I apply OSX updates as soon as they come out.  The main reason I do this?  So I will know what to expect for my clients who do the same thing.  I have the OSX 10.2.4 update running this morning. "Mac OS X 10.2.4 Update (Combo): Information and Download" AppleCare Knowledge Base

For one reason or another, this wasn't always the case under MAC OS 9 or earlier.  My habit then was to do a clean install.  That process, and the subsequent process of reinstalling all of my software, was a pain and really time consuming.  I have not had to reinstall Jaguar since I installed it originally.  I just use the Software Update System Preference to update, although there is already a 'Combo Update' available that you can download, save and apply locally if you'd prefer.

So, I happily installed OSX 10.2.4 this morning. The installation went smoothly and I can notice a faster Finder response already.  Windows are drawing and resizing much faster.

One thing to note (when applying an update) is that if you have moved any of the originally installed APPS inside the Applications folder, they might not update correctly. 

For instance, my applications folder was getting really full.  So I sorted the APPS inside into category folders.  The update found the "Address Book" but it didn't find (and update) the iCAL application.  The icon in the dock (for iCAL) turned into a question mark.  The icon for the Address book did update, because it was still in it's original place in the Applications folder.

It seems like certain basic APPS like the Address book, Sherlock, iCAL etc expect to live in the root of that directory, otherwise they don't seem to work correctly.  The updater expects to find these apps in the root of the Applications folder as well.

Putting an alias of the Applications folder in your dock is really handy.  That way when you click and hold (or right clicking is faster) a list of the applications pops up, so you can click and launch directly.  I have my DOCUMENTS folder in the dock in the same manner, to have direct access to any document without having to open the FINDER.

Avi Learner is co-owner of ADWEB Services a South Florida web design and hosting service specializing in Filemaker Pro database driven websites and cross platform Networking Integration. He is a regular contributor to the Gold Coast Mac User group newsletter, Tropical Mac. Also voted "Member of the Month" in Jan 2003 by GCMAC board.

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