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Factsheet 24 - Setting up automatic updates for Apple Mac OS X
Download Setting up automatic updates for Apple Mac OS X (PDF, 266 KB)
Operating systems, such as Apple Mac OS X, have features which download and install software updates automatically. The instructions provided below describe how to automatically update the Apple Mac OS X operating system. Apple application software installed on the same computer by default (such as the Safari web browser and Quick Time) are included in these updates.
Software updates, also known as patches or fixes, correct security bugs in the operating system software which, if exploited, could allow an attacker to steal sensitive information from your computer, delete or modify your computer’s files or use your computer for other criminal purposes.
Setting up your computer to automatically update its operating system will help reduce the risk of your computer being compromised by ensuring you do not miss or delay installing important security updates.
All software needs to be updated periodically to correct software bugs which can affect the security of your computer and/or your sensitive personal or business information. Software made by other vendors generally include settings which also allow them to be updated automatically.
- From the Apple menu which appears in the top left of the screen, choose System Preferences, as shown in figure 1 below.
Figure 1, Apple Mac OS X, Apple menu
- Choose Software Update from the System pane as shown in figure 2 below.
Figure 2, Mac OS X, System Preferences
- Select the Check for updates and Download updates automatically check boxes and specify how often to check for updates (daily, weekly or monthly) as shown in figure 3 below.
Figure 3, Mac OS X, Software Update pane
- Close the Software Update window.
- For further information about manually or automatically updating Apple Mac OS X, see the following guide: