14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has recently released new updates for Mac users, including Server Admin Tools 10.5.7, iWork 09 9.0.2 and a certain MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.3, which should help MacBook Pros use their cooling systems at optimum efficiency. Apple has posted a Support document outlining the particularities, as well as providing instructions on how to properly install the firmware update in question. Those details can be found below.
Apple's summary regarding SMC Firmware Updates reveals that “SMC” refers to the System Management Controller (SMC) inside Intel-based computers. As the company explains...
The SMC is a micro-controller on the logic board that controls the power functions for your computer. The SMC controls various functions, including: - Power and thermal management, the Sleep LED, and battery. - Controlling the fans, supporting Sudden Motion Sensor, ALS, and the power switch.
In what is probably the longest list of Affected Products, Apple posts pretty much all Mac models as requiring such an update every now and then. The products are listed as follows:
iMac (24-inch, Late 2006), iMac (Early 2006 17-inch), iMac (Early 2006 20-inch), iMac (Mid 2006 17-inch), iMac (24-inch Mid 2007), Mac mini (Early 2006), Mac mini (Late 2006), Mac mini (Mid 2007), Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac (17-inch, Late 2006), iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD), iMac (20-inch Late 2006), MacBook Air.
The company then goes to explain that there are three parts to the process of updating the firmware on your Mac, the first of which involves determining whether or not such an update actually exists for your machine. As soon as you're done with this step, provided that you need the update, download the suitable SMC Firmware Update for your computer (via Apple Downloads or Softpedia), close any open applications, double-click the SMC Update.pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Note that the installation finishes as your computer reboots, so wait until your Mac tells you that the installation was successful. Also, some USB and FireWire devices may prevent firmware updates from installing correctly, according to Apple's Support section. Users having trouble with the installation may have to “disconnect non-essential devices and use only an Apple keyboard, mouse, and display,” the document reads.
For the full scoop, head over to Apple's Support section here. To download the latest SMC firmware update, use the links below.