Manual Mac Software Update
Mar 29, 2019 How to Check for and Install Updates on a Mac Computer. Software updates keep your computer and programs secure, fix errors, and provide new features. Many apps that you install will get regular updates that can improve functionality. Razer Cynosa Chroma Driver, Setup, Manual & Software Update Download All For Mac OSX, Windows 7/8/10, How to setup, Intsal, download Razer Drivers. Update Office from the Mac App Store. If you downloaded Office from the Mac App Store, and have automatic updates turned on, your apps will update automatically. But you can also manually download the updates: Open the Mac App Store from your Dock or Finder.
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␡- Reference 4.2 Manually Install Updates
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Reference 4.2 Manually Install Updates
Before the Mac App Store or automatic software updates, all Mac software was acquired and installed manually. Fortunately, OS X has always featured relatively simple software installation. In fact, many applications require only that the user copy a single application file to the local Applications folder. On the other hand, more complex software may require multiple resources to be placed in a variety of specific locations on your Mac.
A prime example of a complicated software installation is any system software update. In some cases it may be more convenient to manually install an update, as opposed to using automatic software update via the Mac App Store. For example, perhaps you need to install a particularly large software update for a system with limited Internet bandwidth. It may be better to manually download the update to a portable flash disk at a location with more bandwidth and then use the flash disk to apply the update to the Mac that needs it. An experienced OS X support specialist will always have an external disk with the most common large updates handy for just such an occasion. Instruction manual for machine.
Installer Application
The Installer application makes complicated application installations simple. Often, software developers will create an “installer package” with all the instructions and resources necessary for the Installer application to set up the new software on your system.
Double-clicking one of these software installer packages opens the Installer application and begins the installation process. Much like the OS X installation process, the Installer application guides you through the steps necessary to install or update software. This may include agreeing to software licenses, selecting a destination, selecting package options, and authenticating as an administrative user.
Unlike the Mac App Store, the Installer application requires administrative access to install many items. This security mechanism is in place because anyone is allowed to make and distribute traditional OS X installer packages, including those who may have nefarious goals. Another mechanism in OS X, known as Gatekeeper, also provides an additional level of protection against unknown installation packages and software. You can find out more about Gatekeeper in Lesson 16, “Install Applications.”
Advanced Installer Features
If you’re curious about what an installation package is actually doing to your Mac, you have two ways to find out. First, you can view the Installer log at any time while using the Installer application by choosing Window > Installer Log or pressing Command-L. The Installer log is a live view of any progress or errors reported during the installation process.
The second method allows you to inspect the contents of an installer package before installation. After opening an installer package in the Installer application and passing the initial welcome and license screens, you can preview the list of files to be installed by choosing File > Show Files or pressing Command-I.
Apple has endeavored to increase the security and reliability of software installation packages by supporting signed packages. These packages contain special code used to validate the authenticity and completeness of the software during installation. This makes it nearly impossible for malicious parties to insert illegitimate files in trusted installation packages. You can recognize a signed installer package by the small lock icon in the far right of the installer window title bar. Clicking this icon displays details about the signed package, including its certificate status.
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SMC Firmware Updates refer to the System Management Controller (SMC) firmware update for Intel-based computers. The SMC is a micro-controller on the logic board that controls the power functions for your computer. The SMC controls various functions, including:
- Power and thermal management, the Sleep LED, and battery.
- Controlling the fans, supporting Sudden Motion Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor (ALS), and the power switch.
Tip: Print or write down these instructions before you begin installing the update.
Note: Some USB and FireWire devices may prevent firmware updates from installing correctly; disconnect non-essential devices and use only an Apple keyboard and mouse to apply the update.
Mac Software Update Yosemite
Determine if an update is available for your computer.
Manual Mac Software Updates
- Refer to EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs to determine if an update is available for your computer. You can also choose Apple () > Software Update to see if an EFI update is available for your computer.
Install the firmware update application.
- Close any open applications, then download the SMC Firmware Update available for your computer from Apple Downloads.
- The downloader will place the disk image with an installer in your downloads folder or the location specified in the General tab under Safari > Preferences. If you downloaded the disk image via Safari, Safari will notify you that an application is in the image. Click OK to continue.
Use the firmware update application to install the SMC Firmware Update.
- If 'Open safe files after downloading' is enabled in Safari preferences, the disk image file will mount by itself. If that preference is not enabled in Safari, double-click the disk image to mount it.
- Double-click the SMC Update.pkg file.
- Click Continue when the Welcome screen appears.
- Click Continue after the information screen provides you with more detail about the update.
- If a Software License Agreement appears, click Continue. Agree to its terms by clicking Agree.
- A 'Standard Install' screen will appear. This will install the SMC Firmware Update software in a temporary area on your hard disk. This file will be deleted automatically when the update is complete. Click Install.
- Enter your administrator password and click OK.
- Click Continue Installation when a dialog box appears, informing you that your computer needs to restart to complete the installation.
- Click Restart to proceed with the SMC Firmware update when an Installation Complete dialog appears.
- The screen will turn black and may remain that way for several seconds. A long tone will play. The computer will restart with a gray screen and an Apple logo; a progress bar at the bottom of the screen will indicate that the SMC firmware update is running.
- Your computer's fans will run at full speed during the update but should return to normal speed once the update completes. Important: Do not interrupt the update process. Note: If a progress indicator does not appear and your fans do not run at full speed, it is unlikely the update is being applied to your computer. Choose Software Update from the Apple () menu and try running the update again, or download and reapply the update manually.
- The computer will restart again once the firmware update is complete.
Note: This update requires a Macintosh-formatted disk or partition.
All COM and NAV functions seemed fine. I put it in the airplane and checked it tomake sure it is working. Icannot warranty this item as I am not a shop, but what you see is what youget.