If you have been a Mac user for a while, chances are you have an older Mac that didn't come with a DVD drive. If that is the case, never fear! You can still install a newer version of Mac OS X with relative ease.

• Do not use a "Recovery" or "Restore" CD

• Try to use a newer computer that has the same kind of processor as your older one

In order to do this, you will need several things:

1. An older Mac without a DVD drive, but with a Firewire port.
2. A Mac with a DVD drive and a Firewire port.
3. An upgrade copy of Mac OS X. This copy needs to be like you would buy from a store, and not the kind that comes in the box of a new computer. Make sure that your older mac meets the system requirements - except the DVD Drive, of course!
4. A large end Firewire to large end Firewire 400 cable. These can be bought at Target or your local Apple Store for about $20.
5. Two sets of keyboards and mice.

Take the two computers and put them next to each other. Plug on end of the Firewire cable into each computer. Turn on the newer computer. Boot up the older computer while holding Command (Apple) and T. A firewire symbol should bounce around the screen. Release the two keys. Go over to your old mac, and insert the disk.

Insert the OS X install DVD into the newer computer. Double click on the install icon, and restart when it asks you to. Go through all the steps up to where it asks you to select the hard drive. Instead of selecting your internal drive, select the Firewire drive. This is the other mac. Click continue. Now, take a very long coffee break. When you return, Mac OS X should be fully installed.

The setup will ask you to restart. Allow it to. When it does, turn off the newer computer (which is now displaying the older computer's installation of OS X). Press and hold the power button on the older computer to turn it off. Turn it back on, not holding any keys. There will be a screen that tells you to force the computer off again. Do what it says. Turn the computer back on, and all will be good!