Certain updates/upgrades don't seem to be downloadable from Apple's Support-Downloads page; in fact they don't even show up. I refer to things such as Safari 6.1.2 and Mac App Store Update, which show up under Software Update but nowhere else.

I prefer to download stand-alone dmg files so that I can install them at my discretion (not replace what I already have). That does not appear possible under the present Apple regime.

I do note that these are available "off-site", but I'm not sure I trust third-party sources (eg, Softonic, Macupdate).

Anyone got a clue what's going on?

Your Safari update *may* have been released as part of an incremental OS X update (as has happened in the past), thus, no freestanding update. (Does MacUpdate actually offer a Safari 6.1.2 d/l? I couldn't find it.)

There have been updates prior to the Mac App Store Update that have also not been available other than through SU, Java, I believe, having been several of them, but I've never been certain as to why.

I wouldn't trust a source other than Apple for Apple d/l's.

I didn't really investigate past Softonic but noted that they offered numerous updates when I Googled such.

I've run across Softonic but never investigated their offerings; if it's Apple, I want it directly from Apple.

In my experience, MacUpdate only offers Apple software in the form of links to Apple's Website or the App Store.