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Automatic Update Notifications for Mac OS X

After releasing Mac OS X to the public, Apple has continued to update the the product in order to:

  • Fix errors that users have encountered
  • Provide new and updated features
  • Ensure maximum compatibility with new hardware and software
  • Address security vulnerabilities in the operating system

This guide is designed to help you recognize legitimate updates from Apple in order to prevent your computer from becoming infected with viruses and spyware by fraudulent update notices.

 

Step 1:

Look for the blue globe with arrows icon in the dock at the bottom right corner of your desktop. If you move your mouse over it WITHOUT CLICKING IT, you should see that it is titled Software Updates.

After you have verified that the icon and title are identical to the one pictured below, click the icon.

Verify the icon appearance and title

Note: If your icon has a different appearance or a different title appears, please contact the IT Helpdesk for clarification, as this may be a fraudlent update notice.

Also, a notification message should appear saying "Software updates are available for your computer. Do you want to install them?"

Click the Continue button.

Click Continue

Note: If a different window appears, please contact the IT Helpdesk for clarification, as this may be a fraudlent update notice.

Step 2:

Enter the password you used to log into the computer into the Password field.

Then, click the OK button.

Enter your password and click OK

 

Step 3:

Update installation will begin. Please be patient, as this process may take some time to complete. During this time, make sure not to turn off, restart, or log off your computer.

Allow the updates to download and install

 

Step 4:

When you receive the notification that the new software requires you to restart, click the Restart button.

Click Restart

 

Step 5:

After your computer restarts, there may be additional updates. This is caused by the fact that some updates require prior updates to be installed. Thus, if you see additional updates, repeat the steps in this guide.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed system updates for Mac OS X. If you have an questions or concerns, please contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@valdosta.edu or 229-245-HELP (4357). Please note that our work request system can only accept emails sent from a VSU email address.