Setting Up Software Update

Keeping your Mac’s software up-to-date is one of the most important things you can do to keep your data safe and your computer running smoothly. To make your Mac automatically check for software updates on a daily basis, perform the following steps.

1. Open System Preferences. (If you do not know how to do this, please review the section of this guide titled "How to Open System Preferences.")

2. Select the icon labeled "Software Update" under the "System" heading.

System Preferences dialog box

3. Click the lock at the bottom of the window and enter your computer's login information if prompted. Set the drop-down menu next to the words "Check for updates" to "Daily." Be absolutely sure to uncheck the box next to "Download updates automatically."

Software Update dialog box

4. You may now close the window.

5. When Apple releases an update, Software Update will alert you with the following icon bouncing in your Dock.

Software Update icon

If ever you see “Mac OS X Update” listed, uncheck it and click the “Install x Items” button at the bottom of the window. Do, however, make a note of the version number in the column next to it. In the following diagram, you can see that the version number is 10.7.3. Refer to the next section, "Installing a Mac OS X Update," for steps on how to perform the Mac OS X Update.

OS X Software Update dialog box