While the Macintosh remains less vulnerable to security vulnerabilities, OS X is based on the Unix Operating System. This does make the Macintosh a bit more vulnerable than in the past. Therefore, as a Mac user you can no longer feel confident that the security of your computer is a given. As a result, make sure you regularly update your system and built-in Mac apps. Apple has made this easy by providing the Software Update tool.

Performing a Manual Software Update

Log in to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges. Students using a personally owned computer should sign in with the Administrator account (the account that came installed on your computer at the time of purchase).

1. Make sure that you have a connection to the internet.
2. Disconnect any eternal drives (i.e., FireWire drives, USB drives, iPod or music players). You can safely reconnect them when updates are completed.
3. Access Software Update software:
   

   OS 10.2.x users go to the Apple Menu and	OS 10.3.x users go to the Apple Menu and
   select System Preferences.	select Software Update.
   Continue to Step 4.	Continue to Step 5.

4. OS 10.2.x users, when the System Preferences window opens, click on Software Update.
   
5. OS 10.2.x and 10.3.x: In the Software Update window click on the Check Now button to see what updates are available to install.
   
6. The next window will show all of the updates that are available for installation; uncheck the ones that you do not want to install and then click Install to perform the software updates. Normally, you should install whatever updates Apple suggests (this is our standard practice for our College-owned Macs). Follow the instructions to install each update. You may be asked to restart your Mac to complete the installation process.
   

   OS 10.2.x	OS 10.3.x

Setting up Software Update to automatically prompt for available updates

1. Follow Steps 1 through 5 in the above instructions to get back to the main Software Update window.
2. The Update Software tab has an option you can check to be prompted for updates. Check the box and, from the pop-down window, select the time-frame you want you Mac to check for updates. Your computer needs to be connected to the Internet during the updates, so don't assume that just because you set your Mac for auto-update checking that you are covered. You will still need to periodically check for updates and do the actual installations, especially if you don't have your computer connected to the Internet a lot.