Updating the software on your computer is important. Updates can apply to little things that improve functionality or major things that improve security. We recommend turning Software Update to automatically check and notify you in order to always be current.

Please Note: when running Software Update make sure that your laptop is plugged in and not running off of battery power. Also, set your energy settings preferences to "Never" during this time.

To run/turn Software Update on, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple Menu and select "System Preferences". A new window will open up with all of your system preferences.

 

2. Find the icon labeled "Software Update" and double click on it.

 

3. A new window will open up. These are your Software Update preferences. Check the box next to "Automatically check for Updates" and set the time.

 

4. If you click "Check Now", it will check for any updates. If there are any that are not installed you will be given the following screen.

5. Check the box next to the updates you wish to install and click install. You will be prompted for your password to install the updates. You may or may not be asked to restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Apple has its own article on this which can be found at http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/softwareupdates.html