Update(s) vs combo update(s)?

Hi everyone,
I wasn't sure exactly where to post my question. I read through some info about updates and combo updates but I must be missing the obvious because I still don't understand the difference. What is prefereable/better and why? For example: if you start off with 10.5, can you go directly to 10.5.8 (update or combo update)? Or do you need to go through 10.5.xxxxxxx (updates or combo updates)all the way to 10.5.8 (update or combo update)? As you can see, I'm confused.
Rio

if you start off with 10.5, can you go directly to 10.5.8 (update or combo update)?
With the combo update only.
do you need to go through 10.5.xxxxxxx (updates or combo updates)all the way to 10.5.8 (update or combo update)?
Only if you use the non-combo updates, each of which will only increment the last number by one.
Essentially, the current combo updater is the combined total of all the others.
(49920)

Similar Messages

What is the difference between the 10.6.8 update vs. the combo update?

What is the darn difference between the 10.6.8 update vs. the combo update? I read both of them I don't see a difference except that 1 is much larger than
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reason I was forced to come here to ask this question???

Antone,
The 10.6.8 update is a "delta" update that only applies the changes since 10.6.7 so it's much smaller.
The Combo update is all the cumulative updates since 10.6.0 rolled into one so it's much larger.
The Combo update will apply to any release of 10.6.
Regards,
Captfred

OS X Updates: Software Update vs. Combo Updater

I had many problems after updating to OS 10.4.10, so I took my laptop to the local Apple Store. Interestingly, the Genius there said to USE the update from Software Update and NOT use the COMBO updater as most of use seem to do. His reasoning was, "When you use the combo updater, it erases and changes too many things in your system. If you use the Software Update Option, it will give you just what you need." It seems more people on these forums, recommend the opposite. Ideas?
Thanks.

mattn wrote:
Wildly bad reasoning. There are two different issues here, and your so-called Genius has confused them.
The argument "it changes too many things vs. it will give you just what you need" is arguing between using the DELTA updater and the COMBO updater. It has nothing to do with whether you use Software Update.
The issue there is whether to use Software Updater or to do the download and installation yourself. The latter is preferable, whether you do the delta or the combo. That's because with the latter, you can control what's running and what you're doing at the time of installation. Software Update can be run while you're doing all kinds of other stuff, and that is the usual cause of errors and failures and bad outcomes. If you download and install it yourself, you can do the installation while you are running no other apps (preferably in Safe mode) and get a nice clean installation.
It is possible for users to mess things up by running Software Update in the background, or by manually installing from the Combo while other stuff is running.
For very knowledgeable users, the Combo should be a good approach, maybe overkill, but it should be safe and it has the advantage of filling in additional things that might be amiss. However for more typical users who aren't as into these details (which includes the majority of "civilians" that I know), it is a whole lot easier to run Software Update than to go through a bunch of manual steps any number of which might be executed incorrectly by inexperienced people. That may be why the Genius was discouraging the manual Combo approach, which should work fine for experienced users -- but I would bet that the Genius service centers see more problems caused by users doing things themselves versus allowing the Apple tools (Software Update) figure out what to install. Another set of glitches can result from not installing things in the right order, and some people don't appreciate that certain system and security updates need to be installed in a specific order.
A typical user is my daughter's 15-yr old friend down the street who just got a new MacBook. She would have no idea about Combo Updates, when to do them, Safe Mode or any of that, but she can certainly understand quitting all programs and then hitting the software update button (or quitting all programs when an update pops up and offers itself).
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SL 10.6.8 combo update keeps failing on me

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I want to fix this so once i get Lion and encounter any problem, i can go back to 10.6.8 in a breeze.
help badly needed.

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im looking through most discussions but i cant seem to find someone having the same issue as mine.

Cannot find the 10.9.1 combo update.

I've never had any difficulty finding the combo update before. Any link or advice is appreciated. Thank you.

There is no combination update yet because there is only one incremental update currently. Combo updates combine the components of each incremental OSX update into one package. Since there is only one incremental update as of now, there is no combination update.
You can install 10.9.1 from the App Store or from the link given below:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1707

Stuck iMac during 10.6.2 to 10.6.8 OS combo update

Dear community,
I recently had to wipe out an iMac HDD and reinstall the OS. The install DVD contained OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.2, and I wished to upgrade to Mavericks (10.9) by doing an intermediate update to 10.6.8, as required by the new OS installer.
After a successful disk erase & OS installation from DVD, I tried to update the OS by using the 10.6.8 Combo update http://support.apple.com/kb/dl1399, which was located on an external hard drive. Just before finishing the update, the screen went black and there was no way to recover the system. Fan and internal HDD were both spinning, so the system was stuck for an unknown reason.
After waiting for 15 minutes, I decided to switch off the computer manually with the power button, and since then the iMac won't boot any more. Here's a list of what I tried:
- Boot from cd ("C" during startup): impossible, another disc is currently in the drive, and can't eject it
- Safe mode: won't load in 30 minutes, I guess it won't load at all
- Reset NVRAM: no effect
- Single user mode:
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Thanks for the hint, I managed to eject the disc holding the mouse click and inserted the OS DVD.
This doesn't solve the problem though, I can't boot from it (holding "C" has no effect, nor has the "Alt" key).
Reading the verbose boot output, things seem pretty bad:
jnl: unknown-dev replay_journal: from some_decimal: to some_other_decimal (joffset some_hexadecimal)
jnl: unknown-dev replay_journal done.
Maybe broken filesystem, but I can't explain why external boot mode doesn't work…

Installed 10.6.8 Server Combo Update, but can't update Server Tools to 10.6.8?

Hello all,
I installed the 10.6.8 combo update for my xserve earlier today. I also need to update the server tools to 10.6.8 since I am trying to create a new NetInstall image from a .dmg that is running 10.6.8.
The server tools update has always shown up in the past in Software Update, but I didn't see it this time around so I went and found what looks like the download link for it: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1403.
Anyway, I get it downloaded and go to install it, and it says my Server HD does not have Mac OS X installed, and it will not install the update.
I have the 10.6.8 Server Tools installed on my imagebuilder, but it isn't setup with the right workflow and it would be a hassle to get that going.
Has anyone else had any problems getting the 10.6.8 server tools installed on their xserve?

@m.mills: I'd be interested to see what your workflow looks like for your image using the 10.6.7 SIU on 10.6.8 Server? I have been struggling trying to get NetInstall or NetRestore to work using this tool. For NetRestore, it tries to install on the MBP, but fails after a minute or two with this error:
Unable to set '10.6' as boot disk: The bless tool was unable to set the current boot disk."
I am using the 10.6 retail DVD as source. I have a very basic workflow:
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* Enable Automated Intall; install to volume name: 10.6, erase before installing
* Apply System Configuration Settings - (apply computer name and local hosts setting)
* Add 10.6.8 combo pkg
* Create image
I also have a machine running 10.7 Server and have successfully created a 10.7.2 image, but 10.6.8 has been giving me fits. It would be nice if I could create a 10.6.8 image on the 10.7 server. Is it possible to do this?
Any Help is appreciated.
thx

Mac OS 10.4. 11 Combo update (PPC) bug?

Installed the update above after software update check. On restart the Imac stops witth a black screen and the fan going at full speed. The "on" light is lit.
I have done the following actions:
1. started from the installer that came with the computer (Mac s 10.3)
repaired permissions. repaired disk.
2. Installed system 10.3 again.Works fine.
trashed many files to make 18 GB free space on the hard disk.
3. Upgraded to Tiger 10.4. Works fine.
4. repaired permissons again.
5 . Did another Software update download and install of the Combo update.
6. Result: black screen, fan going at full, "on " light on.
Any good advice ?

Good advice?
There are no guarantees, but following this procedure when installing updates and upgrades on your Mac, or even re-installing them, will go a long way towards avoiding unpleasant after effects and ‘post-update stress disorder’.
It is also worth noting that it is an extreme rarity for updates to cause upsets to your system, as they have all been extensively beta-tested, but they may well reveal pre-existing ones, particularly those of which you may have been unaware. If you are actually aware of any glitches, make sure they are fixed before proceeding further.
So before you do anything else:
If you can, make a full backup first.
Turn off sleep mode for both screen and hard disk.
Disconnect all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
1. Repair Permissions (in Disk Utility)
2. Verify the state of your hard disk using Disk Utility. If any faults are reported, restart from your install disk (holding down the C key), go to Disk Utility, and repair your startup disk. Restart again to get back to your startup disk.
At least you can now be reasonably certain that your system does not contain any obvious faults that might cause an update/upgrade to fail.
3. Download the correct version of the COMBO update from the Apple download site. If your car runs on gasoline you would not want to fill the tank with diesel, so don’t try to install the PPC updater on an Intel Mac!
The 10.4.11 Combo Updater for PPC Macs is here: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosx10411comboupdat eppc.html
And for Intel Macs: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosx10411comboupdat eintel.html
If you prefer to download updates via Software Update in the Apple menu (which would ensure that the correct version for your Mac was being downloaded), it is not recommended to allow SU to install major (or even minor) updates automatically. Set Software Update to just download the updater without immediately installing it. There is always the possibility that the combined download and install (which can be a lengthy process) might be interrupted by a power outage or your cat walking across the keyboard, and an interrupted install will almost certainly cause havoc. Once it is downloaded, you can install at a time that suits you. You should make a backup copy of the updater on a CD in case you ever need a reinstall.
More information on using Software Updater here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338
Using the Combo updater ensures that all system files changed since the original 10.4.0 are included, and any that may have been missed out or subsequently damaged will be repaired. The Delta updater, although a temptingly smaller download, only takes you from the previous version to the new one, i.e. for example from 10.4.10 to 10.4.11. Software Update will generally download the Delta updater only. The preferable Combo updater needs to be downloaded from Apple's download site.
Now proceed as follows:
4. Close all applications.
5. Unplug all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
6. Install the update/upgrade. Do not under any circumstances interrupt this procedure. Do not do anything else on your computer while it is installing. Be patient.
7. When it ask for a restart to complete the installation, click restart. This can take longer than normal, there are probably thousands of files to overwrite and place in the correct location. Do nothing while this is going on.
8. Once your Mac is awake, repair permissions again, and you should be good to go!
If your Mac seems slightly sluggish or ‘different’, perform a second restart. It can’t hurt and is sometimes efficacious!
9. Open a few of your most used applications and check that all is OK. In this connection please remember that not all manufacturers of third party applications and plug-ins, add-ons, haxies etc, will have had time to do any necessary rewrites to their software to make them 10.4.10. compliant. Give them a weeks or two while you regularly check their websites for updates. This applies particularly to plug-ins for Safari 3.
N.B. Do not attempt to install two different updates at the same time as each may have different routines and requirements. Follow the above recommendations for each update in turn.
Lastly, Apple's own article on the subject of Software Update may also be useful reading:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695
If you are updating Safari (or just have):
Input Managers from third parties can do as much harm as good. They use a security loophole to reach right into your applications' code and change that code as the application starts up. If you have installed an OS update and Safari is crashing, the very first thing to do is clear out your InputManagers folders (both in your own Library and in the top-level /Library), log out and log back in, and try again.
So, disable all third party add-ons before updating Safari, as they may not have been updated yet for the new version. Add them back one by one. If something goes awry, remove it again and check on the software manufacturer's website for news of an update to match your version of Safari. Remember: Tiger up to 10.4.10 used Safari 2.0.4 or, if you downloaded it, Safari 3.0.3 beta. Safari 10.4.11 used Safari 3.0.4 which was not a beta. If Safari 3.1.2 on 10.4.11 is not the fastest browser you have ever used, then something is wrong!
Moreover, trying to revert to Safari 3.0.4 (or worse still, version 2) when running 10.4.11 or 10.5 can have repercussions, as Safari 3.1.1 uses a completely different webkit on which other applications like iChat, Mail and Dashboard Widgets etc also rely, and may entail you having to reinstall an earlier operating system.
Most errors reported here after an update are due to an unrepaired or undetected inherent fault in the system, and/or a third party ad-on. Two such add-on that have been frequently mentioned here for causing such problems are Piclens and Pithhelmet. If you have them, trash them.
Additional tips on software installation here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106692
To reiterate, Input Managers reach right into an application and alter its code. This puts the behavior of the affected application outside the control and responsibility of its developers: a recipe for problems. That's not to say that issues absolutely will ensue as a result of Input Managers, but you, as a user, must decide. If the functionality of a specific Input Manager or set thereof is really important to you, you may well choose to assume the associated risk.
Again, the advice is to remove all Input Managers from the following directories:
• /Library/InputManagers
• ~/Library/InputManagers
especially prior to system updates (they can always be added back one-by-one later).

What is difference between 10.5.6 COMBO Update and 10.5.6 Update ? Both say

Both say +"The 10.5.6 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac."+
*Mac OS X 10.5.6 Combo Update* (669 MB)
http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_6_ComboUpdate
*Mac OS X 10.5.6 Update* (373 MB)
http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_6Update
I've never had any issue whatsoever before in using Software Update to handle all such OS updates. This is my first time encountering problem: It says "Restart", so I click Restart; and it starts on that purple default OS background, then starts an install process. But that status bar has been seemingly stopped for over 40 minutes after just advancing about 1/8th of an inch....
So I forced power-off, restarted, found these forums, and one of many seemingly contradictory knowledge base documents says if you're having problems with automatic Software Update, then instead download a standalone installer.
Which is why I ask the question of this thread. Normally, when I see "Combo Update", the implication is that there are multiple incremental updates stacked sequentially on top of each other, and the Combo will ensure that all intermediate updates get installed along with the most current update.
But in this case, the information at the links above does not differentiate in any way WHICH of the two someone should use if their current OS version is 10.5.5 .

That was really very helpful. So for me it begs a followup.
I ran the "regular" installer since I had 10.5.5 prior to running the update. Via the automated Software Update feature, the update failed several times. However, when I came to the support forums here and then downloaded and ran the standalone update file (the regular one), the process was simple, and my system updated to 10.5.6.
I have checked my system profiler and it says 10.5.6 ...
But based on things you have said, it seems to me that I would be adding an extra layer of solid foundation for my installed OS X if I were to run the COMBO Updater now -- even though I am at 10.5.6 -- so as to ensure the thorough code set is in place.
Am I reading correctly? Is that what you would recommend? Because I already earlier downloaded the COMBO update installer file, at the same time I also downloaded the smaller standalone updater file... At that time I wasn't certain which I should run. And I'd much rather take a little extra time now to run the COMBO if it would enhance the stability of the OS on my computer.
So I look forward to your reply.
In a separate posting I made tonight, in another thread, I am annoyed that for a major OS update Apple didn't entrust their consumer marketing division to write the instructions for consumers... so that instead of just that regular ol' automated convenience of set-n-forget "Software Update", in this case it actually communicated to the customer: "You might want to update Safari and iTunes using this automated process, but we also are updating the full operating system of OS X. And thus we recommend you download that file separately and run it from your desktop as follows...."
Apple Support has historically never been in sync with the Consumer Sales side of the business -- the group that is Best in Class in knowing how to communicate with mainstream consumers.
Thank you again for your reply. I wish the Support gods would take your posting and make it STICKY so that 1000 new threads don't have to be started. But that is like praying for competence from U.S. Congress.

Os 10.4.4 combo update

I am trying to fix a conflict between QT 7 and Premiere 6.5.
I downloaded the 10.4.4 combo update from the apple website because I am trying to follow someone else's set up where he reports no problems.
The update is 'not recognised' by my computer. I then tried the 10.4.3 combo update to see if i could then update from there to 10.4.4... that too was 'not recognised'
Any idea about how i can get over this problem?

Hi aas,
first of all: WELCOME TO THE DISCUSSIONS!
Before you start remember to Repair permissions before and after an update!
Then download and apply the Mac OS X Update 10.4.5 Combo

Safari won't open after OS 10.4 software update combo update

I am working on a computer iMac g5 1.8ghz, 600 mhz Bus, 512mb Ram was 10.3.9 but Safari was not working because Safari 3.1.1 was installed. I tried removing all safari, cache, plist to no avail, Firefox worked after reinstall. I remove safari and upgraded the station to OS 10.4.5, when the install finished it had installed Safari 2 and I was able to open it, I ran the Software update, which included the combo to upgrade to 10.4.11, reset the indicator light and one more update that I can't remember and now I am back to where I started Safari won't open.
I can open Firefox so I know it's not network related,
I've repaired permissions and restarted
I've created a secondary Admin account, so I know it's not the profile.
I've deleted plist and cache of safari before I did the OS update
After the combo upgrade, now Both Safari 3.0.4 and Software update will not open.
Does anyone have some insight on this? I've spent hours on this supposed quick fix my friend needed.

Hello h:
At this point, I would suggest an archive and install (and then run software updater, do not try to decide what updates to install yourself):
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710
Barry

How I revived my MBA after 10.6.3 update: Combo Updater to the rescue!

Hi, just wanted to let everyone know how I managed to revive my MBA when it would no longer boot after a failed update to 10.6.3 using Software Update.
I want to provide as many details as possible, so this will be looooong.
*The problem:* Late in the evening, I got a message from SU that new updates were available. I downloaded the updates to 10.6.3, iTunes 9.1, and three other apps. The machine logged me out, did the install and then suddenly quit with an error message when the whole process was about 95% complete. It immediately rebooted as well but got stuck at the Apple logo and the spinning gear. I could only power it down by holding the power button >4 secs.
*What I tried:* I used a PC to go online and look for help. So I tried: an SMC reset, a PRAM reset, a safe boot (hold Shift key) and a single user boot (hold Command-S). Nothing worked. Slight panic, as the MBA cannot work in target disk mode (no Firewire!) and I had not yet activated Time Machine.
Luckily, I had installed Boot Camp some days ago and a version of Windows. With the new Boot Camp 3.1, Windows can read the Mac HFS filesystem. As it turned out, Windows booted fine and could indeed read and copy my files (with total disregard for any security... nice). So my most important docs were safe.
Still no Mac OS X boot though. Holding Command-V at boot (which allows you to watch the boot process) showed that the machine consistently got stuck after loading AppleCPUPowerManagement (or similar). After doing the SMC reset, it seemed to get stuck a little later, when listing the allowed WiFi channels in my region. However, nothing could get it to boot.
Now I do own an MBA Superdrive so I could boot from the Snow Leopard 10.6.0 DVD. Running Disk Utility showed that nothing was actually wrong with the SSD. It just refused to boot. So I opted to do a 'backup and install' of 10.6.0 from the DVD. It took quite a while, but ran through okay. However, after restarting, the MBA would still not boot. Argh!
*The solution:* Like many Mac users, I did not know that Macs can boot from USB drives. But Intel Macs can! So I went over to my wife's Mac Mini and used Carbon Copy Cloner to make a 1:1 copy of its system drive on a portable HD. I could at least boot my MBA now and backup my personal files in proper Mac format. Right? Eh, no. The boot went well, but under my wife's username I was of locked out of my own home directory. There are probably utilities to circumvent this, but I tried something different first.
I had read on the web that the huge 'Combo Update' files for Mac OS X sometimes do a better job at updating all necessary files. They also allow you to write the update to a different HD than the current boot drive. So... still working off the copied Mac Mini disk, I downloaded the 10.6.3 Combo Updater (>700MB!) and applied it to the MBA's boot disk. It took ages, seemed to get stuck at several points (I really hate not having a drive activity LED) but finished.
Restarted my MBA and presto! Everything fine. Immediately did a full backup and a software update of course. My MBA had gone from 10.6.2 to 10.6.0 to 10.6.3 - Safari, Java and a number of other things needed updates. But it went well.
Hopefully this'll work for some of you too. I'd try booting from a different disk first and running the Combo Update. It will probably solve your problems.

sebuchen1954, sometimes an audio problem can be completely independent of a video problem; for example, when GoToMeeting 4.1 ran on my computer, the video worked fine, but the audio was straight out of +Alvin and the Chipmunks+ when it went through a USB headset. (That problem was fixed in GoToMeeting 4.5.)
Is your partner running the latest Windows version of Skype (4.2.32.155 at this time)?
Since your partner has Windows, perhaps [AIM|http://products.aim.com/windows] (version 7.2.6.1 is currently the most recent version) would be a functional iChat analogue for Windows?

Is it possible to downgrade to 10.5.5 with the combo updater?

I'm one of the lucky people who no longer have firewire after the 10.5.6 update. I was wondering if it was possible to downgrade to 10.5.5 using the combo updater? There weren't any issues prior to the update and now I can't access my peripherals in OS X. I have boot camp installed and everything works in windows. Also, I've tested the drive on my PowerBook (which still runs Tiger) and everything works fine (DiskWarrior and Disk Utility don't detect any problems). I've re-applied 10.5.6 using the combo updater and I've reset the PRAM, to no avail. At this point I'm fairly certain it's a 10.5.6 issue. So, is it possible to downgrade to 10.5.5?

no. there are no downgrade options in OS X. 10.5.5 combo update will refuse to install if you try. if you don't have a 10.5.5 backup the only way to get back to 10.5.5 is to do an archive and install and then upgrade to 10.5.5 using 10.5.5 combo update.

Whats the difference between a combo update and using software update?

I keep my Macbook up to date by checking regularly via software update, so far with no mishaps, but I have seen people on these forums mentioning that a it is better to download the combo updates direct from Apples website. Is this true, if so why, and what is the difference? I am thinking of installing Leopard which would then probably need updating to the current version, so what is the correct way of doing this?

There are no guarantees, but following this procedure when installing updates and upgrades on your Mac, or even re-installing them, will go a long way towards avoiding unpleasant after effects and ‘post-update stress disorder’.
It is also worth noting that it is an extreme rarity for updates to cause upsets to your system, as they have all been extensively beta-tested, but they may well reveal pre-existing ones, particularly those of which you may have been unaware. If you are actually aware of any glitches, make sure they are fixed before proceeding further.
So before you do anything else:
If you can, make a full backup first.
Turn off sleep mode for both screen and hard disk.
Disconnect all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
1. Repair Permissions (in Disk Utility)
2. Verify the state of your hard disk using Disk Utility. If any faults are reported, restart from your install disk (holding down the C key), go to Disk Utility, and repair your startup disk. Restart again to get back to your startup disk.
At least you can now be reasonably certain that your system does not contain any obvious faults that might cause an update/upgrade to fail.
3. Download the correct version of the COMBO update from the Apple download site. If your car runs on gasoline you would not want to fill the tank with diesel, so don’t try to install the PPC updater on an Intel Mac!
The 10.4.11 Combo Updater for PPC Macs is here: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosx10411comboupdat eppc.html
And for Intel Macs: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosx10411comboupdat eintel.html
If you prefer to download updates via Software Update in the Apple menu (which would ensure that the correct version for your Mac was being downloaded), it is not recommended to allow SU to install major (or even minor) updates automatically. Set Software Update to just download the updater without immediately installing it. There is always the possibility that the combined download and install (which can be a lengthy process) might be interrupted by a power outage or your cat walking across the keyboard, and an interrupted install will almost certainly cause havoc. Once it is downloaded, you can install at a time that suits you. You should make a backup copy of the updater on a CD in case you ever need a reinstall.
More information on using Software Updater here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338
Using the Combo updater ensures that all system files changed since the original 10.4.0 are included, and any that may have been missed out or subsequently damaged will be repaired. The Delta updater, although a temptingly smaller download, only takes you from the previous version to the new one, i.e. for example from 10.4.10 to 10.4.11. Software Update will generally download the Delta updater only. The preferable Combo updater needs to be downloaded from Apple's download site.
Now proceed as follows:
4. Close all applications.
5. Unplug all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
6. Install the update/upgrade. Do not under any circumstances interrupt this procedure. Do not do anything else on your computer while it is installing. Be patient.
7. When it ask for a restart to complete the installation, click restart. This can take longer than normal, there are probably thousands of files to overwrite and place in the correct location. Do nothing while this is going on.
8. Once your Mac is awake, repair permissions again, and you should be good to go!
If your Mac seems slightly sluggish or ‘different’, perform a second restart. It can’t hurt and is sometimes efficacious!
9. Open a few of your most used applications and check that all is OK. In this connection please remember that not all manufacturers of third party applications and plug-ins, add-ons, haxies etc, will have had time to do any necessary rewrites to their software to make them compliant with the latest version of your operating system. Give them a weeks or two while you regularly check their websites for updates. This applies particularly to plug-ins for Safari 3.
N.B. Do not attempt to install two different updates at the same time as each may have different routines and requirements. Follow the above recommendations for each update in turn.
Lastly, Apple's own article on the subject of Software Update may also be useful reading:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695
If you are updating Safari (or just have):
Input Managers from third parties can do as much harm as good. They use a security loophole to reach right into your applications' code and change that code as the application starts up. If you have installed an OS update and Safari is crashing, the very first thing to do is clear out your InputManagers folders (both in your own Library and in the top-level /Library), log out and log back in, and try again.
So, disable all third party add-ons before updating Safari, as they may not have been updated yet for the new version. Add them back one by one. If something goes awry, remove it again and check on the software manufacturer's website for news of an update to match your version of Safari. Remember: Tiger up to 10.4.10 used Safari 2.0.4 or, if you downloaded it, Safari 3.0.3 beta. Safari 10.4.11 used Safari 3.0.4 which was not a beta. If Safari 3.1.2 on 10.4.11 is not the fastest browser you have ever used, then something is wrong!
Moreover, trying to revert to Safari 3.0.4 (or worse still, version 2) when running 10.4.11 or 10.5 can have repercussions, as Safari 3.1.1 uses a completely different webkit on which other applications like iChat, Mail and Dashboard Widgets etc also rely, and may entail you having to reinstall an earlier operating system.
Most errors reported here after an update are due to an unrepaired or undetected inherent fault in the system, and/or a third party ad-on. Two such add-on that have been frequently mentioned here for causing such problems are Piclens and Pithhelmet. If you have them, trash them.
Additional tips on software installation here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106692
To reiterate, Input Managers reach right into an application and alter its code. This puts the behavior of the affected application outside the control and responsibility of its developers: a recipe for problems. That's not to say that issues absolutely will ensue as a result of Input Managers, but you, as a user, must decide. If the functionality of a specific Input Manager or set thereof is really important to you, you may well choose to assume the associated risk.
Again, the advice is to remove all Input Managers from the following directories:
• /Library/InputManagers
• ~/Library/InputManagers
especially prior to system updates (they can always be added back one-by-one later).

Mac Pro won't network after 10.5.8 combo update

I just ran the 10.5.8 combo updater and since then my Mac Pro won't connect to my home network. It accesses the internet just fine, but I cannot connect wirelessly to my Macbook or my wifi printer anymore. My Macbook which is still on 10.4.11 can connect to the wifi printer and the internet, but cannot connect to my Mac Pro anymore. I've seen posts about pulling ktxt files out of the 10.5.7 updater, but that doesn't seem to address my issue. Any ideas? Thanks

I just ran the 10.5.8 combo updater and since then my Mac Pro won't connect to my home network. It accesses the internet just fine, but I cannot connect wirelessly to my Macbook or my wifi printer anymore. My Macbook which is still on 10.4.11 can connect to the wifi printer and the internet, but cannot connect to my Mac Pro anymore. I've seen posts about pulling ktxt files out of the 10.5.7 updater, but that doesn't seem to address my issue. Any ideas? Thanks

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