Apple releases Mac OS X 10.4.2, Mac OS X 10.4.2 Server

Posted Monday, July 11th

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.4.2, the latest incremental update to Tiger.

The new version contains fixes for several issues reported here on MacFixIt (see our Mac OS X 10.4.1 and Mac OS X 10.4.0 special reports), including improvements in the following areas.

• file sharing using AFP and SMB/CIFS network file services
• single sign-on authentication and reliable access to Active Directory servers
• autologin for managed user accounts
• AirPort and wireless access
• Core Graphics, Core Audio, Core Image, including updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
• Finder updates including finding on Kind and using Slideshow
• synchronizing your iDisk with .Mac
• installation reliability
• managing Dashboard widgets
• Address Book, Automator, iCal, iChat, Mail, Safari, and Stickies applications
• compatibility with third party applications and devices

For a full list of enhancements, see Knowledge Base article #301722.

As usual, we recommend that users avoid performing any other operations (in Mac OS X or third-party applications) while the update process is occurring.

In addition, before installing this Mac OS X Update, make sure all Apple-installed applications and utilities are in their original locations. Moving one of these applications to a different location on your hard drive can lead to an incomplete update.

Finally, we recommend that users disconnect any FireWire/USB devices before applying Mac OS X 10.4.2, then re-connect the devices one by one after the update process is complete and the system has restarted.

Mac OS X 10.4.2 is available through Software Update, or as a 44 MB standalone download.

A 58 MB combo updater, which will update both Mac OS X 10.4.0 and Mac OS X 10.4.1 to Mac OS X 10.4.2 is also available.

Problems after installing Mac OS X 10.4.2? Please let us know.

Apple has also released Mac OS X 10.4.2 Server, which likewise resolves a number of issues reported here on MacFixIt, making improvements in the following areas:

• file permission inheritance when using AFP network file services
• Open Directory password and single sign-on authentication services
• authentication in Windows Server 2003 Active Directory environments
• file system management operations (more reliable)
• Workgroup Manager application (editing a user's home directory location)
• compatibility with third party applications and devices

Mac OS X 10.4.2 Server is available through Software Update, or as a 44 MB standalone download.

A 57 MB combo updater, which will update both Mac OS X 10.4.0 and Mac OS X 10.4.1 to Mac OS X 10.4.2 is also available.

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