Beware Security Update 2012-004

[JusMe]

Sometimes we do things automatically, but that can really cause problems with the latest security update from Apple.

If, like me, you have loads of applications and have divided your applications folder into segments, and moved some of the initial Mac applications into separate folders, the latest security update can cause some serious problems.

Friend had done that, did the security update, and Mail refused to work. His app in the separate folder gave a popup that that version would not work with his OS, and a new Mail app in the applications folder, with a generic icon, refused to open.

Only solution seemed to be separately downloading that security update as a disc image, moving the old Mail app into the applications folder, and running the instal for that security update.

If you don't want to have to jump through hoops, either keep all Apple apps in the Application folder rather than moving them, or beware of what might happen with the latest security update.

Hope Apple is aware of the problem and will rectify it, and not repeat on future updates.

[lujanit]

What you say is true. However do you ever Repair Permissions after you install new software? I find that this usually helps and I read somewhere a while ago it is recommended after any software install. Also I use a maintenance program like Onyx to clean out the crap about once a week; it also Repairs Permissions. I know quite a few people who own Macs and they often have problems. Using something like Onyx (free) or as simply as restarting your Mac will fix a lot of problems (slow speed, frozen programs etc). Also how many people know the Force Quit command. Command Option Escape can fix a frozen proggy easily. Maybe we just have way too many programs on our Macs

[thaicruze]

It's a Mac. So, I became a Mac user. I install. I let it fall where it falls. I don't care and I just use the laptop. This sorting thing is more for Windows. I just let it be.

[prepress]

I install. I let it fall where it falls.

I agree with thaicruze. Don't move apps around - after installation. The Mac is sorting it for you much better.

[lujanit]

Some programs do not include an installer. All you get is a .dmg (disc image) with the program inside it. It is best to drag/copy that program to your Applications folder otherwise it will sit on your desktop.

[ianwuk]

I am sure most applications, after you mount the DMG image, always show an icon being dragged to the applications folder as the method of installation. That is always the method of installation I use any way.

[nikster]

It's a Mac. So, I became a Mac user. I install. I let it fall where it falls. I don't care and I just use the laptop. This sorting thing is more for Windows. I just let it be.

I agree with you.

However, that behavior is pretty lame, the OP should file a bug with Apple.

It used to be that updates did *not* rely on the location of an app, and Mac OS would allow you to put your apps wherever you wanted to, just drag them around. That included official Apple apps. It was one of the things that set the Mac apart from Windows, the freedom to rearrange your stuff whichever way you want.

Admittedly that was in OS 9, before OS X, and OS 9 crashed a lot.