Apple releases new versions of their software (Mac OS updates as well as application updates) through Software Update. Apple also releases security updates through Software Update, so it is very important that you have Software Update configured properly on your computer.

1. In the dock (at the bottom of your Macintosh desktop), click on the System Preferences icon. (It looks like a light switch with an Apple on it.) If you do not see this item listed in the dock, you can also select System PreferencesÉ from the Apple Menu.
2. Double-click on the Software Update icon to open the Software Update pane.
3. Saint Mary's College recommends that you set your computer to check for updates daily or weekly. Your computer will notify you automatically that updates are available and ready to be downloaded and installed.
4. Click Update Now or Check Now.
5. In the Software Update window, select the items you want to install, then click Install.
6. Type in your administrator account name and password when prompted.
7. After the update is complete, your computer will notify you if it needs to be restarted. If necessary, restart your computer.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 to see if additional updates are available. Because some software updates are prerequisites for others, you may need to repeat these steps several times to install of the complete the software updates available for your computer.

Note: You do not need to install every software update available. Updates for languages you do not speak, or for hardware you do not own (such as an iSight camera or an Airport base station) are not necessary to install on your computer. After running Update Now or Check Now and seeing the list of updates available, click once on the item(s) you do not need to install on your computer and then go to the Update menu and select Ignore Update. The unnecessary updates will no longer appear in your updates list.

To see updates for items that you have set Software Update to ignore, go to the Software Update menu and select Reset Ignored Updates.