Sixth major update to Leopard released

Dec 15, 2008 19:19 GMT  ·  By

Not surprisingly, Apple has released Mac OS X Update version 10.5.6 for both Client and Server users of the Mac OS. Weighing in at around 370MB and 470MB respectively, the two updates are immediately available to download and install on Leopard-running Macs.

Following a rumor-full couple of weeks, Apple has kicked off this week with a slew of updates for users of its Mac operating system, including the two most anticipated updates to Mac OS X 10.5, versions 10.5.6 for Leopard Client and Server. Additionally, the Cupertino-based Mac maker has issued Security updates for both Leopard and Tiger users, as well as the usual laundry of Combo updates. We'll be detailing each and every one in separate articles. For the time being, feast your eyes at the latest (general) enhancements and fixes on the Client side of Mac OS 10.5.6, followed by the tweaks and changes occurring with the Server counterpart.

Mac OS X 10.5.6 Client

General

· Includes Mac OS X security improvements.

· Addresses inaccuracies with Calculator when the Mac OS X language is set to German or Swiss German.

· Improves the performance and reliability of Chess.

· Improves DVD Player performance and reliability.

· Performance improvements for iCal are included.

· Fixes an issue when running the New iCal Events Automator action as an applet.

· Adds a Trackpad System Preference pane for portable Macs.

· Improves compatibility with smart cards such as the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card.

· Updates time zone data and Daylight Saving Time rules for several countries.

Mac OS X 10.5.6 Server

According to Apple, the 10.5.6 Server update includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes for:

· directory service reliability and authenticating new File Sharing connections

· binding and authentication in Active Directory environments

· editing Wiki content in Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer

· viewing Wikis and Blogs from an iPhone or iPod touch

· searching with Spotlight in the Finder and on the web

· sending 'Welcome' email messages to users in Server Preferences

· importing users and working with nested groups in Server Preferences

· randomization of DNS source ports and transaction IDs

· updating DNS information when server IP address changes occur

· hosting DHCP services

· supporting private events in iCal

· synchronizing Portable Home Directories

· enabling Software Update Server

· using SNMPv3 services

· hosting with WebObjects; update to version 5.4.3

· hosting mail services for users with long user names

· preventing mail server database corruption

· ensuring security of LDAP password hashes

· propagating password changes to Open Directory replicas

· creating and editing DNS records in Server Admin

· using System Image Utility to create NetBoot and NetInstall images

· creating augment directory records in Advanced server configuration

· using Managed Preferences when clients are bound to Active Directory

· providing RADIUS authentication to 802.11n-enabled AirPort Base Stations.

There are two ways to update Mac OS X, one of which involves downloading one of the two installer packages located under the links below - simply double click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions, followed by a system reboot. A more traditional way requires firing up Software Update from the Apple menu (Apple Menu -> Software Update) and selecting the updates available to download and install automatically.

Download Mac OS X 10.5.6 Client (Free)

Download Mac OS X 10.5.6 Server (Free)