Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
listed applications at once, click Update All. Enter your Apple ID and password if prompted
to do so, and click Sign In. The App Store downloads and installs the updates.
But this is a topic about automation, so we're more interested in how to make this happen
automatically! You can have Software Update merely
inform
you of future updates or
download (and optionally install) them as soon as they appear.
Because software updates often fix crucial bugs and add important features, I like to learn
aboutthemassoonaspossible.And,becauseIinstall almosteveryupdate,itsavestimetolet
OS X download updates automatically in the background. I don't necessarily
install
updates
as soon as they appear, because I might be busy with things that can't be interrupted—and I
want to know when something might be about to change—but some people may choose to do
so as the fastest and most hands-off method. Still others never want to be interrupted with
alerts about new software and dislike the idea of anything downloading behind their backs,
or they need to keep an eye on a bandwidth usage cap. You can decide where you stand and
set up your Mac accordingly.
To configure App Store updates, follow these steps:
1. Open the App Store pane of System Preferences.
2. Selectordeselect(asyouprefer)theAutomatically CheckforUpdatescheckbox
to enable or disable automatic checking. If it's selected, you can also select any
or all of:
▪ Download Newly Available Updates in the Background, which not
only notifies you of updates but downloads them for you so you
can install them without further waiting
▪ Install App Updates, which installs updates to nonessential apps
(that is, those that don't fall into the next category) automatically
in the background
▪ Install System Data Files and Security Updates, which
automatically (without prompting you) installs essential
updates—but only after they've been available in the Mac App
Store for 3 days
3. If you're signed in to the Mac App Store, you can also check or uncheck
Automatically Download Apps Purchased on Other Macs, which does exactly
what it says.
From now on, your App Store software updates according to your settings without you doing
a thing.
