Munich - Ever since Apple unveiled its latest operating system in August, Mac users worldwide have been asking themselves if the upgrade is worth it.

The answer is no, you don't need Snow Leopard, otherwise known as Mac OS X version 10.6, if you're only looking for new features. But it's an unqualified yes if you're looking for extra speed.

"Our engineers further developed more than 90 per cent of the more than 1,000 applications in Mac OS X," says Georg Albrecht, a spokesman for Apple's Germany operations.

The goal was to either improve or simply speed up most functions. That means there aren't hundreds of new functions awaiting customers. Johannes Schuster of c't, a German computer magazine, experimented with advanced versions of the operating system and has warned customers not to expect a lot of new features. "But Apple has done a lot under the hood, so a lot of things move faster," he says.

For example, the time required for an initial backup with the Time Machine function has been reduced by 80 per cent. "Macs wake up a lot faster with Snow Leopard and make much faster connections to wireless networks," says Albrecht.

The promised functionality - "lean, fast and easier to use" - is most evident on newer Macs, like MacBooks or the Mac Pro. Users will notice it when a programme like Mail sorts through giant stacks of mail at a noticeably faster clip.

Snow Leopard is fairly flexible when it comes to the new 64-bit standard for computers. Whereas PC users have to opt for either a 32 or 64-bit system, Apple's system can switch seamlessly between the two, preferring a 64-bit system but resorting to 32 when necessary.

A 32-bit system can only support a maximum of four gigabytes of main memory. With a 64-bit computer, that same space can be used endlessly. Most current Apple system functions are geared toward the new architecture. Popular programmes like iLife, iTunes, GarageBand or iWork will probably make the switch at the next big upgrade.

On top of that, Snow Leopard is the only operating system available with integrated support for Exchange, says Albrecht. That should be good news for Mac users who find themselves surrounded by Microsoft and Windows. There's now no need for extra software - Snow Leopard can simply dock onto Microsoft's communications infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Windows users still have to pay money to install Microsoft Outlook.

IT experts, like Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal, have said that Leopard was already the best operating system available - Snow Leopard just makes it a little bit better.

The average consumer probably won't notice the little upgrades. But Apple still knows how to work its customers. This is the first time the company has offered an operating system upgrade, charging users of Mac OS X 10.5x (or Leopard) 29 dollars for trading up. (dpa)