Tiger –> Leopard; FCP 5 –> FCP 7

[Scott Sheriff]

You should do a search on this topic. It was covered extensively last summer.
That being said, upgrading right before starting a big new project is a train wreck waiting to happen. The time to do this would have been before a big new project came along, so that any glitches didn’t jeopardize your clients project. I also don’t think it is right to learn a new piece of software, and beta test your system on the clients nickle, unless your upfront about it, and charge accordingly.
You didn’t say what your hardware was, but based on you mentioning Tiger you may not be able to run FCS3 aka Final Cut 7, on your system.

[Michael Sacci]

[Andrea Stewart] “Should I wipe my boot drive completely and reinstall all my other software? “

ALWAYS

[Andrea Stewart]

Well, I could refuse the job and go default on my mortgage, or I can actually say yes and do what I can to get it done. I’ve chosen the latter.

Doesn’t my signature say that I’m on Intel Dual 2.66 with 6GB RAM?

Anyway, that’s why I’m looking for advice – to try to prepare for any glitches. I’ve already avoided the Snow Leopard route based on what I’ve read. And decided this combo is going to be the best for my needs which include laying off to blu-ray (ergo, FCP7).

I don’t think its a very different edit than any other I’ve done in HD that I’ve delivered in digital format.

Andrea Stewart
Producer/Editor/Director – Owner
Germane Creative LLC

[Scott Sheriff]

Andrea
Your signature does not contain your system specs.

Andrea Stewart
Producer/Editor/Director – Owner
Germane Creative LLC

Don’t know what you have read about SL? Been using it since the release date, without a problem.

I never mentioned turning down work. I did point out that it seems fool-hardy to upgrade right before a big project, and I will stand by that. This forum is constantly loaded with people that have done that very thing, and are asking for last minute help because that are in a bind, in mid-project, with a deadline looming.
I think you are showing up late for the party, anyone that hasn’t noticed that the world has moved on to HD, isn’t keeping up with the times.

[Michael Gissing]

[Michael Sacci] “[Andrea Stewart] “Should I wipe my boot drive completely and reinstall all my other software? ”

ALWAYS”

Better still, buy a new system drive and do a complete clean install of OS and FCS3. Keep the old drive mounted internally and if you need to you can alt boot this drive and be back to your old system in minutes.

[David Roth weiss]

Andrea,

Before proceeding, I would advise that you search the Cow for my thread entitled “Snow Leopard 101 for Smart People Only.” Trust me, what I wrote applies to installing Leopard as well. And, since no one above has even mentioned cloning your system drive, trust me when I say, they are not providing you with the full and complete answer you deserve. Though,I will give Michael credit for doing the best so far…

David

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.

[Michael Sacci]

okay, lets take this down a couple of notches. On a quick read the original post sounded like you were going to upgrade and start a new (and 1st) major HD project, that was the reason for the warning and you have the system info in your profile not your sign. Don’t assume people should check that before commenting.

Then there is nothing wrong with not having upgraded to HD, there are a lot of people still working in SD, the days are numbered and like yourself are moving up when the projects come in.

Andrea, the main thing is you give yourself time to upgrade and test. IAlso recommended, buy a external FW or internal drive and clone the system and software you have now so there is a quick back for you).

Then upgrade, I do agree with Scott, unless there is a specific reason you have for not going to SL I would move up to that. Either way, reformat the HD and install everything fresh.

Run all the system updates before installing the FCS3, then do all those updates.

[Michael Sacci]

Thanks, I did mention cloning in my second reply.

I remember that article, it was great, a must read.

[David Roth weiss]

[Michael Sacci] “Thanks, I did mention cloning in my second reply. “

Sorry I missed that Michael. For the record, I do think of you as being one of those few who is both reliable and thorough, so it’s no surprise.

[Michael Sacci] “I remember that article, it was great, a must read.”

Thanks!!! I had fun with that one…

If the only way to get people to clone their system drives and install from scratch is to shame them into it, then so be it.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.

[Andrea Stewart]

I appreciate your helpful advice. I just didn’t need to be scolded rather than advised, so thanks Michael(s) and David.

I stopped by TekServe this morning and got a new internal HD to install the new OS onto and will do some drive swapping to copy over stuff from the old one as needed then save that drive in case of emergency.

I’m sure it will be refreshing to have an entirely new clean boot drive. Will do all the software installs and upgrades, etc until everything is entirely up to date.

I’ll read your article about Snow Leopard. Just a little nervous to jump into it with this particular project. If all goes well, I will upgrade to Snow Leopard before the next one.

BTW, David, nice to see your face finally. You always have the best advice and now I see you have a great smile.

-Andrea

(did your equipment info used to be on your signature always? I kinda remember it there. Or maybe that’s in the Apple forum? Doesn’t matter.)

Andrea Stewart
Producer/Editor/Director – Owner
Germane Creative LLC