Best os for mac and traktor

Currently running Snow Leopard and version 2.6.0. Traktor has been running very stable but I want to upgrade Traktor and my OS. Is 2.6.8 stable and what OS works the best with traktor at this time?

Thanks!

 

Apple delivered the last security update for Snow Leopard in September 2013. While Apple doesn't announce end-of-life dates for OS X, it's pretty much known that SL is done. If your computer is connected to the internet (even if only sporadically), you shouldn't be running SL anymore.

The good news is that if your laptop shipped with SL, you can upgrade to a later version of OS X free of charge! And Traktor works well with later versions of OS X.

Source: Ars Technica

 

Thanks for the information. I guess it just a matter of Mavericks vs Mountain Lion. Whats the big difference between Mavericks and ML?

 

First of all buy a new HDD or better yet, an SSD. And an 8GB USB stick at the same time, and maybe an external 2.5" USB/FireWire case or USB to SATA adapter.

I would go with Mavericks if your laptop supports it (some don't), memory usage and battery life are better and since you have USB2 there have been better results with drivers for NI devices ... By the way, what soundcard or controller are you using?

Buy Mavericks for free, download it but do not install it.

Follow this guide to create a bootable Mavericks USB Installer. Very handy to have, it will give you a clean install.
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-create-an-os-x-mavericks-usb-installation-drive-1450280026

Remove your old hard drive and put in your new SSD or HDD, if you have an iPad or iPhone download the "ifixit" app or go to their website for tutorials on this.

Install from USB, hold down Option during boot to get to your USB installer. First select Disk Utility and format your blank drive calling it what you like (I like to use "Mac SSD" instead of the default). Then select install a new copy.

Once installed, download the demo of Traktor, this will be the latest 2.6.8 version installer without drivers for NI gear. Activate it when asked. Now download any additional drivers you require via the Support/Drivers page on the NI site.

By doing it exactly like this you get to keep your old "perfectly working" copy of 10.6.8 should you need to use it again (it can be put into a USB or FireWire enclosure and you can still boot from it if you're ever in trouble), and hopefully you're able to afford an SSD which will give your old computer a few more years and will be extremely snappy compared to a standard HDD.

It also gives you the cleanest install of Mavericks without any legacy apps that may not work.

Things to turn off in Mavericks ... Obviously the energy saver stuff, App Store is where automatic updates are now so turn it off, and basically everything in the Notifications Center.

 

Frankle, thanks for the information. I use the S4 for my sound card.

 

Looks like I'm installing Mavericks. A few questions:

1. Do I need to install a new S4 driver?
2. What exactly needs to be tuned off from an energy saver standpoint? Everything?
3. Turn everything off in the software update section within system preferences? App store provides all updates now?

 

1 - yes, download the latest driver from the Support section of the NI site when you download the demo of Traktor.

2 - I normally turn off screensaver and sleep, as well as auto display dim and all that crap. If I want the laptop to sleep I close the lid.

3 - App Store now does all system updates as well as App purchase updates. Go into System Preferences -> App Store and turn it back to manual update. Not sure about other people but my updates always seem to happen late Friday night ... Right in the middle of one of my residencies so I've always turned them off. I prefer to check updates on a Sunday so that I have a week to fix anything that breaks.

 

Frankle,

Thanks! Very helpful.

Last question... I backed up everything in time machine and now want to install Mavericks. Do I have the option to install Mavericks from a time machine backup as I've done with previous OS upgrades? I started downloading Mavericks and the icon went to my dock so it seemed like it was a direct install without giving me the option to install from my backup (actually canceled the download). I want to ensure everything I currently have on my computer carries over with Mavericks.

Thanks!

 

My recommendation would be to create a manual backup as well (save all personal files, like documents, iPhoto library, iTunes folder etc... if possible even to a full disk image copy with carboncopycloner or superduper) and then do a fresh install as frankle refered to.

This way you don't carry over your old junk to the new OS, but you get a chance to start fresh.

From then on, I would treat the laptop like a client! Your data should live elsewhere (cloud + backup drive) - the laptop should become a means to access that information (but not the central place where it is stored). That way these OS fresh installs will become much easier.. physically and emotionally