My canon powershot sd200 shuts offs when I try to download the pics on my mac.

You can blame Windows updates. Time to start using a card reader.

Do what the pros do...use a card reader to download to a folder you create on your desktop.

Try removing the batteries and cleaning the contacts inside the battery compartment with a cotton swab "dampened" with rubbing alcohol. Also you'll want to clean the battery and charger the same way. Thank you, Dana

It's probably not your camera. Microsoft updates frequently cause problems with our equipment. That's why pros use card readers and eliminate the headaches.

Do what the pros do...use a card reader.

change the flash bulb

You can download one from http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=DownloadDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=323&modelid=10595

hows the memory on the computer and is the system recent

To quote Imaging-Resouce.com: He only got about 100 minutes off his battery. Here's what he said: Slightly better than average battery life for a compact model, but think about buying a second battery anyway. The Canon Powershot SD200 uses a custom rechargeable LiIon battery for power, and uses a custom power adapter, so I couldn't perform my usual direct measurements of its power consumption, but did check how long it would run on a fully charged battery. Like most compact digicams, battery life on the SD200 is a little on the short side, with a worst-case run time (capture mode, with the LCD turned on) of 107 minutes by actual measurement. This is better than many compact and subcompact models, but I'd still strongly recommend purchasing a second battery along with the camera, and keeping it charged as a spare. (Digicam batteries always die at the worst possible times.)
I found this for cheap "Replacement Camera Battery for Canon Powershot SD200 " SKU NB4L103719 $5.42 + s/h at Become.com To increase battery life, turn off unnecessary features like any beep feature, reduce the picture review display time, etc. How many minutes are you getting out of it?

Go to Canon web side and download to your computer the relevant drivers for your camera and OS (Mac OSX). It should solve your problem. Good luck!