A maintenance and security update for Apple's Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system inched closer to a release this week, with the latest pre-release builds reflecting no known issues with the software. 

Following a two-week hiatus that saw no seeds of the impending update, the Cupertino based Mac maker has reportedly released to its developers Mac OS X 10.4.9 builds 8P2130 and 8P130. 

The two builds, for Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs, respectively, were said to weigh in at 166.8 MB and 72.4 MB in bare bones "Delta" form.  Slightly heftier "Combo" updates, which pack previous standalone security and other updates, came in at 309.6 MB and 166.8 MB. 

In a set of release notes accompanying the latest builds, Apple reportedly informed its developers of the implementation of three new bug fixes since builds 8P125 and 8P2125, bringing the total number of code corrections in Mac OS X 10.4.9 to over 100. 

Specifically, Apple said it fixed issues with deleting Bluetooth headsets from the Mac OS X Bluetooth preferences.  It also took care of some problems with DiscRecording and the burning of DVDs, as well as others with CoreAudio and AudioConverter. 

The two builds, for Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs, respectively, were said to weigh in at 166.8 MB and 72.4 MB in bare bones "Delta" form.  Slightly heftier "Combo" updates, which pack previous standalone security and other updates, came in at 309.6 MB and 166.8 MB. 

If these are "slightly heftier" combo updates, then I am a feather.  Am I missing something? 

It seems like this is taking forever to come out... I told my teacher last time we heard something about 10.4.9 that it would be out pretty soon and now we have to wait even longer.  This is annoying kinda. 

actually there is a bug I'd like fixed.  When I'm listening to iTunes if a song has 0:00 time left and I hit the back button to play it again it wont play it.  I have to hit pause and then hit play again for the song to start back up.  thats just one small bug that gets to me.  I havent noticed any others like the encoding mostly cause i dont do really any encoding at all.  Im not too much of a power user. 

actually there is a bug I'd like fixed.  When I'm listening to iTunes if a song has 0:00 time left and I hit the back button to play it again it wont play it.  I have to hit pause and then hit play again for the song to start back up.  thats just one small bug that gets to me.  I havent noticed any others like the encoding mostly cause i dont do really any encoding at all.  Im not too much of a power user. 

Yeah, I've noticed the same, but usually with podcasts.  If I'm finished with a podcast, its alway used to be easiest for me to just drag the slider all the way to the right, and it would be done and played.  Well, the slider goes to 0:00, the pause button is visible (like its playing) but its not marked as played.  You have to hit pause, then play, then it will register it as played. 

Another issue I have (just more out of my analness, I'm sure) is that if you're playing a song to near the end, pause it, then play another song, it marks the previous one as played (as in "Well, you got 95% through it, so we're going to say 'close enough' and mark it).  A real PITA when all I'm trying to do is check for some dead-air at the end, and not actually listening to the song per se (and its a pain because it screws up my smart playlists - not to mention the fact that it shows it played more then I've actually listened to it!  How dare it!) 

Not that it matters, since iTunes isn't something that's updated with the OS. 

While the wait is annoying, I'm glad they're taking the time to fix so many bugs. 

As for me, I'd rather they issued smaller bug fixes as they were done, rather than just conglom them into one big release which is more likely to cause all sorts of issues on install.  There's no reason why walshbj should have to wait for his headset fix just because there's a problem with some other areas.  Or why should those like Shookster wait for a fix on his CD recording bug (if it were to be fixed, that is) because some guy at Apple can't figure out why bluetooth handsets keep disconnecting. 

OS X has integrated into it all these disparate pieces which, in a well-designed system, would be independent of each other.  That, then, should allow them to be released piece-meal. 

But this is just Apple being Apple, releasing things en masse because it thinks its simpler for users (apparently they think very little of their user base). 

On another update point, I'd love it if OS X could actually tell me when an update was available when I'm logged into a non-admin account.  When I logged in as an admin over the weekend to install some apps, only then did AutoUpdate tell me there was a slew of files to install (actually some dating to January - gee, hope they weren't important security fixes in there). 

As for me, I'd rather they issued smaller bug fixes as they were done, rather than just conglom them into one big release which is more likely to cause all sorts of issues on install. 

I've never had "all sorts of issues on install" and I have 10 Macs of various ages/processors/OS. 

Quote:

There's no reason why walshbj should have to wait for his headset fix just because there's a problem with some other areas.  Or why should those like Shookster wait for a fix on his CD recording bug (if it were to be fixed, that is) because some guy at Apple can't figure out why bluetooth handsets keep disconnecting. 

OS X has integrated into it all these disparate pieces which, in a well-designed system, would be independent of each other.  That, then, should allow them to be released piece-meal. 

But this is just Apple being Apple, releasing things en masse because it thinks its simpler for users (apparently they think very little of their user base). 

Am I the only one who gets individual AirPort, Bluetooth, etc updates?  Heck, just yesterday they released a WWAN Update.  If you're not getting them let me know.  I'd be happy to put them on my server so you can grab 'em. 

Quote:

On another update point, I'd love it if OS X could actually tell me when an update was available when I'm logged into a non-admin account.  When I logged in as an admin over the weekend to install some apps, only then did AutoUpdate tell me there was a slew of files to install (actually some dating to January - gee, hope they weren't important security fixes in there). 

This used to bother me also, but sometimes you have to look past your own nose and think of someone other than yourself (you can do it).  I have 10 Macs all used by different people who have unprivledged user accounts.  Do I really want software update to be popping up telling someone who doesn't have the proper permissions to install the updates that they are available for installation?  Nope.  You're not so lazy that you can't run a manual check for updates once a week, are you? 

NOTICE:While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, fahlman cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.  Unless otherwise indicated,...

This used to bother me also, but sometimes you have to look past your own nose and think of someone other than yourself (you can do it).  I have 10 Macs all used by different people who have unprivledged user accounts.  Do I really want software update to be popping up telling someone who doesn't have the proper permissions to install the updates that they are available for installation?  Nope. 

Well, that's all nice.  But then do you have to walk 10 different people into updating their system?  Or waste your own time doing it for them?  Or just not do it and don't care.  Its just a conundrum, because you're told to use non-admin accounts for security purposes, but if you use just those, you never get the security patches apple posts (then again, its not apple who tells you to use non-admin accounts, since they default to it). 

Personally I'd rather have the option to know about the update.  Hell, I'd like to have the option that windoze has and just let the freakin' thing install on its own.  Then you can have your users all up-to-date and secure without having to spend the time to do the update yourself. 

Then again, iTunes will tell you there's an update available, even if you don't have permissions to install it. 

BTW, on a side note.  Does any of the users of your macs you manage have an iPod?  And, if so, have they ever needed to just restore the thing because its acting up?  Because, oddly enough, you can't restore an iPod unless you have an administrator username/password.  Ah, the joys of non-admin accounts. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by fahlman

You're not so lazy that you can't run a manual check for updates once a week, are you? 

Ah, I guess that's the difference between you and me (besides the fact that you think someone must be lazy because they don't want to, or can't remember to, run a manual check for updates).  I'd rather do work on my computer, or play games, or do something other than wonder whether or not I need to run some maintnenace scripts, or check for an update, or anything along those lines.  You know, some people think computers should be easy to use and not force themselves onto your lives (hey, its why you use a mac, right?). 

Am I the only one who gets individual AirPort, Bluetooth, etc updates?  Heck, just yesterday they released a WWAN Update.  If you're not getting them let me know.  I'd be happy to put them on my server so you can grab 'em. 

It's all cool bro.  10.3.9 and 10.4.8 on iBook G4 933mhz and MacBook Core[1]Duo 2ghz respectively, no problems.  Best and simplest updating system ever.  EVER.  Like seriously, have you all seen/ tried the garbage that is Windows Updating?  The worst ironically, is the continuous nagging - would you like updates?  oh, we got updates?  why did you turn updates off?  I'm sad, feel like an update?  oh, this update updates the update that got accidentally updated when you updated. 

Vista version:
would you like updates?  Are you sure?  Really?  oh, we got updates... Are you sure?  Really?  why did you turn updates off?  Are you sure?  Really?  I'm sad, feel like an update?  Are you sure?  Really?  oh, this update updates the update that got accidentally updated when you updated.  Are you sure?  Really?  Really?  Really really no takebacks, your final answer? 

The best is the "Are you sure?  Really?  This driver has not been verified" when installing drivers.  It basically means:There are a million devices so you have to depend on a ton of third-party drivers.  But we instantly cover our ass by asking you if you want to install it, then if anything breaks the system we just blame the driver, and hell, we checked with you two or three times if that's what you really really, really wanted to do...

...............
Whatevs, I'll get a new game or two for WinXP2Pro and my nVidia 6600GT today, perhaps 8)
...............

Seriously, when I was in Australia the past six months I was staying in a vegetarian (cultural/ religious) household.  Only had a few burgers or BBQs every now and then when I was out and about. 

At the moment in SaunaCity now I've been eating various meats every day in my meals.  Feeling more agressive, actually.  Well, need a bit of some violent shooting computer game stuff to burn off excess agro*...

Sadly, or maybe not (??!!)  the only games I enjoy now are PC games, GOOD AESTHETIC graphics, 1280x1024 16XAF 2XAA HDR-esque etc with a vivid/ pleasing/ engaging "look and feel" (I do NOT like the Quake4 engine, but Source is beaaautiful especially now with "HDR"), FEAR engine is alright too, I wonder about UT2007 engine, need to get a hold on a game using that engine.....

But my point was, driving fast or running around shooting stuff.  YEAH.  I lasted 6 months without playing any computer games.  It is a reasonable distraction, quick enough, just half an hour or an hour per day, instead of watching TV, heck, it's allright eh? 

But yeah, driving fast or running around shooting and killing stuff.  Can't play those click here move there attack that check this screen close screen select team member give directions move slowly look around corner, sneak up, kill, check screen close screen move there attack that etc etc etc...

Well, that's all nice.  But then do you have to walk 10 different people into updating their system?  Or waste your own time doing it for them?  Or just not do it and don't care.  Its just a conundrum, because you're told to use non-admin accounts for security purposes, but if you use just those, you never get the security patches apple posts (then again, its not apple who tells you to use non-admin accounts, since they default to it). 

Personally I'd rather have the option to know about the update.  Hell, I'd like to have the option that windoze has and just let the freakin' thing install on its own.  Then you can have your users all up-to-date and secure without having to spend the time to do the update yourself. 

Then again, iTunes will tell you there's an update available, even if you don't have permissions to install it. 

BTW, on a side note.  Does any of the users of your macs you manage have an iPod?  And, if so, have they ever needed to just restore the thing because its acting up?  Because, oddly enough, you can't restore an iPod unless you have an administrator username/password.  Ah, the joys of non-admin accounts. 

Ah, I guess that's the difference between you and me (besides the fact that you think someone must be lazy because they don't want to, or can't remember to, run a manual check for updates).  I'd rather do work on my computer, or play games, or do something other than wonder whether or not I need to run some maintnenace scripts, or check for an update, or anything along those lines.  You know, some people think computers should be easy to use and not force themselves onto your lives (hey, its why you use a mac, right?). 

Well, that's all nice.  But then do you have to walk 10 different people into updating their system? 

I use Apple Remote Desktop.  I download the update once, not ten times, which I then schedule to install when no one is using the computers and they restart themselves, ready to go when the user comes back to work in the morning.  Easy as can be.  If I didn't have ARD, I still wouldn't have to go to each computer.  I'd SSH into each computer and check for available updates using softwareupdate -l, which would list the available updates.  Then I'd install the update(s) using sudo softwareupdate -i updatename.  Not as easy, but free. 

NOTICE:While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, fahlman cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.  Unless otherwise indicated,...

You know, some people think computers should be easy to use and not force themselves onto your lives (hey, its why you use a mac, right?). 

Do think cars are just for driving.  Why should you be bothered with putting gas in the tank, or changing the oil, or rotating the tires, etc.  Computers, like most things (cars, furnaces, fine clothing, houses, etc), require maintenance. 

NOTICE:While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, fahlman cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.  Unless otherwise indicated,...

Do think cars are just for driving.  Why should you be bothered with putting gas in the tank, or changing the oil, or rotating the tires, etc.  Computers, like most things (cars, furnaces, fine clothing, houses, etc), require maintenance. 

Wow, a stupid car analogy!  Hey, I've got electronics all throughout my house, and the only thing that requires maintenance is the computer.  All your other examples are completely different beasts. ( yes, let's compare a computer with a car, which has tons of moving parts, requires explicit attention to use, and can kill you or a lot of others if not used correctly.  Unless your sticking your tongue into your power supply, or swinging the macbook around, that you can strike someone dead.  Houses are $$$ investments that you expect to put time and effort into them (you don't expect your computer to appreciate in value in 5 years, nor do you hope to get some idiot to overpay for it at that time either). 

And I don't even want to know what kind of maintenance you need on your clothes. 

As for me, I'd rather they issued smaller bug fixes as they were done, rather than just conglom them into one big release which is more likely to cause all sorts of issues on install.  There's no reason why walshbj should have to wait for his headset fix just because there's a problem with some other areas.  Or why should those like Shookster wait for a fix on his CD recording bug (if it were to be fixed, that is) because some guy at Apple can't figure out why bluetooth handsets keep disconnecting. 

OS X has integrated into it all these disparate pieces which, in a well-designed system, would be independent of each other.  That, then, should allow them to be released piece-meal. 

But this is just Apple being Apple, releasing things en masse because it thinks its simpler for users (apparently they think very little of their user base). 

On another update point, I'd love it if OS X could actually tell me when an update was available when I'm logged into a non-admin account.  When I logged in as an admin over the weekend to install some apps, only then did AutoUpdate tell me there was a slew of files to install (actually some dating to January - gee, hope they weren't important security fixes in there). 

As it is, business, and institutional users, are unhappy that Apple releases these updates as OFTEN as they do.  It makes maintenance much more time consuming, and expensive. 

Numerous times over the years, I've heard, and read, of complaints from managers that they would prefer that Apple do it the way MS does, with service packs around once a year or so, unless there is something glaring, or it involves security. 

As it is, business, and institutional users, are unhappy that Apple releases these updates as OFTEN as they do.  It makes maintenance much more time consuming, and expensive. 

Numerous times over the years, I've heard, and read, of complaints from managers that they would prefer that Apple do it the way MS does, with service packs around once a year or so, unless there is something glaring, or it involves security. 

10.4.9 fixes over 100 bugs.  Do anyone really want to have 100 updates over 2-3 months? 

JLL

95% percent of the boat is owned by Microsoft, but the 5% Apple controls happens to be the rudder!