Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Download Now!!! Apple Posts OS X 10.5.6 Combo Updates

For users running OS X versions 10.5.0 through 10.5.5

While the combo updates from Apple are not the last on the list of recently available downloads (we still have Bonjour for Windows to cover), Leopard users might be interested in downloading a single package, should they have not used Software Update for a while.

Combo updates refresh the base version of a Mac OS X release, bringing it up to date with the one specified in the Combo package. This includes all intermediate updates, allowing Mac OS X 10.5.6 Combo to patch OS X 10.5.0 through 10.5.5 with one installation, as opposed to installing the individual 10.5, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.3, 10.5.4, and 10.5.5 versions.

Therefore, Apple's Support section reveals that the latest available combos are recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard. They include general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac, the company claims.

Apple has some installation recommendations for those who need to install the combo update on Client Leopard Macs. One of the first pieces of advice Apple has for users is
“Back up your computer prior to installing any updates.” Indeed, backing up your system is always recommended when installing major updates, and the 10.5.6 one is a big deal. You may also want to quit any open applications before starting the installation. Whatever you do, you mustn't interrupt the installation process!

Nevertheless, even though you go by these rules, you may still experience unexpected results. Should you have third-party system software modifications installed, or if you have brought changes to the operating system, or moved Apple applications from their default locations, the installation may not proceed as it should.

You have two installation options: automatic Software Update, and downloadable, standalone installers. The former method requires that you select Software Update from the Apple menu to automatically check for the latest Apple software. As soon as Software Update finishes listing all the available updates for your system, select the 10.5.6 Combo Update and hit install. Using standalone installers (available for free download below), just double click the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions followed by a system re-boot.

Notes: On the Server side, you need to pay particular attention to more aspects regarding the installation of the 10.5.6 Combo Update. Apple has a knowledge base article on this, here.

As the combo updates contain pretty much every patch Apple has released since the first version of Leopard, the downloads are quite hefty - 668 MB and 883MB, respectively.

Download Mac OS X 10.5.6 Combo Update – Client (Free)

Download Mac OS X 10.5.6 Combo Update – Server (Free)