How better to end a long day of blogging than with some Java? I know, that's a lame joke but think about what I'm working with here: Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Release 1. Apple released this update to Software Update for all you Java thirsty people out there (I promise that's my last Java joke).
What does this Java update do? It adds support for Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_05, though only for 64-bit Intel Macs. PowerPC and 32-bit Intel Macs are not invited to this update party. You should note that this update doesn't replace the default install of Java on your Mac, it merely adds support for SE 6.
Apple just released an update for iMacs sporting either a ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro or a ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics card. According to Apple, the update will "improve system stability" by installing a firmware upgrade on the graphics cards. This does affect the newly released iMacs.
After this update is installed, you should see ROM version: 113-B2250L-259. You can download the update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update) on the affected system, or by downloading the installer package directly from Apple.
Apple also notes: To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac ATI Radeon HD Graphics Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
Bootcamp 2.1 has just been released in three Windowslicious flavors: Windows XP, Vista 32 bit, and Vista 64 bit. All three updates 'address issues and improve compatibility,' which is always a welcome thing.
Bootcamp, in case you aren't in the know, is Apple's utility that allows you to dual boot your Mac: one partition boots OS X and another boots Windows (it is a little creepy, but very cool).
Windows XP users take note: Bootcamp 2.1 should be installed before you apply Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Last month, Apple pushed Safari 3.1 out to Windows users via an iTunes update with ambiguous language and installation options. The response was not pretty. Like many other users, I was bothered by the practice (and made it clear during that week's talkcast) and hoped Apple would do a better job to differentiate between updates and new or additional software in the future.
Well, it appears that Apple has listened to the feedback an adjusted the way Software Update notifies Windows users or new software. Now, instead of just showing optional software in the same column as updates, Apple has added a seconded column labeled "New Software" (see below).
The updated Apple Software Update Screen
Note that the software is still automatically checked (boo!), but this is much, much better than the previous method.
Safari 3.1.1 is now available for both Windows and OS X. According to Apple, this update "includes improvements to stability, compatibility and security."
On the security front, this security bulletin outlines the changes. It appears as if a vulnerability existed that could allow malicious sites to spoof URL headers or execute arbitrary code. There are two issues that specifically affect the Windows version of Safari, so users on both platforms should be sure to update.
Just a reminder -- some plugins, like Saft, will stop working after installing the update. Visit the plugin author's homepage to download the newest versions as they become available.
TUAW reader Charles Kirschner writes in with the heads up that Apple TV software just updated to version 2.0.2. No word yet as to what this new release brings with it but my guesses are bug fixes. If you're near your unit, do us a favor and upgrade and let us know what (if anything) you notice that has changed. Thanks!
Today, Apple updated the MacBook Air with the Bluetooth EFI update 1.0. Apple has yet to tell in any support notes what this update actually does.
However, for those souls that are willing to download and install the latest (un-noted) updates, you can find this update in your MacBook Air's Software Update app (Apple Menu > Software Update). You can also download the 1.2MB update from the Apple support downloads website.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
[Update:] Since posting this story, Apple has updated the link information and has taken off the "EFI" on the title of this update. You can find the update information here.
Today Apple released a Pro Applications Update 2008-01. This update is described as: This update improves reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server, Logic Studio, and Shake.
With threeothersoftware updates out the door today already, you could have forgiven Apple for not providing a fourth. However, Apple has also released an updated Firmware Restoration CD (version 1.6) for for a number of Mac models:
Xserve (Early 2008)
MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)
iMac (20-inch Mid 2007)
iMac (24-inch Mid 2007)
The Firmware Restoration CD is used to bring the firmware on an Intel-based Macintosh back to factory condition in case of an emergency (such as an interrupted firmware install). Apple makes a note that you cannot use this CD to restore the firmware that has already been successfully applied to your system; this is used only for systems that did not successfully get a firmware update applied.
You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple's support website.
Please note: To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
Today, Apple updated the EFI Firmware for the entire notebook line. MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air all received the EFI update. Here's what Apple says about the updates:
This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of [MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air] computers.
You can download this update by opening Software Update on your notebook (Apple menu > Software Update) or by downloading the installer package from Apple's support website.
Apple also notes: To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/MacBook EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
Today Apple released an update for the Aluminum Keyboards that ship with most of their desktop systems. This update applies to both wired and wireless keyboards. Here's the information that Apple gives us: This firmware update addresses an issue with the aluminum Apple Keyboard and the aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard where a key may repeat unexpectedly while typing. The update also addresses other issues. Mac OS X 10.5.2 is required before installing this update. Please note that as a firmware update, you must download the installer (either by downloading from Apple's website or by opening Software Update). Once the download has succeeded, you will be able to open the installer in the Utilities folder (~/Applications/Utilities/ )
Along with the Keynote update, today Apple posted an update for the Graphite and Snow AirPort Admin utility. You can read more information about this Admin Utility update on the Apple support website; in a nutshell, it adds Leopard compatibility -- a good thing.
If you want to download the update, you can either open Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update) or download the installer package from the Apple support downloads site.
Note that he newer AirPort Utility (v5.3.1 or later) should be used for Time Capsule, and for AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express Base Stations. The update here is for the older base stations' admin tool.
Today, Apple posted an update to the Keynote presentation app (part of iWork '08). This update, version 4.0.3, says that it "addresses performance and stability issues when working with large documents."
You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software update) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple support downloads site.
Please note: Users must have Keynote 4.0.2 installed on their computer to install this update.
Just when you think Apple's update spree is over, they send you a Front Row update. This update, version 2.1.3, will provide you "bug fixes and improved iTunes compatibility." This update coincides with tonight's iTunes and QuickTime updates.
You can get this update by opening up Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update).
How better to end a long day of blogging than with some Java? I know, that's a lame joke but think about what I'm working with here: Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Release 1. Apple released this update to Software Update for all you Java thirsty people out there (I promise that's my last Java joke).
Apple just released an update for iMacs sporting either a ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro or a ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics card. According to Apple, the update will "improve system stability" by installing a firmware upgrade on the graphics cards. This does affect the 
Last month, Apple 
TUAW reader Charles Kirschner writes in with the heads up that Apple TV software just updated to version 2.0.2. No word yet as to what this new release brings with it but my guesses are bug fixes. If you're near your unit, do us a favor and upgrade and let us know what (if anything) you notice that has changed. Thanks!
Today, Apple updated the 
With 
Today Apple released an update for the Aluminum Keyboards that ship with most of their desktop systems. This update applies to both wired and wireless keyboards. Here's the information that Apple gives us: 
Along with the Keynote update, today Apple posted an update for the 
