Serial Ports not appearing

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

Hello I am new to Arduino, I recently purchased an Uno 8) and tried uploading some sketches, but every time I do nothing seems to be happening. Pretty disheartening since I was just learning how to take my first steps with the system. :disappointed_relieved: I did some research and tried selecting the proper serial port, however when I click Tools>Serial Port all I see is

/dev/tty.Bluetooth-PDA-Sync
/dev/cu.Bluetooth-PDA-Sync
/dev/tty.Bluetooth-Modem
/dev/cu.Bluetooth-Modem

I know I am looking for a port with USB in the title, but it is not showing up. The weird thing is on one of the attempts a usb port was available and I restarted my comp to make sure it wasn't a fluke- well it was because it's gone now!! I'm pretty lost, but it seems as though I might need to upgrade my OS (I'm running Mac 10.6.8 ) Does anyone have any advice on how to fix this problem? :*

2

This worked for me on Mac OS 10.7.5:

Download and install on your Mac the USB driver from this link:
http://www.ftdichip.com/drivers/VCP/MacOSX/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_18.dmg

Instantly, two new USB options appear under Serial Port, in addition to the 4 Bluetooth options.

3

ScottG_NJ:
Download and install on your Mac the USB driver from this link:
http://www.ftdichip.com/drivers/VCP/MacOSX/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_18.dmg

This will only work on boards that use the FTDI chip.

If it is a Genuine Uno (not purchased from eBay or Amazon), FTDI drivers will have no effect on the serial port appearing or not. Related, installing the FTDI drivers won't have a negative impact on a Uno either.