For Mac OS X, how do I obtain and install system software updates?

Apple and Apple-authorized resellers distribute major releases of Mac OS X. However, Apple releases free updates between major commercial releases. You can use the Software Update feature to download and install updates to your operating system software and to other programs distributed by Apple. You need to be connected to the Internet to use this feature, and it is best to quit any running applications before attempting to update. When you're ready, select Software Update... from the Apple menu, and then follow the instructions on the screen. Often, you will have to restart your computer, and you may have to run Software Update multiple times before it can completely update your system.

You can also download software updates and install them manually. Apple Downloads and the Apple Support Area are two good places to start. Most updates are distributed as disk images. Once you have an update downloaded, double-click it, and then follow the instructions on the screen.

Also see:

• For Mac OS X, where can I obtain updates and new releases?
• In Mac OS X 10.3, how can I make SMB connections to Windows servers?