The Combo versions of Mac OS X 10.5.5 and Mac OS X Server 10.5.5 have also been made available by Apple. The packages are aimed at users of Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.5.1, Mac OS X 10.5.2, Mac OS X 10.5.3 and Mac OS X 10.5.4.

Combo Updates update the base version of a Mac OS X release to the version specified in the Combo Update. This includes all intermediate updates. Therefore, the Mac OS X 10.5.5 Combo Update updates Mac OS X 10.5 to Mac OS X 10.5.5 with one installation, as opposed to installing the individual 10.5, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.3 and 10.5.4 updates.

Apple notes that the Mac OS X 10.5.5 Combo Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard. As you might have already heard, the company quietly released OS X 10.5.5 yesterday evening, along with the updated Server Edition of the OS. The OS X 10.5.5 update includes “general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac,” Apple says.

As far as the Mac OS X 10.5.5 Server Combo is concerned, users might be interested to learn that Apple is addressing not only general operating systems, but also some specific fixes, targeting

- randomization of DNS source ports and transaction IDs

- updating DNS information when server IP address changes occur

- authentication Active Directory users with Wiki and Blog services

- binding with Active Directory when packet signing is enabled

- using iChat Server with the Adium instant messaging client

- authenticating iChat Server connections when using Kerberos and access controls

- viewing Wikis and Blogs from an iPhone or iPod touch

- using System Image Utility to create images with directory service settings

- adding packages to NetBoot and NetInstall images created with System Image Utility

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

- hosting with WebObjects; update to version 5.4.3

- using Workgroup Manager to edit computer records and passwords.

As it always goes, the 10.5.5 update is recommended for all Leopard users, as well as all servers currently running Leopard Server. The Mac OS X Combo 10.5.5 updates can be acquired using the direct download links.

Mac OS X Combo 10.5.5
Mac OS X Server Combo 10.5.5

Leopard users who do not need the Combo package can also update through Apple's own Software Update mechanism (Apple Menu -> Software Update).