Generally, software updates address security, compatibility and stability issues. The security is mainly internet, or network related. Internet technologies that we use, as well as security threats, are ever evolving. In order to remain secure, compatible with the latest innovations, and the ‘outside world’ (the internet), we need to install updates.
Software Updates can be divided into four categories:
- Minor Operating system (or, macOS) updates
- Major Operating system (or, macOS) updates (also known as macOS upgrades)
- App updates, available from the App Store
- App updates for apps obtained outside of the App Store
macOS Updates and Upgrades
Check your Operating System (macOS) version
Before checking for macOS updates you can always check which macOS version you currently have installed by going to the Apple menu->About this Mac.
![About this Mac->Overview](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/about-this-mac-overview.png)
You’ll also notice a button here, Software Updates… which is another way to get to System Preferences->Software Update
![Software Update settings are accessed via System Preferences.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/system-preferences-software-update.png)
Minor macOS updates
Over the course of each year Apple will release a number of supplemental updates. In the case of Catalina, Apple has released 10.15.1, 10.15.2, and so on, all the way up to 10.15.5. Note the last digit: It’s these updates that are referred to as minor updates – the macOS name, Catalina, remains the same, but the version number changes.
It’s generally recommended to install minor updates as soon as they become available, as they address emerging security and stability issues. However, unless it’s a ‘critical’ update, it’s good practice to wait for a couple of days, just in case there’s been an oversight and the update causes more problems than it solves!
Major macOS updates (or, Upgrades)
Almost every year since 2001, Apple has released a new operating system, each with a unique name, and version number. For example, in September 2001 Apple released Mac OS 10.1, Puma.
The operating system released in 2019 was called, Catalina. The version number was 10.15.
These annual updates are referred to as major updates.
With major updates, although Apple would like us to install them immediately, it’s best to wait for a month or so after they come out in order to allow time for any overlooked problems (bugs) to be resolved. Also, it’s best to research to check if any apps you rely upon are 100% compatible prior to installing a major update. The adage, ‘if it ain’t broke..’ applies here, but only to an extent (see the first paragraph in this lesson).
The latest macOS at the time of writing, released in 2020, is call Big Sur, and after nearly 20 years of version numbers beginning with 10, the version number of Big Sur will be 11 (so, it’s a big event in the Mac universe..). The reason for this transition from 10, to 11 is because Apple will transition from using Intel’s processors, to their own, in-house processors.
Managing, and installing updates, and upgrades
In the Software Updates System Preferences pane you can manage how software updates are installed: manually, or automatically. Ticking the box, Automatically keep my Mac up to date, works well for most people.
![The Software Update System Preferences pane.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sys-prefs-software-update.png)
Further Software Update options and settings can be accessed via the Advanced.. button.
![Software Update->Advanced.. options](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/software-update-advanced.png)
In the below screenshot, both a minor update, and a major (macOS) upgrade are available. Can you tell the difference? (to be fair, in this case, many people unknowingly installed the major update, Catalina. Perhaps Apple will improve how these options are presented in future…).
![A 'major' upgrade is available: Catalina. But also, there are some minor updates available.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/available-software-updates-upgrades.png)
The App Store, and app updates.
The App Store is Apple’s own store for applications, is pre-installed with macOS, and provides a place to shop for apps that have been approved by Apple. You can rest assured that any app purchased from here will be ‘safe’ (in other words, not a ‘virus’…).
![app store icon](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/app-store-icon-300x300.png)
You can get to the App Store via the Apple menu, or you can find it as an app in the Applications folder.
![Get to the App Store via the Apple menu.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/apple-menu-app-store.png)
You can shop for productivity, multimedia, utility apps, as well as games. Some are even free.
![macOS: App Store](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/app-store.png)
Having purchased an app from the App Store (free, or paid), any subsequent updates for that app will be made available via Updates section in the App Store.
![Updates for apps, accessed via the Updates section in the App Store.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/app-store-updates.png)
Again, you can choose to have these updates automatically applied if you prefer, via System Preferences->Software Update.
![The "Automatically Install app updates from the App Store" option, in System Preferences->Software Update->Advanced.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/software-update-advanced.png)
Updating apps obtained outside of the App Store.
If you obtained an app from a website, usually the app, itself, will prompt you when updates are available. Just follow any onscreen instructions.
Otherwise, you can force an app to check to see if any updates are available, usually either via it’s main menu….
![Check for updates via an app's 'main' menu.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file-check-for-updates.png)
….or from its Help menu.
![Microsoft Word's Help menu, where you can check for updates.](http://howtouseamac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/word-check-for-updates.png)
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