Mac OS X 10.5.8 Now Available - Download Here

Without warning (or clues that the release was so close), Apple has posted the eighth incremental update to its Leopard operating system – Mac OS X 10.5.8. The update, available in both Client and Server form, is free to download and install on Macs running any version of OS X 10.5 (Leopard and Leopard Server). As usual, the company has also released a separate Mac OS X 10.5.8 Combo Update, as well as the 2009-003 Security Update for OS X 10.4 (Tiger) Intel and PPC users.

“The 10.5.8 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac,” Apple says. The new software update also addresses compatibility and reliability issues when joining AirPort networks, which could cause some monitor resolutions to no longer appear in Displays System Preferences, and issues that may affect Bluetooth reliability, the company reveals.

But this is just what the Mac OS X Software Updater shows, hence Apple links to a couple of Support articles for detailed information on the update, as well as on the security content of 10.5.8.

For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3606.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222.

On its web site, Apple explains more thoroughly the contents of the update, and says that Mac OS X 10.5.8 also “includes Safari v4.0.2 and will upgrade your system to Safari v4.0.2.” On an even more detailed note, Apple reveals that Mac OS X 10.5.8 packs over a dozen important changes, which are listed as follows, in the Support section of its web site.

What's included in this update:
- Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
- Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
- Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
- Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
- Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
- Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
- Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
- Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
- Addresses data reliability issues with iDisk and MobileMe.
- Improves overall reliability with AFP.
- Improves overall reliability with Managed Client.
- Improves compatibility and reliability for joining AirPort networks.
- Improves Sync Service reliability.
- Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
- Improves compatibility with some external USB hard drives.
- Includes latest security fixes.

Since 10.5.8 includes Security Update 2009-003, Tiger users are strongly encouraged to download the package and proceed with the installation of the update. More detailed articles about Mac OS X 10.5.8, the security side of update 2009-003, and other related topics are coming soon. In the meanwhile, choose your appropriate update from the download links below, and feel free to report any improvements / issues that you experience.

Download Mac OS X 10.5.8 Client (Free)

Download Mac OS X 10.5.8 Server (Free)

Download Security Update Client 2009-003 for Leopard and Tiger (Free)

Download Security Update Server 2009-003 for Leopard and Tiger (Free)