How to Upgrade Mac System Software

Upgrading system software on your Macintosh computer changes the way certain programs and processes behave. System upgrades are used to fix bugs and errors that had previously been experienced. Upgrades are also used to introduce new functions into existing programs and processes. In each version of Mac OS X, updates are accessed through the Apple menu. However, the method for opening the "Software Update" menu differs slightly when utilizing newer and older versions of OS X. Updates can also be installed using standalone installers. See the steps below for upgrading your particular version of Mac software.

Steps:

Upgrading Mac System Software With OS X 10.3 and Later

1. Open the Apple menu.
   
   
2. Click the Software Update option.
3. Choose the upgrades you wish to install in the Software Update menu.
4. Click Install.
   • When using OS X 10.3, click "Check Now."
   • Versions of Mac OS X 10.5 and later have the ability to run software update checks automatically. These checks can run in the background. When a software upgrade is available, the computer will prompt you.

Upgrading Mac System Software With OS X 10.2.8 and Earlier

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Click on System Preferences.
3. Select "Software Update" from the View menu.
4. Select "Update Now."
5. Choose the items you wish to install, then click "Install."
6. Input an administrator account name and password.
7. Restart your computer if the software update calls for it.

Upgrading Mac System Software With a Standalone Installer

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to the Apple Support Downloads website.
3. Select the software update you wish to install.
4. Click Download.

Tips:

• You may not need or want some of the software updates available in the Software Update window. You can choose to hide these updates by going to System Preferences in the Apple menu, then selecting "Software Update" from the View menu. Once you click Update Now, the Software Update window appears. Select the upgrade you want to hide and click "Make Inactive" in the Update menu.
• You can schedule software updates by using the Software Update pane. The pane is accessed through System Preferences. You can change the intervals at which new updates are searched for. The default interval is a weekly check. You can lengthen or shorten the interval and turn it off completely.
• If you are installing an update on more than one computer, use a standalone installer. Standalone installers should also be used if you need the update at a later time, if you are downloading the update from a computer with a faster Internet connection and if the computer that needs the update has no Internet connection. Make sure you have the correct system requirements for the update before using a standalone installer.

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