How to Schedule System Updates on a Mac

Apple will periodically release updates to their Mac OS X operating system and other major programs and applications. The only way for users to download and install these crucial updates is through the Software Update program, which comes installed on all new Mac computers. To make system updates even easier, users can set up a schedule so that their computer will automatically check for new updates.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac running OS X 10.4 or later

1. Log on to your computer with an account that has administrator privileges.

2. Open "System Preferences" by clicking on the icon in the dock.

3. Go to the "Software Update" control panel underneath the "System" category.

4. Click on the "Update Software" tab at the top of the control panel window.

5. Check the box next to "Check for updates" to enable automatic updates.

6. Choose a frequency--daily, weekly or monthly--from the drop-down menu to determine how often the computer will automatically check for updates.