Suggestion: Clearly warning presented in Software Update

Question

After having had two nightmare experiences of my own in 10.4 using the "Software Update" facility to update my system, and given the apparently large corpus of users out there having similar (and worse) problems, I would very politely suggest to Apple that they modify the "New Software Update" popup window (for want of a better description) with a clearly presented warning that the following should be carried out when updating OS X:
1. Disabling system extensions/haxies before attempting the upgrade and before doing 2. below;
2. permissions/disks should be repaired before and after attempting the (system) update;
3. that external devices be disconnected before attempting the system update;
Plus
4. Give a link by which the user can choose to download the Combo updater for that particular OS spec, with, optionally, an explanation as to why this may be necessary *for system updates*.
10.3 certainly seemed to be better, but 10.4 definitely seems to be a lot more problematic in this regard.
Cheers,
Alex.
Powermac G5 1.6Uni/Powerbook G4 15 1.7/iBook G3 14   Mac OS X (10.4.3)   (Avoiding 10.4.4 like the Plague

Answer 1

Yes backing up, repairing permissions, repairing the hard driving, and disconnecting all peripheral devices except the keyboard prior to upgrading is basic, and should be explicitly explained prior to upgrading. I did a simple upgrade on an eMac and iBook from 10.3.9, fortunately both had dvd drives. And did a simple upgrade on an old slot loading iMac from 10.2.8 using it in target disc mode since it had a CD-RW drive. The iMac has a nonpartioned disc with 9.2.2 on it as well next to 10.4.5. And, I am able to boot up in both OS9 and OSX on the iMac. Everything totally rocks now. Had some minor snafus with some lost emails on eMac (which i use the most), and norton system works and antivirus, which i got rid of, resulting in better and faster performance. Tiger does not work well with norton AV autoprotect. And yes, you need antivirus software, especially, if using microsoft office and networking with windows PC. Symantec estimates for every 1000 PC viruses there is one for apple. norton AV has saved me once, and just once, in that regard. I encountered a virus only once. But I have parted with Norton for good. It really slows your computer down. My problem with new apples is the bad hardware they use, I have 2 hard drives crash on my iBook and iMac when both were only 1 1/2 years and 2 years old respectively. However my ancient Power Macintosh 7500/100 with 1GB hard drive with OS8 still boots up and my 4 year old plays with that one. I forget where the Apple IIc went.