Cupertino: Apple Inc.`s latest operating system software, Snow Leopard, will go on sale this Friday.
The Mac OS X version 10.6 software will debut at Apple`s retail stores and authorised resellers nationwide.
Apple`s online store is now taking pre-orders.
Snow Leopard`s release comes days before its promised September launch. It precedes by two months the launch of Microsoft Corp.`s next operating system, Windows 7.
Among Snow Leopard`s improvements is built-in support for Microsoft`s Exchange Server software, so Apple programs for e-mail, calendars and contacts could become more useful in corporate settings.
Apple said Snow Leopard is half the size of the previous version, freeing up to 7 gigabytes of storage space when installed. It requires a minimum of 1 gigabyte of RAM and runs on Macs using an Intel processor.
Users of Mac OS X Leopard, or version 10.5, can upgrade to the latest version for USD 29 for single users and USD 49 for a family pack of five users. For Apple owners using
the Tiger operating system, or version 10.4, on an Intel-based Mac, switching to Snow Leopard costs USD 169 for single users and USD 229 for a family pack.
Consumers who buy a qualifying Mac from June 8 to December 26 can purchase the Snow Leopard upgrade for USD9.95.
Users must request an upgrade within 90 days of purchase or December 26, whichever comes first.
Bureau Report
