Apple dish out updates to Mac OS X and some of its applications ( such as iLife and Safari ) through a lineament in the operating system call Software Update . To run Software Update , dawn on the Apple ( ) menu and select Software Update . It may take a minute or two for this feature to run , longer if there are updates available for download and facility . ( You may need to reboot your Mac , so it ’s a good thought to race Software Update when you are n’t doing anything else . You do have the option to scrub if you ’re in the heart of something . )
By nonpayment , Software Update run automatically on a hebdomadal foundation . you may change the frequency , or even change by reversal it off — the preferences for Software Update ( for both Lion and Snow Leopard ) are found in System Preferences ; the Software Update icon can be found in the System section . Here ’s how to tailor-make Software Update to your liking .
Step 1: What’s the frequency
When you open up the Software Update organization preference , it open to the Scheduled Check portion of the setting . Here , you may manually perform a hindrance for updates by clicking on the Check Now button .
Below that is where you could determine the automatic frequency for Software Update . In Lion , if the preferences are dim , you must tap the padlock in the lower unexpended niche , and then you ’ll see a prompt where you must enter your parole .
The Software Update system of rules preference is the same in Lion and Snow Leopard , except the Lion rendering ( above ) has a ignition lock to prevent change .
The Software Update system preference is the same in Lion and Snow Leopard, except the Lion version (above) has a lock to prevent changes.
To have Software Update run mechanically , click the hinderance for Updates checkbox . In the pop - up menu , select Daily , Weekly , or Monthly . recollect , you may always run Software Update manually when you feel like it , either through - > Software Update , or by clicking the verification Now release in the Software Update system preference . If you do n’t want Software Update to run automatically , uncheck this box .
Step 2: Automatic settings
Software Update will alert you when updates are uncommitted . When selecting the Check for Updates box , a setting below it will become uncommitted . This setting allows your Mac to download the update mechanically , if any update are useable .
If you adjudicate not to trigger this feature but still have reflex checks for update fighting , then Software Update tells you that update are available , and you ’ll have the choice to see a list of the update , defer the updated until afterwards , or to go forward and deploy the updates .
Step 3: Installed software
Software that has been installed by Software Update . In the Software Update system penchant , there is a second section called Installed Software . This supply a list of the software that has been updated via Software Update for your citation . There are no preferences in this section for you to change .
When you ’re done , put away the padlock on the lower leave by clicking on it , and come together the predilection pane .
Other updates
If you bought a third - company program in the Mac App Store , practice the Mac App Store to get updates . Other apps allow you to control for updates through the software system itself , either through the app ’s preferences , or through a computer menu selection .
[ Roman Loyola is a Macworld aged editor program . ]
The Software Update system preference is the same in Lion and Snow Leopard, except the Lion version (above) has a lock to prevent changes.
Software Update will alert you when updates are available.
Software that has been installed by Software Update.
