Home Forums Mac Software Mac Operating Systems Combo or Individual Updates

I installed the OS 10.6.5 update (smaller version) followed by installations of Safari 5.0.3 and iTunes 10.1. I always install by downloading first from the Apple site.

I assume, if I had installed the 10.6.5 Combo, it would also have updated Safari and iTunes. So, getting to the question: Is there any technical or other reason that makes either individual installations or Combo preferable?

ryck

I installed 10.6.5 via Software Update. Safari was not updated to 5.0.3; I used SU update to get it later. I had previously updated to iTunes 10.1 so I can't say if 10.6.5 would have done that.

I have always used Software Update and never had any problems. Others may have different experiences.

It's probably just familiar routine on my part. I used to use the Updater and at some point (I don't recall when) folks were having problems with it so I changed over to download and install. Perhaps I should just change back...it'd certainly make life easier.

ryck

The 10.6.5 combo update does not include either Safari 5.0.3 or iTunes 10.1 but it does include every file in the system itself that had been modified since the initial release of OS X 10.6 including all the security updates. The Software Update incremental updates on the other hand contain only the files changed since the previous update. It is this total replacement of all the changed system files that is the technical reason behind the preference for the combo updater. The rationale being application installs and computer "accidents" may have modified some system files so the combo updater provides a safer environment.

Personally I have no problem with using Software Update for applications such as the recent Safari and iTunes updates and I often use the incremental Software Update for the OS X system itself in the name of expediency. But if there is the slightest hint of a problem with an OS X system update I will immediately download and install the combo update.

Good to know....and a good argument for the Combo Updater.

I will change to Combo although I have never experienced any problems. However, it may also be helped by the fact that I don't go straight to update but have a little process I follow first.

1. Run Disk Tools to verify and to repair permissions.

2. Run a Disk Warrior directory rebuild.

3. Make a clone back-up with Super Duper.

It may be "belt and suspenders" but I figure avoiding a problem in the first place is a lot easier than trying to fix once one later.

ryck

Another advantage goes to households with 2 or more (qualifying) Macs. It's easier to download a single combo update and share it locally, than to download 2 or more deltas.

Is there any advantage to Safe Booting prior to the OS installation, and thus precluding the myriad of third party operations from running (and interfering) in the background?

I don't recall where I picked up that tidbit, and don't know if it is just a bromide, like chicken soup... & can't hurt, or, 'tis more drivel I learned on the web, or, is 'tis really a good idea.

Please, your thoughts o wise ones.

Maybe using Safe Boot is a good idea but I have never done it and, coincidentally or not, I have not had a problem.

Apple continues to improve the installation and update processes with changes to mitigate the risk of problems that have occurred in the past. The Safe Boot installation is an example of how Apple has improved the process. Recent OS X system updates do the installation heavy lifting during the reboot process by default so they are in essence running on a "clean system" or "safe boot" environment thereby eliminating the risk of interference from other applications such as anti-virus software.

Please explain how it could possibly hurt. [seems it could only help to start with a clean slate in a virgin state]

Anyway, it appears you've already answered your own question (orange text).
[not to mention the possibility that the machine might be limping along on several swapfiles]

Many people do have "update" problems however, as a seasoned MFI veteran such as yourself already knows.

What percent of the folks that DID have problems would you estimate had Safe Booted before applying the update?

I'd estimate exactly zero percent.

Maybe your estimate is right, Hal, but if I posted a guess, both of us would be guessing. I sit down while updating, so maybe that's the key. I haven't tried sacrificing a chicken.

Well —to tie that comment back in with Pendragon's previous post —i've never had a problem with chicken soup either.

Okay, just to be clear, do you mean the extra routine I do - with the bones, the rattle and the chanting - is probably not helping?

ryck

To be fair, any user who's only doing light web browsing on the one hand... and also complements that by running DiskWarrior perhaps 12 times a month on the other... well, that might could offset any potential benefits from (and/or need for) various chicken rituals (or the precautious Safe Boot procedure).