...I discovered that no longer can one acquire so-called manual downloads from Apple's website — such as precisely the items potentially required: 10.11.6 Combo Update and Security Update 2017-005 — which now requires direct access to the App Store, thus complicating the whole thing (given my internet access).
Urquhart's post #47409 includes links to both of those updates
directly from Apple...no App Store. (I don't think Combos have
ever been available from the App Store...only Deltas.)
Do you know for a fact that your colleague isn't giving you 10.11.6? If not, don't worry about the Combo until you find out.
Thinking back to my 64k days during which I endured several 1 GB d/l's from Apple, the security update (630 MB) and the Combo (1.5 GB) would be PIAs, but not major problems, for you to d/l yourself.
