Apple software updates

Like any good software developer, Apple is constantly busy fixing bugs and adding features to its Macintosh operating systems. For example, in early July Apple wrote and posted "Security Update 2003-07-23" - a fix for some security vulnerabilities they became aware of.

Your Mac has a program--Software Update--built into it that can automatically check with Apple (over an open internet connection) to see if any appropriate updates have been posted. You may have seen an unsolicited message come up on your screen asking if you'd like to download and install the latest updates. Simply clicking the "OK" button initiates a download and install of the software.

It's a convenient feature, but I would be wary of it. These updates can cause serious problems. Just last Monday Apple posted a large update to OS X: version 10.2.8. It caused a lot of problems for people and Apple withdrew it. Those early adopters spent 2 weeks stuck with problems (printing, screen display, network connectivity...) until Apple issued a fix. Or they spent many hours re-installing their operating systems.

'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'
This is always good advice. I give it constantly. If your computer is functioning just fine, don't feel compelled to install an Apple software update. If your computer does have a problem, and you discover that there is an update that addresses it, well that's a good reason to consider downloading and installing it.

When in doubt, ask me! I spend a lot of time keeping track of what updates are available and how effective and/or problematic they are. Send a quick email and I'll get back to you promptly. It's a free service I provide to my clients. Take advantage of it!

Modern Mac Repair Inc.
PO Box 563
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-9185
(617) 507-6644 (fax)
Email: brian@modernmacrepair.com