From finding out what hardware and software you own is compatible with OS X Mountain Lion to learning more about new features Apple has added to its latest OS, OWC is the single source solution your need for all your information needs. Check back often as we continue to update this page.

 

64-bit Kernel

Mac OS X Mountain Lion is 64-bit to the Kernel.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion is the first Mac OS X version that exclusively uses a 64-bit kernel. A 64-bit kernel means a more responsive system, faster virtual memory, and support for more optimized software. Both 32-bit and 64-bit applications will still run, but 32-bit KEXTs (kernel extensions) are not supported.

A 64-bit kernel needs 64-bit capable hardware; combine that with other demands of Mountain Lion and some of the early Intel Macs are not supported. Here is a list of all Intel Macs and the maximum Mac OS X version they can run.

Important Applications and Support Information

Front Row: If you love Front Row for viewing video, photos, podcasts, and music, you'll be sorry to hear it was dropped in Mac OS X Lion 10.7 and there is still no replacement from Apple in Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.

Flash from Adobe: This is how a large portion of the webpages and videos are viewed on the internet. Flash takes advantage of hardware acceleration to deliver High Quality video with minimal overhead. While not a part of the install, Flash is still fully supported and can be downloaded from Adobe.

Java's Runtime Environment: Java is no longer a part of the install as of Mac OS X Lion. It is still not included in Mac OS X Mountain Lion. Java (JRE) is a universal programming language that allows software and utilities to be compatible across a wide variety of devices. If an application needs Java to function correctly run, Mac OS X Mountain Lion will present a prompt to download Java via Software Update.

Rosetta: Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 was the last version of Mac OS X that supported Rosetta. This is the program that allows PowerPC software to run in an Intel environment. Example programs that use Rosetta are Quicken 2007 and earlier, as well as older versions of Adobe Photoshop. If you are running Creative Suite 2 or older and upgrade to Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8, CS2 will no longer run. If you run older software or suspect a software program you use relies on Rosetta, check with the software manufacturer before upgrading.

Familiar Applications Have Changed: Some of the applications you have grown to love have changed names or locations
- iCal is now Calendar
- Address Book is now Contacts
- Software Update is inside the App Store