14 DAY TRIAL // After issuing multiple beta builds over the course of a month and a half, Apple finally released the much-awaited OS X 10.5.5 software update for Leopard (and Leopard Server) users. Addressing General issues (which include patching the latest security holes), but also improving Mail, MobileMe, iCal, Time Machine, Disk Utility and Directory Utility, the 316MB update is available for free to all existing Leopard users.
Apple notes that the 10.5.5 update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard, as it includes “general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of [their] Mac.” If you're eager to update, regardless of what the package contains, here's a direct download link. Alternately, choose Software Update from the Apple menu, select the Mac OS X 10.5.5 update, and hit install. Whatever method you choose to update your software, it's best if you quit all open applications before starting the installation.
For those who want to know what the 10.5.5 update brings, Apple's Support page reveals a lengthy list of enhancements and fixes included in the major software update (posted in their entirety below), some of which we'll be detailing later on.
General
Includes recent Apple security updates.
Addresses stability issues with video playback, processor core idling, and remote disc sharing for MacBook Air.
Addresses an issue in which some Macs could unexpectedly power on at the same time each day.
Resolves a stability issue in TextEdit that could be found when accessing the color palette.
Improves Spotlight indexing performance.
Fixes an issue in which contacts might not sync properly with PalmOS-based devices.
Improves iPhone sync reliability with iCal and Address Book.
Includes improvements to Active Directory.
Improves Speech Dictionary.
Fixes Kerberos authentication issues for Mac OS X 10.5 clients that connect to certain Samba servers, such as Mac OS X Server version 10.4.
Includes extensive graphics enhancements.
Address Book
Addresses stability issues that may occur when creating a Smart Group.
Resolves a printing issue with address cards containing information that spans more than one page.
Disk Utility and Directory Utility
Improves reliability when rebuilding a software mirror RAID volume in Disk Utility.
Improves reliability of server status displayed in Directory Utility.
iCal
Updates iCal to more accurately handle repeating events.
Improves performance when choosing meeting attendees.
Resolves an issue in which the "Refresh All" option may be dimmed ("grayed out") in the contextual menu for certain calendars.
Fixes issues with read-only calendars.
Addresses an issue that prevents an invitee from moving an event to a different calendar.
Resolves an issue with syncing published calendars.
Addresses performance issues related to displaying IMAP messages.
Resolves an issue with SMTP settings for AIM, Compuserve, Hanmail, Yahoo!, and Time Warner Road Runner email accounts.
Addresses stability issues that may occur when dragging a file to the Mail icon in the Dock.
Addresses an issue with the "Organized by Thread" view in which the date does not appear when the thread is collapsed.
Resolves an issue in which RSS feeds could temporarily disappear from the sidebar.
Improves Mail robustness when sending messages.
Improves reliability when saving drafts that have attachments.
MobileMe
Improves overall sync reliability.
Improves Back to My Mac reliability.
Time Machine
Improves Time Machine reliability with Time Capsule.
Addresses performance issues that may affect initial and in-progress backups.
Fixes an issue in which an incorrect alert message could appear stating that a backup volume does not have enough free space.
Time Machine can now back up iPhone backups that are on your Mac, as well as other items in (~/Library/Application Support).
It is recommended that you back up your computer prior to installing any updates, even if many don't have the patience to do it, knowing their much-awaited update is up for grabs. Also note that the installation process should not be interrupted even if the progress bar remains unchanged for several minutes. Since the 10.5.5 update weighs in at over 300MB, it is possible that your Mac will take some time to overwrite certain files, depending on the specs.
Should anything go wrong during the installation process, Apple advises users to have a look at the Troubleshooting Automatic Software Update in Mac OS X.