By Stevie Smith Nov 15, 2007, 13:40 GMT
After this week saw Microsoft release a relatively modest patch update addressing a mere two vulnerabilities in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, Apple Inc. has issued a massive batch of fixes through its new update to Mac OS X 10.4 operating system (or Tiger, as it’s known).
Apple Inc. has this week released a huge update for users of its Mac OS X operating systems. Credit: Apple.
Specifically, the "10.4.11" update introduces numerous improvements to the operating system (which has recently been surpassed by Mac OS X 10. 5 – Leopard), while also delivering bug fixes, and a selection of patches implemented to plug recently uncovered security gaps.
Tech industry watchers at CNET have outlined that listing the complete contents of Apple’s latest update "would probably set a record for wordiness," and instead opt to highlight some of its more noteworthy aspects for those looking for more detailing.
Those looking to peruse the full content of Apple’s update by clicking HERE, while everyone else happy to absorb a nutshell version can instead look forward to obtaining: RAW image support for certain Canon, Leica, Olympus, and Panasonic digital cameras; reliability enhancements for Intel-based Mac systems operating Fusion virtualisation software from VMware.
Along with reliability improvements for Mac compatibility in association with third-party wireless networking equipment and external hard drives, the update also addresses some 41 specific security issues. Interestingly, Mac users equipped with OS X 10.3 (a.k.a. Panther) can secure a separate update patch that corrects any Tiger-related security problems that also transfer over to Apple’s prior Panther operating system.
The patch also bundles in an update for the Safari 3 Web browser beta. Mac users relying on Microsoft’s Windows operating system rather than Mac OS X can also get their hands on the new Web browser with a separate update, which was released for Windows this past Wednesday. Apple has also unveiled other updates for applications such as iPhoto and Final Cut Pro.
Users can get the update in two separate guises: the 10.4.11 update, which is best suited for those users who regularly download Apple’s updates; and a larger combination download for those using 10.4.9 or the Tiger OS. Apple’s Mac OS X 10.4.11 update can be obtained via Software Update, or downloaded directly through the official Apple Web site.
Your Talkback on this Story