Software Update

Jun 16, 2010 06:36 GMT  ·  By

In what was an expected move on behalf of the Cupertino, California-based Apple, the Mac maker has finally released the Mac OS X 10.6.4 update to the public, following an almost issue-free development cycle spanning eight test builds. Not so typical is the release of two separate versions of OS X 10.6.4 delivering specific fixes for the newly introduced Mac mini (Mid 2010).

Describing the Mac OS X 10.6.4 update on the Support area of its website, Apple notes that it is recommended for all users running its Snow Leopard operating system. “It includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac,” the company states, and proceeds to list some of the key fixes included in the update.

A rather short list of changes (considering this is a major system update) is then provided by category. General fixes and improvements are listed as follows:

- improves compatibility with some Braille displays; - resolves an issue that causes the keyboard or trackpad to become unresponsive; - resolves an issue that may prevent some Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications from opening; - addresses issues copying, renaming, or deleting files on SMB file servers; - improves reliability of VPN connections; - resolves a playback issue in DVD Player when using Good Quality deinterlacing; - resolves an issue editing photos with iPhoto or Aperture in full screen view; - resolves an issue with Parental Controls Time Limits for Open Directory or Active Directory users; - resolves a display sleep issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers; - resolves an issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers in which the right speaker may sound louder than the left speaker; - includes Safari 5.0; for more information about Safari 5.0, see this webpage; - Security improvements; for information about the security content of this update, please visit this article.

According to the release notes, the 10.6.4 update includes fixes and improvements for Aperture 3 as well. In this area, Apple added tethered shooting support for additional digital camera models, while addressing IPTC metadata compatibility issues. Finally, a list of fixes and improvements for external devices is provided. RAW image compatibility has been included for additional digital cameras, Apple reveals. Three fixes are also listed, including resolved issues with using third-party USB web cameras, noise when employing some third-party FireWire audio devices, and with pairing Apple remotes.

A server version of Mac OS X 10.6.4 is also available. Specific Server needs are addressed, according to the release notes for this particular update, while some changes are common to both the Client and the Server version of Snow Leopard. As usual, Apple outlines that OS X 10.6.4 includes the improvements added with the Mac OS X 10.6.1, 10.6.2, and 10.6.3 updates.

In order to address specific fixes for Mac mini (Mid 2010), the new, low-end desktop Mac Apple introduced yesterday, the company has also released the “Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update Mac mini (Mid 2010).” A server version of the update, applicable for Apple’s optical-drive-less Server Mac mini, is also available for download. Softpedia will be detailing the contents of these two separate updates later today.

Download Mac OS X 10.6.4 Client (Free)

Download Mac OS X 10.6.4 Server (Free)