Downloading and Installing the iOS 4.2 Software Update for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

With the iOS 4.2 launch closing in, iDevice owners must be well prepared when accepting the software update. Those who rock a clean device at all times only have to worry about backups. Those who like living on the edge by hacking their units must be twice as careful when downloading the iOS 4.2 IPSW file from Cupertino.

In September, Apple offered a sneak peek of iOS 4.2, confirming that the software update would arrive in November.

The release specifically targets the iPad with key new additions like multitasking, Game Center, application folders, mail application enhancements, iAds, and more.

iOS 4.2 is believed to alleviate a number of issues experienced by iPhone 3G users, as well as problems encountered by iPod touch owners running iOS 4.

With iOS 4.2 expected to arrive any day now, iOS customers need to ensure they know the standard procedure of updating their software.

For clean devices

For those who needn’t worry about losing a jailbreak / unlock, the steps are:

1- Get the latest version of iTunes to your computer;

Download iTunes for Mac (Free) Download iTunes for Windows (Free)

2- Launch iTunes and connect your device to your computer;

3- Select your device in the Source List on the left, under Devices;

4- Right click (Ctrl. click) your device and select “back up”

5- Allow iTunes to detect that iOS 4.2 is available for your “supported” device. If not, hit the “Check for Update” button.

6- iTunes will notify you that a new version of iOS is available for download. Accept it by clicking “Download and Install.”

7- Allow iTunes to perform the software update for your device. IMPORTANT: do not disconnect your device until the update has finished! You will know that the update has been successfully applied when the device reboots and shows the iOS 4.2 home screen.

Apple summarizes the process of updating your device’s firmware in just four steps, although there are several key actions that need to be taken into account (such as backing up your device before performing an iOS update)

Alternately….