Mac OS X Version 10.6.8 Updates For Snow Leopard Client And Server Plus Leopard Security Update Released

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On Thursday, Apple released a gaggle of Mac OS X v10.6.8 client and server updates. The Version 10.6.8 Update is widely expected to be the ultimate version of Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard prior to the release of OS 10.7 Lion. The Security Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

Apple recommends that before updating your system you should do a global backup of your files using Time Machine. Other backup utilities such as Carbon Copy Cloner (my personal fave) can also be used.

Letting Software Update handle installing the update is quick and easy, but doing some system maintenance and running a standalone update installer the best policy for avoiding problems with system updates, and is my preferred option, ideally using the Combo installer version even if I’m only going up one fractional version increment. For good measure, I also try to squeeze in running a slate of system maintenance routines before installing the update.

Software Update method (if you must)

Choose Software Update from the Apple menu to automatically check for the latest Apple software using the Internet, including this update. If your computer is not up-to-date, other software updates available for your computer may appear which you should install. Note that an update’s size may vary from computer to computer when installed using Software Update. Also, some updates must be installed prior to others, so you should run Software Update more than once to make sure you have all available updates.

The preferred-by-me standalone update installer option is especially useful when you need to update multiple computers but only want to download the update once, and I also find it convenient to keep a current update installer on hand in case one needs to do a complete system reinstall. The several standalone installer variants are available from Apple Support Downloads (see link below).

New in Mac OS X 10.6.8:/B>

  • Enhancements to the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion.
  • Resolves an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit.
  • Improves support for IPv6.
  • Improves VPN reliability.
  • Identifes and removes known variants of MacDefender malware.
  • Corrects timezone data in iCal for Lisbon-Portugal.
  • Adds the ability to use Kerberos authentication to a web proxy server.
  • Fixes an issue when saving documents from Xcode or TextEdit when using an NFS home directory.
  • Fixes an issue when importing certain media files into Final Cut Pro.
  • Includes RAW image compatibility for additional digital cameras.

Mac OS X v10.6.8 also includes fixes provided in the Mac OS X v10.6.7 Snow Leopard Font Update:

  • Addresses an issue in which some OpenType fonts don’t display correctly in certain applications.
  • Resolves issues printing from Preview.
  • Addresses an issue with PDF files not opening in third-party PDF viewing applications.
  • Resolves invalid font errors when printing to PostScript printers.
  • Additional Information

Additional improvements
• Includes all the improvements in the previous Mac OS X v10.6.1, 10.6.2, 10.6.3, 10.6.4, 10.6.5, 10.6.6, and 10.6.7 updates.

Several versions of the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update are available as standalone installers, as well as through Software Update. For most Mac OS client users who prefer not to use the Software Update option, the most common versions will be the 474.2 MB Mac OS X v10.6.8 Update (incremental) and the 1.09 GB Mac OS X v10.6.7 Update Combo

Mac OS X v10.6.7 Update

The 10.6.7 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

File Size: 474.2 MB

System Requirements
Mac OS X v10.6.6

For detailed information on this update, visit these websites:

Incremental update – System Requirements:
Mac OS X 10.6.7:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1400

Combo update – System Requirements:
Mac OS X v10.6 – Mac OS X 10.6.7:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

Downloads also at:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macosx106

Apple Security Update 2011-04 (Leopard – Client)

Apple Security Update 2011-04 (OS 10.5 Leopard – Client) is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update.

For information on the security content of this update, visit this website:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

File Size: 256.4 MB

System Requirements
Mac OS X 10.5.8 Client

For more information, or to download, visit:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1404

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