applications and your user data. One more argument is that the free space on your disk translates into virtual memory so your apps have 'fuel' to operate on. The chart below tells you how much free space is needed.

Note, that it is recommended that you install OS on a clean drive. Next, you will need enough disk space available, for example, to create Recovery Partition. Here are some ideas to free up space on your drive:

• Uninstall large unused apps
• Empty Trash Bin and Downloads
• Locate the biggest files on your computer:

Go to Finder > All My Files > Arrange by size
Then you can move your space hoggers onto an external drive or a cloud storage.
If you aren't comfortable with cleaning the Mac manually, there are some nice automatic 'room cleaners'. Our favorite is CleanMyMac as it's most simple to use of all. It deletes system junk, old broken apps, and the rest of hidden junk on your drive.

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.4 - 10.8 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.9 (free version)

Download CleanMyMac for OS 10.10 - 10.14 (free version)

STEP 2. Get a copy of Mac OS X download

Normally, it is assumed that updating OS is a one-way road. That's why going back to a past Apple OS version is problematic. The main challenge is to download the OS installation file itself, because your Mac may already be running a newer version. If you succeed in downloading the OS installation, your next step is to create a bootable USB or DVD and then reinstall the OS on your computer.

How to download older Mac OS X versions via the App Store

If you once had purchased an old version of Mac OS X from the App Store, open it and go to the Purchased tab. There you'll find all the installers you can download. However, it doesn't always work that way. The purchased section lists only those operating systems that you had downloaded in the past. But here is the path to check it:

1. Click the App Store icon.
2. Click Purchases in the top menu.
3. Scroll down to find the preferred OS X version.
4. Click Download.

This method allows you to download Mavericks and Yosemite by logging with your Apple ID — only if you previously downloaded them from the Mac App Store.

Without App Store: Download Mac OS version as Apple Developer

If you are signed with an Apple Developer account, you can get access to products that are no longer listed on the App Store. If you desperately need a lower OS X version build, consider creating a new Developer account among other options. The membership cost is $99/year and provides a bunch of perks unavailable to ordinary users.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you visit developer.apple.com/downloads, you can only find 10.3-10.6 OS X operating systems there. Newer versions are not available because starting Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.7, the App Store has become the only source of updating Apple OS versions.

Purchase an older version of Mac operating system

You can purchase a boxed or email version of past Mac OS X directly from Apple. Both will cost you around $20. For the reason of being rather antiquated, Snow Leopard and earlier Apple versions can only be installed from DVD.

Buy a boxed edition of Snow Leopard 10.6
Get an email copy of Lion 10.7
Get an email copy of Mountain Lion 10.8

The email edition comes with a special download code you can use for the Mac App Store. Note, that to install the Lion or Mountain Lion, your Mac needs to be running Snow Leopard so you can install the newer OS on top of it.

How to get macOS El Capitan download

If you are wondering if you can run El Capitan on an older Mac, rejoice as it's possible too. But before your Mac can run El Capitan it has to be updated to OS X 10.6.8. So, here are main steps you should take:

1. Install Snow Leopard from install DVD.
2. Update to 10.6.8 using Software Update.
3. Download El Capitan here.

'I can't download an old version of Mac OS X'

If you have a newer Mac, there is no physical option to install Mac OS versions older than your current Mac model. For instance, if your MacBook was released in 2014, don't expect it to run any OS released prior of that time, because older Apple OS versions simply do not include hardware drivers for your Mac.

But as it often happens, workarounds are possible. There is still a chance to download the installation file if you have an access to a Mac (or virtual machine) running that operating system. For example, to get an installer for Lion, you may ask a friend who has Lion-operated Mac or, once again, set up a virtual machine running Lion. Then you will need to prepare an external drive to download the installation file using OS X Utilities.

After you've completed the download, the installer should launch automatically, but you can click Cancel and copy the file you need. Below is the detailed instruction how to do it.

STEP 3. Install older OS X onto an external drive

Leopard 10.5 Download

The following method allows you to download Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.

1. Start your Mac holding down Command + R.
2. Prepare a clean external drive (at least 10 GB of storage).
3. Within OS X Utilities, choose Reinstall OS X.
4. Select external drive as a source.
5. Enter your Apple ID.

Now the OS should start downloading automatically onto the external drive. After the download is complete, your Mac will prompt you to do a restart, but at this point, you should completely shut it down. Now that the installation file is 'captured' onto your external drive, you can reinstall the OS, this time running the file on your Mac.

1. Boot your Mac from your standard drive.
2. Connect the external drive.
3. Go to external drive > OS X Install Data.

Locate InstallESD.dmg disk image file — this is the file you need to reinstall Lion OS X. The same steps are valid for Mountain Lion and Mavericks.

How to downgrade a Mac running later macOS versions

If your Mac runs macOS Sierra 10.12 or macOS High Sierra 10.13, it is possible to revert it to the previous system if you are not satisfied with the experience. You can do it either with Time Machine or by creating a bootable USB or external drive.
Instruction to downgrade from macOS Sierra

John prine songbook. Instruction to downgrade from macOS High Sierra

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Mojave

Instruction to downgrade from macOS Catalina

Before you do it, the best advice is to back your Mac up so your most important files stay intact. In addition to that, it makes sense to clean up your Mac from old system junk files and application leftovers. The easiest way to do it is to run CleanMyMac X on your machine (download it for free here).

Visit your local Apple Store to download older OS X version

Leopard 10.5.8 Update

If none of the options to get older OS X worked, pay a visit to nearest local Apple Store. They should have image installations going back to OS Leopard and earlier. You can also ask their assistance to create a bootable USB drive with the installation file. So here you are. We hope this article has helped you to download an old version of Mac OS X. Below are a few more links you may find interesting.