How Do I Update The Software On My Mac?

As an internet user, you will no doubt already be aware that every now and then, new software is release for home computers. These new releases not only include new software for your computers operating system, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard being the most popular at present. The new software mostly however comprises of updates to existing software. Following the launch of broadband, this has made obtaining new software easier to download then going into a shop to purchase a CD.

For this answer, I am going to focus on how to update your software on a Macintosh, or Mac, using OS X Leopard – the latest operating system that Apple have released. While some peoples, unbelievably, don't back up their data, the next most important thing that people at large don't do with their home computer is to perform regular software updates. Hopefully by reading this, you will be able to see just how easy it is and will have no more excuses! Now before we continue, I strongly recommend that you run a full back up of the machine, using either Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner.

Here's what to do

1.    Yes, you probably guessed, turn on your Mac. Then make sure you are connected to the internet, either by using Airport or Ethernet.

2.    In the top left hand corner of your screen, you will see a small Apple icon. Click the mouse once over this so that a drop down menu appears. Select the second option that reads 'Software Update'



3.    After a few seconds a new dialog box will appear in the middle of your screen saying 'Checking for new software'. At this point, your Mac is talking via the internet to the nearest Apple server to check if there are newer versions of the applications installed on the hard drive. Depending on a) how long it has been since you last updated your software and b) the file size of some of the updates, this could take up to 10 minutes so be patient.

4.    Once the process has run a dialog box will show you which applications have updates. Leopard may be in need of a security update or perhaps a newer version of iTunes has been released. Along with the file size of each update, some of the updates may have a small white on grey triangle to the left hand side. These are files that will require the computer to be restarted to take affect after the program has been installed. AGAIN, I STRONGLY RECOMMENT THAT YOU RUN A FULL BACKUP BEFORE PROCEEDING.



5.    When you're ready, press install updates, and when prompted, enter your administrator password. The Mac will then download. Configure and finally install each of the updates in turn. Even with a very high-speed broadband connection, this can take a while so leave the machine alone for 5 minutes and then come back.

6.    Once everything has downloaded and been installed, the system will show a display box asking if you want to shut down or restart. Press restart and let it do it's thing.

7.    When it restarts, the computer will automatically run software update again to make sure it didn't miss anything the last time – so don't panic.

And that's it, all done. All you need to do now is try to remember to run this update every so often. Once a month is more than enough. Pretty straight forward hey?