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Download OS X Yosemite: The Ultimate Guide to Installing the Mac Operating System



How to Download and Install OS X Yosemite on Your Mac




OS X Yosemite is the eleventh major version of Apple's operating system for Mac computers. It was released in October 2014 as a free update for all compatible Macs. OS X Yosemite introduces a new design, new features, and improved performance and stability. Some of the highlights of OS X Yosemite include:



  • A redesigned interface that is flat, clean, and minimalistic



  • A continuity feature that allows seamless integration with iOS devices



  • A spotlight feature that provides instant access to information from various sources



  • An iCloud drive feature that stores all your files in iCloud and makes them accessible from any device



  • A Safari browser that is faster, smarter, and more secure



  • A Mail app that supports large attachments, annotations, and signatures



  • A Photos app that organizes and edits your photos with powerful tools



  • An AirDrop feature that enables file sharing between Macs and iOS devices



  • A Handoff feature that lets you start an activity on one device and finish it on another



  • A Phone Calling feature that lets you make and receive phone calls from your Mac using your iPhone



  • An SMS feature that lets you send and receive text messages from your Mac using your iPhone



  • An Instant Hotspot feature that lets you use your iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your Mac



If you are interested in upgrading your Mac to OS X Yosemite, this article will guide you through the process step by step. You will learn how to check if your Mac is compatible with OS X Yosemite, how to prepare your Mac for OS X Yosemite installation, how to download OS X Yosemite from the App Store, how to create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite, how to install OS X Yosemite using the bootable installer, and how to fix common OS X Yosemite problems and issues.




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How to check if your Mac is compatible with OS X Yosemite




Before you download and install OS X Yosemite, you need to make sure that your Mac can run it. According to Apple, these are the Mac models that are compatible with OS X Yosemite:



  • iMac (Mid-2007 or later)



  • MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)



  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later)



  • <li MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)



  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)



  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)



  • Xserve (Early 2009)



To find out your Mac model and OS version, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. You will see a window that shows your Mac model, processor, memory, storage, and OS version. If your Mac model and OS version are compatible with OS X Yosemite, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you might need to upgrade your hardware or software before you can install OS X Yosemite.


How to prepare your Mac for OS X Yosemite installation




Before you download and install OS X Yosemite, you need to prepare your Mac for the installation process. This will ensure that the installation goes smoothly and that you don't lose any important data or settings. Here are some things you need to do before you install OS X Yosemite:


How to back up your data using Time Machine or other methods




The first and most important thing you need to do before you install OS X Yosemite is to back up your data. This will protect you from losing any files, photos, music, documents, or settings in case something goes wrong during the installation process. You can use Time Machine, Apple's built-in backup software, or other third-party backup solutions to back up your data. To use Time Machine, you need an external hard drive or a network-attached storage device that is formatted for Mac. To set up Time Machine, follow these steps:



  • Connect your external hard drive or network-attached storage device to your Mac.



  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.



  • Click on Time Machine and turn it on.



  • Select your backup disk from the list of available disks.



  • Click on Options and exclude any files or folders that you don't want to back up.



  • Click on Done and wait for Time Machine to start backing up your data.



Time Machine will automatically back up your data every hour, every day, and every week. You can also manually start a backup by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and selecting Back Up Now. You can restore your data from a Time Machine backup by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and selecting Enter Time Machine. You can then browse through your backups and select the files or folders that you want to restore.


If you prefer to use a different backup solution, such as iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud services, make sure that you have enough storage space and that your data is synced and updated before you install OS X Yosemite.


How to free up storage space on your Mac




The next thing you need to do before you install OS X Yosemite is to free up some storage space on your Mac. According to Apple, you need at least 8 GB of free space on your startup disk to install OS X Yosemite. However, it is recommended that you have at least 20 GB of free space for optimal performance and stability. To check how much free space you have on your startup disk, follow these steps:


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  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.



  • Click on Storage and see how much space is available on your startup disk.



If you have enough free space on your startup disk, you can skip this step. If not, you need to delete some files or move them to an external hard drive or a cloud service. Here are some tips on how to free up some storage space on your Mac:



  • Delete any files or folders that you don't need or use anymore. You can use Finder to locate and delete them.



  • Empty the Trash by right-clicking on the Trash icon in the Dock and selecting Empty Trash.



  • Delete any duplicate files or folders that are taking up unnecessary space. You can use a third-party app such as Gemini 2 or Duplicate File Finder to find and delete them.



  • Delete any large files or folders that are taking up a lot of space. You can use a third-party app such as DaisyDisk or Disk Inventory X to analyze your disk usage and identify them.



  • Delete any old or unused apps that are taking up space. You can use Finder to locate and delete them.



  • Delete any old or unused system files that are taking up space. You can use a third-party app such as CleanMyMac X or OnyX to scan and delete them.

  • Delete any old or unused downloads that are taking up space. You can use Finder to locate and delete them.



  • Delete any old or unused email attachments that are taking up space. You can use Mail to locate and delete them.



  • Delete any old or unused iTunes media that are taking up space. You can use iTunes to locate and delete them.



  • Delete any old or unused iPhoto or Photos library that are taking up space. You can use iPhoto or Photos to locate and delete them.



  • Delete any old or unused backups that are taking up space. You can use Time Machine or other backup software to locate and delete them.



After you have deleted or moved some files or folders, you should see an increase in the free space on your startup disk. You can also use a third-party app such as CCleaner or MacBooster to optimize and clean your Mac and free up some more space.


How to update your apps and software




The last thing you need to do before you install OS X Yosemite is to update your apps and software. This will ensure that your apps and software are compatible with OS X Yosemite and that you can enjoy the latest features and improvements. To update your apps and software, follow these steps:



  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select App Store.



  • Click on Updates and see if there are any updates available for your apps and software.



  • Click on Update All or Update for each app or software that you want to update.



  • Enter your Apple ID and password if prompted.



  • Wait for the updates to download and install.



You can also check for updates for your apps and software from within the app or software itself. For example, you can check for updates for Microsoft Office by opening any Office app and clicking on Help > Check for Updates. You can also check for updates for Adobe products by opening any Adobe app and clicking on Help > Updates.


After you have updated your apps and software, you are ready to download and install OS X Yosemite.


How to download OS X Yosemite from the App Store




To download OS X Yosemite, you need to have a stable internet connection and an Apple ID. You also need to have at least 8 GB of free space on your startup disk, but preferably 20 GB or more. To download OS X Yosemite from the App Store, follow these steps:



  • Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select App Store.



  • Click on Featured and scroll down to find OS X Yosemite.



  • Click on Download and enter your Apple ID and password if prompted.



  • Wait for the download to complete. The file size is about 5.72 GB, so it might take some time depending on your internet speed.



You can check the progress of the download by clicking on the Purchases tab in the App Store. You can also pause or resume the download by clicking on the Pause or Resume button next to OS X Yosemite. Once the download is complete, you will see a notification that says "OS X Yosemite downloaded". You can then proceed to install OS X Yosemite using the installer app that is automatically saved in your Applications folder.


How to verify the download and check the file size




Before you install OS X Yosemite, it is a good idea to verify the download and check the file size. This will ensure that the download was successful and that the installer app is not corrupted or incomplete. To verify the download and check the file size, follow these steps:



  • Open Finder and go to your Applications folder.



  • Find the installer app called Install OS X Yosemite.app and right-click on it.



  • Select Get Info and see the file size under General. It should be about 5.72 GB.



  • Select Checksums under More Info and see the SHA-1 checksum under SHA-1 Digest. It should be 8c9f0a9e7d97f2c37f7280ccdb9c6c2d672bbd1f.



If the file size matches and the checksum matches, then you have successfully downloaded OS X Yosemite from the App Store. If not, then you might need to delete the installer app and download it again from the App Store.


How to create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite




A bootable installer is a USB flash drive or a DVD that contains the OS X Yosemite installer app and allows you to boot from it and install OS X Yosemite on your Mac or another Mac. You might need a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite if: - You want to install OS X Yosemite on multiple Macs without downloading it each time - You want to install OS X Yosemite on a Mac that does not have a working internet connection - You want to install OS X Yosemite on a Mac that does not have enough free space on the startup disk - You want to install OS X Yosemite on a new or erased Mac - You want to have a backup or recovery option for OS X Yosemite To create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite, you need: - A USB flash drive or a DVD that has at least 8 GB of storage space - A Mac that is running OS X Mavericks or later - The OS X Yosemite installer app that you downloaded from the App Store To create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite, follow these steps: How to use Terminal to create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite




Terminal is an app that allows you to execute commands and perform tasks on your Mac using text input. You can use Terminal to create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite by following these steps:



  • Connect your USB flash drive or insert your DVD into your Mac.



  • Open Finder and go to your Applications folder.



  • Find the installer app called Install OS X Yosemite.app and right-click on it.



  • Select Show Package Contents and open the Contents folder.



  • Open the SharedSupport folder and find the file called InstallESD.dmg. This is the disk image file that contains the OS X Yosemite installer app.



  • Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal or by using Spotlight.



  • Type or copy and paste the following command into Terminal and press Enter. This command will list all the disks and volumes connected to your Mac. Note the identifier of your USB flash drive or DVD. It should be something like disk2s1 or disk3s1.



diskutil list



  • Type or copy and paste the following command into Terminal and press Enter. This command will erase and format your USB flash drive or DVD as a Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume with the name "Untitled". Replace diskXsX with the identifier of your USB flash drive or DVD. Be careful not to erase the wrong disk or volume.



sudo diskutil eraseDisk JHFS+ Untitled diskXsX



  • Type or copy and paste the following command into Terminal and press Enter. This command will create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite on your USB flash drive or DVD using the InstallESD.dmg file. Replace Untitled with the name of your USB flash drive or DVD. This process might take some time, so be patient.



sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app --nointeraction



  • When the process is complete, you will see a message that says "Done." You can then eject your USB flash drive or DVD by typing or copying and pasting the following command into Terminal and pressing Enter. Replace Untitled with the name of your USB flash drive or DVD.



diskutil eject /Volumes/Untitled


You have now created a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite on your USB flash drive or DVD. You can use it to install OS X Yosemite on your Mac or another Mac.


How to install OS X Yosemite using the bootable installer




To install OS X Yosemite using the bootable installer, you need to boot from it and start the installation process. To do this, follow these steps:



  • Connect your USB flash drive or insert your DVD into your Mac.



  • Restart your Mac by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting Restart.



  • As soon as you hear the startup sound, hold down the Option key until you see a list of bootable disks and volumes.



  • Select your USB flash drive or DVD from the list and press Enter.



  • You will see a window that says "OS X Utilities". Select Install OS X and click Continue.



  • You will see a window that says "Install OS X Yosemite". Click Continue.



  • You will see a window that says "OS X Yosemite License Agreement". Read the terms and conditions and click Agree.



  • You will see a window that says " "Select the disk where you want to install OS X". Choose your startup disk or another disk where you want to install OS X Yosemite and click Continue. If you want to erase or partition your disk, click on Show All Disks and use Disk Utility to do so.



  • You will see a window that says "Installing OS X on the disk". Wait for the installation process to complete. The installation process might take some time, so be patient.



  • When the installation process is complete, your Mac will restart automatically and boot into OS X Yosemite.



  • You will see a window that says "Welcome". Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac and customize your settings.



You have now installed OS X Yosemite on your Mac using the bootable installer. You can enjoy the new design, features, and performance of OS X Yosemite.


How to fix common OS X Yosemite problems and issues




OS X Yosemite is a great operating system, but it is not perfect. You might encounter some problems and issues while using it. Some of the common OS X Yosemite problems and issues are:



Problem


Solution


OS X Yosemite won't download or install


Check your internet connection and make sure you have enough free space on your startup disk. Restart your Mac and try downloading or installing OS X Yosemite again. If that doesn't work, delete the installer app and download it again from the App Store. If that still doesn't work, create a bootable installer for OS X Yosemite and use it to install OS X Yosemite.


OS X Yosemite is slow or laggy


Check your Mac's hardware and make sure it meets the minimum requirements for OS X Yosemite. Update your apps and software to the latest versions. Free up some storage space on your startup disk by deleting or moving some files or folders. Optimize and clean your Mac using a third-party app such as CCleaner or MacBooster. Restart your Mac and see if the performance improves.


OS X Yosemite has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues


Check your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings and make sure they are turned on and connected. Restart your Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth device and see if that helps. Update your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth drivers to the latest versions. Reset your network settings by going to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease. Restart your Mac and see if the connection improves.


OS X Yosemite has battery or power issues


Check your battery health and make sure it is not damaged or worn out. Adjust your power settings by going to System Preferences > Energy Saver and choosing the best options for your usage. Turn off any unnecessary apps or features that are draining your battery, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotlight, Notifications, etc. Calibrate your battery by fully charging it, letting it drain completely, and then fully charging it again. Restart your Mac and see if the battery life improves.


OS X Yosemite has compatibility or continuity issues


Check your Mac's compatibility with OS X Yosemite and make sure it meets the minimum requirements for continuity features. Update your iOS devices to the latest versions of iOS. Turn on iCloud, Handoff, AirDrop, Phone Calling, SMS, Instant Hotspot, etc. on both your Mac and iOS devices. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed in with the same Apple ID. Restart both devices and see if the continuity features work.


If you encounter any other problems or issues with OS X Yosemite, you can try these general troubleshooting methods:



  • Restart your Mac and see if that fixes the problem.



  • Repair your disk permissions by going to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility > First Aid > Repair Disk Permissions.



  • Reset your PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) by holding down Command + Option + P + R while restarting your Mac until you hear the startup sound twice.



Reset your SMC (System Management Controller) by following these instructions:


  • Reinstall OS X Yosemite by booting from the bootable installer or using Recovery Mode by holding down Command + R while restarting your Mac.



  • Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.



Conclusion




OS X Yosemite is a great operating system that offers a new design, new features, and improved performance and stability for your Mac. You can download and install OS X Yosemite from the App Store or using a bootable installer. You can also fix common OS X Yosemite problems and issues using various methods and tools. We hope this article has helped you to download and install OS X Yosemite on your Mac and enjoy its benefits. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. FAQs




Q: How can I upgrade from OS X Yosemite to a newer version of macOS?




A: You can upgrade from OS X Yosemite to a newer version of macOS by following these steps:



Check if your Mac is compatible with the latest version of macOS by visiting this website:


  • Back up your data using Time Machine or other methods.



  • Free up some storage space on your startup disk by deleting or moving some files or folders.



  • Update your apps and software to the latest versions.



  • Go to the App Store and find the latest version of macOS.



  • Click on Download and enter your Apple ID and password if prompted.



  • Wait for the download to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of macOS.



Q: How can I downgrade from OS X Yosemite to an older version of OS X?




A: You can downgrade from OS X Yosemite to an older version of OS X by following these steps:



  • Back up your data using Time Machine or other methods.



  • Create a bootable installer for the older version of OS X that you want to downgrade to using the instructions in this article.



  • Connect your bootable installer to your Mac and restart your Mac.



  • As soon as you hear the startup sound, hold down the Option key until you see a list of bootable disks and volumes.



  • Select your bootable installer from the list and press Enter.



  • Select Disk Utility from the OS X Utilities window and erase your startup disk.



  • Select Install OS X from the OS X Utilities window and choose your erased startup disk as the destination.



  • Wait for the installation process to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac with the older version of OS X.



Q: How can I speed up my Mac running OS X Yosemite?




A: You can speed up your Mac running OS X Yosemite by following these tips:



  • Check your Mac's hardware and make sure it meets the minimum requirements for OS X Yosemite.



  • Free up some storage space on your startup disk by deleting or moving some files or folders.



  • Optimize and clean your Mac using a third-party app such as CCleaner or MacBooster.



  • Update your apps and software to the latest versions.



  • Turn off any unnecessary apps or features that are slowing down your Mac, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotlight, Notifications, etc.



  • Restart your Mac regularly and see if that improves the performance.



Q: How can I customize my Mac running OS X Yosemite?




A: You can customize your Mac running OS X Yosemite by following these tips:



  • Change your desktop wallpaper by going to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver and choosing a picture or a color.



  • Change your dock appearance by going to System Preferences > Dock and choosing a size, position, magnification, effect, etc.



  • Change your menu bar appearance by going to System Preferences > General and choosing a dark mode, highlight color, etc.



  • Change your icons appearance by going to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display and choosing a different shape, size, color, etc.



  • Add or remove items from your menu bar by going to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and checking or unchecking the items that you want or don't want.



  • Add or remove items from your dock by dragging them in or out of the dock.



Q: How can I troubleshoot my Mac running OS X Yosemite?




A: You can troubleshoot your Mac running OS X Yosemite by following these steps:



  • Restart your Mac and see if that fixes the problem.



  • Repair your disk permissions by going to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility > First Aid > Repair Disk Permissions.



  • Reset your PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) by holding down Command + Option + P + R while restarting your Mac until you hear the startup sound twice.



  • Reset your SMC (System Management Controller) by following these instructions: Reinstall OS X Yosemite by booting from the bootable installer or using Recovery Mode by holding down Command + R while restarting your Mac.



  • Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.



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