Standard Macintosh OS

The Bottom Line: Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the $29 upgrade fee.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 5 GB, Intel, 1 GB, 10.6, DVD-ROM, Intel

The Bottom Line: The grace of Leopard's interface enhancements makes productivity more pleasurable with a Mac, as more than 300 functional and fun features top off this update.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, PowerPC G4 867 MHz, 512 MB, 10.5.6, DVD-ROM, PowerPC G4, 867 MHz

The Bottom Line: Though its new user features have mixed appeal, Tiger's technological changes and speed improvements make this an enticing upgrade, especially for those who passed on Panther.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 3 GB, PowerPC G3, 256 MB, 10.4.6, DVD-ROM, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, PowerPC G3

The Bottom Line: Though its new user features have mixed appeal, Tiger's technological changes and speed improvements make this an enticing upgrade, especially for those who passed on Panther.

Specs: 5 users, Complete package, 3 GB, PowerPC G3, 256 MB, 10.4, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, PowerPC G3

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, PowerPC G3, 256 MB, 10.4, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, PowerPC G3

Specs: 5 PC in one household, Complete package, PowerPC G4 867 MHz, 512 MB, 10.5.6, DVD-ROM, PowerPC G4, 867 MHz

Specs: 1 server, 10 clients, Complete package, 10 GB, PowerPC G4, 512 MB, 10.4.7, PowerPC G4

Specs: Up to 5 computers, Complete package, 5 GB, 1 GB, 10.6, DVD-ROM

Specs: 1 server, 10 clients, Complete package, 20 GB, PowerPC G4 867 MHz, 1 GB, 10.5, DVD-ROM, PowerPC G4, 867 MHz

Specs: 5 desktops/laptops, Complete package, 14 GB, PowerPC G4 867 MHz, 512 MB, 10.5.6, DVD-ROM, PowerPC G4, 867 MHz