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Apple recommends that before updating your system you should do a global backup your system using Time Machine. Other backup utilities such as Carbon Copy Cloner can also be used.
You can either update using OS X Software Update, or download and run a standalone installer -- the latter being my method of choice, ideally using the Combo installer even if I'm only going up one fractional version increment.
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).
Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update
New in Mac OS X 10.6:
General fixes and improvements
- improves compatibility with some Braille displays
- resolves an issue that causes the keyboard or trackpad to become unresponsive
- resolves an issue that may prevent some Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications from opening
- addresses issues copying, renaming, or deleting files on SMB file servers
- improves reliability of VPN connections
- resolves a playback issue in DVD Player when using Good Quality deinterlacing
- resolves an issue editing photos with iPhoto or Aperture in full screen view
- resolves an issue with Parental Controls Time Limits for Open Directory or Active Directory users
- resolves a display sleep issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers
- resolves an issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers in which the right speaker may sound louder than the left speaker
- includes Safari 5.0; for more information about Safari 5.0, see this webpage
- Security improvements; for information about the security content of this update, please visit this article
Fixes and improvements for Aperture 3
• adds tethered shooting support for additional digital camera models
addresses IPTC metadata compatibility issues
Fixes and improvements for external devices
• RAW image compatibility for additional digital cameras
• resolves an issue with using third-party USB web cameras
• resolves an issue with noise when using some third-party FireWire audio devices
• resolves pairing issues with Apple remotes
This update also includes the improvements found in the Mac OS X v10.6.1, 10.6.2, and 10.6.3 updates.
For more information, visit:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4150
One of the reasons I like going with a freestanding update installer is that one can do some prudent preparation before running the update, such as the aforementioned file backup, repairing permissions, running the cron maintenance scripts, cleaning system caches (a system maintenance utility like OnyX, MainMenu, (both freeware) or a host of others available is the most convenient way to do this). Belt and suspenders perhaps, but I'm of the view that doing these things can help avoid problem issues.
Before running the Combo updater I usually run a set of basic system maintenance routines with the Automation panel of OnyX. MacFixIt's has long advised booting into Safe Boot mode (hold down the Shift key during a reboot) before running the installer, which I confess I usually don't bother with as starting up in Safe Boot mode takes a long time because it runs a media scan during the bootup process. If you go that route, be prepared to wait about five minutes or so before the login screen appears (which it will in Safe Boot even if you have automatic login configured).
Several standalone update installer versions are available. If you're not familiar with the distinctions among updater versions, the basic Update ("Delta") lets you update from Mac OS X 10.6.3 to 10.6.4 only, while the Combo update lets you update from Mac OS X 10.6, 10.6.1, 10.6.2 or 10.6.3 to 10.6.4. I prefer to use the combo version, even if I'm only moving up one version number. Historically, many users have anecdotally reported that they encounter fewer issues using the Mac OS X Combo updaters, than with the incremental Deltas or using Software Update.
Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update
The 10.6.4 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard. It includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes - 607.21 MB
Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update (Combo)
The 10.6.4 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard. It includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes - 887.37 MB
Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update Mac mini (Mid 2010)
The Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update is recommended for all users of the new Mac mini (Mid 2010), also released yesterday. This update contains all the applicable fixes from the Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update, plus specific fixes for Mac mini (Mid 2010) - 403.38 MB
Mac OS X Server v10.6.4 Update Mac mini (Mid 2010)
The Mac OS X Server 10.6.4 Update is recommended for all users of Mac mini (Mid 2010). This update contains all the applicable fixes from the Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update, plus specific fixes for Mac mini (Mid 2010) - 411.72 MB
Mac OS X Server v10.6.4 Update
The 10.6.4 update is recommended for all servers currently running Snow Leopard Server version 10.6. It includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your server - 615.60 MB
Mac OS X Server v10.6.4 Update (Combo)
The 10.6.4 update is recommended for all servers currently running Snow Leopard Server version 10.6. It includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your server - 1.05 GB
You can download the standalone installer here:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macosx106
Apple also yesterday released the Mac OS X Security Update 2010-001 For Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard including a variety of security fixes that you can read about here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4004
Security Update 2010-004 (Leopard-Client)
Security Update 2010-004 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update - 222 MB
Security Update 2010-004 (Leopard-Server)
Security Update 2010-004 is recommended for all servers and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update - 380.29 MB
You can download the standalone installer here:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macosx106
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