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Documentation Index
Security
Macintosh Machines
Before You Begin
Step 1: Find OS X Version
Step 2: Secure Account with Strong Password
Step 3: Enable Screen Saver Password
Step 4: Norton AntiVirus
Step 5: Install Software Updates
Step 6: Configure Mac OS X Firewall
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Step 5: Install Software Updates

Configure Apple Software Updates

Mac OS X includes a feature to update itself and any other Apple software installed on your Mac. Although Software Update can be configured to download updates automatically, it will NOT install the updates without notifying and asking your
permission first. You should ALWAYS install updates as soon as possible. The following steps will show you how to configure and use Software Update:

  1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
  2. In the System Preferences window, click Software Update.
  3. Select the Update Software tab.
  4. Configure the following:
    • Select Check for updates: and choose Daily from the drop-down menu.
    • Select Download important updates in the background (OS X 10.4) or Download important updates automatically (OS X 10.5).
    • Click the Check Now button to manually update your software.
  5. If a list of updates appears, check each update and click Install.
    Note: Updates may be large. We recommend using a wired network connection.
  6. If prompted, enter the admin userid and password. Software Update will download and install any updates. This may take a long time. If prompted:
    • Click Agree for software license agreements.
    • Restart your Mac.
  7. Continue to check for software updates by clicking the Check Now button until no updates are available.

    From this point forward, Apple Software Update will run daily.

Run Microsoft Update

Microsoft Office for Mac includes Microsoft AutoUpdate to keep Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Entourage current. Use the following steps to configure and run Microsoft AutoUpdate:

  1. Open Applications (Finder window) and double-click Microsoft AutoUpdate.
  2. In the Microsoft Update window, set the following:
    • Select the Automatically radio button.
    • From the Check for Updates drop-down, choose Daily
  3. Click the Check for Updates button.
  4. If a list of updates appears, select the updates (check) and click Install.
  5. If prompted, enter the admin userid and password. Microsoft Update will download and install any updates.
  6. Continue to check for updates by clicking the Check for Updates button until no updates are available.


    From this point forward, Microsoft AutoUpdate will run daily.



next Step 6: Configure the Mac OS X Firewall

Last Updated:  1/17/08