Apple Rolls Out Mac OS X 10.6.4 with Safari 5, Numerous Security Fixes
A new version of the Apple-developed Snow Leopard operating system is available for download: Mac OS X 10.6.4. If you’re currently on Mac OS X 10.6.3, then you can get the new version by selecting "Software Update” from the Apple menu. Alternatively you can get the update directly from the Cupertino-based software developer here.
There is one very good reason why you would want to update as soon as possible – security. You see, just like version 10.6.3, version 40.6.4 comes with numerous security fixes. Version 10.6.3 brought along a grand total of 88 security fixes; version 10.6.4 fixes 28 security issues. If you’re curious to see what security holes Mac OS X 10.6.4 plugs, you need only check out this article posted by Apple.
As Apple explained, this update makes the Snow Leopard safer – it also enhances the stability and compatibility of the operating system. Here are the Mac OS X 10.6.4 highlights Apple pointed out:
It must be mentioned that Mac OS X 10.6.4 comes with the latest Safari version, Safari 5.0. Compared to Safari 4.X, version 5.0 comes with a grand total of 48 security fixes – yet another reason why you would like to update your Mac OS X.
It should also be mentioned that Mac OS X 10.6.4 comes with Adobe Flash Player 10.0.45.2, version which is plagued by a publicly exploited critical vulnerability. Adobe has released Flash Player 10.1 to fix the vulnerability; if you’re not on Flash Player 10.1, make sure to upgrade. If you already upgraded to Flash Player 10.1, upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.4 will not downgrade Flash Player.
Wendy Poland, on behalf of Adobe’s Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT): “Apple released security update 2010-004 / Mac OS X v10.6.4. This update includes an earlier version of Adobe Flash Player (version 10.0.45.2) than available from Adobe.com. While the Mac OS X v10.6.4 update does not appear to downgrade users who have already upgraded to Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe recommends users verify they are using the latest, most secure version of Flash Player (10.1.53.64) available for download [here]”.
There is one very good reason why you would want to update as soon as possible – security. You see, just like version 10.6.3, version 40.6.4 comes with numerous security fixes. Version 10.6.3 brought along a grand total of 88 security fixes; version 10.6.4 fixes 28 security issues. If you’re curious to see what security holes Mac OS X 10.6.4 plugs, you need only check out this article posted by Apple.
As Apple explained, this update makes the Snow Leopard safer – it also enhances the stability and compatibility of the operating system. Here are the Mac OS X 10.6.4 highlights Apple pointed out:
- Resolves an issue that causes the keyboard or trackpad to become unresponsive
- Resolves an issue that may prevent some Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications from opening
- Addresses issues copying, renaming, or deleting files on SMB file servers
- Improves reliability of VPN connections
- Resolves a playback issue in DVD Player when using Good Quality deinterlacing
- Resolves an issue editing photos with iPhoto or Aperture in full screen view
- Improves compatibility with some Braille displays
It must be mentioned that Mac OS X 10.6.4 comes with the latest Safari version, Safari 5.0. Compared to Safari 4.X, version 5.0 comes with a grand total of 48 security fixes – yet another reason why you would like to update your Mac OS X.
It should also be mentioned that Mac OS X 10.6.4 comes with Adobe Flash Player 10.0.45.2, version which is plagued by a publicly exploited critical vulnerability. Adobe has released Flash Player 10.1 to fix the vulnerability; if you’re not on Flash Player 10.1, make sure to upgrade. If you already upgraded to Flash Player 10.1, upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.4 will not downgrade Flash Player.
Wendy Poland, on behalf of Adobe’s Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT): “Apple released security update 2010-004 / Mac OS X v10.6.4. This update includes an earlier version of Adobe Flash Player (version 10.0.45.2) than available from Adobe.com. While the Mac OS X v10.6.4 update does not appear to downgrade users who have already upgraded to Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe recommends users verify they are using the latest, most secure version of Flash Player (10.1.53.64) available for download [here]”.
