Mountain Lion roars into app store

DAILY DOT COM - Mountain Lion is almost here.  The new Mac operating system arrives in the Mac app store Wednesday.  But if you are thinking about upgrading, there are a few things you need to know first.

Not all Macs are eligible for the upgrade. Here’s a look at some of the general requirements from Apple .  

• 2GB of memory
• iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
• OS X v10.6.8 or later

Apple first announced its new operating system in February.  Overall, it's aimed at making Mac personal computers work more like iPhones and iPads, plus, there's a tighter integration with online file storage.

It's similar to what Microsoft Corp. is doing with its forthcoming Windows 8 system. That system, to be released Oct. 26, will bring the look and user interface of Windows Phone to PCs.

New features bring better integration with social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr -- to name a few.  For instance, you'll get notifications when you get a message or a mention in a Facebook or Twitter post. You need to sign in only once, and you can share directly from other apps you are using.

Power Nap, a sleep mode, that keeps your Mac updated even while it's in power-saving.  It will get your email messages, back up your files and download software updates automatically but will only work with recent MacBook Air computers.

Then, there's a new Messages app, to replace iChat, that allows you to send messages to other Apple users, whether that person is on a Mac or an Apple mobile device.

But perhaps the biggest draw --the software will bring dictation to Macs, essentially allowing the computer to type as you talk.

Mountain Lion will be integrated with iCloud, the download costs $19.99.  Remember, to back up your files before you install the new software.

Will you upgrade?  Leave your comments below.