Security Basics: Re: automatic update on Mac OS X

[Sebastian Schneider <ses () straightliners de>]

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Hi Zac,

as you might know, administrative rights are required to download and perform 
updates. There's currently no way to leave username and password of an 
administrative account in that very update dialog.

The only way you could apply updates is by a cron job or a startup script run 
as system of group wheel.

You should also be cautious about performing updates, since not all are that 
helpful. For instance, the update to version 10.2.6 isn't really working on 
all Apple computers. Some will get instable and others might lose data 
(happened already to some clients). So its not recommended to apply new 
patches before evaluating them thoroughly.

Second, there's no need to apply all updates provided by Apple for many of 
them just slow down overall performance.

Kindest Regards,
Sebastian

On Friday 29 August 2003 18:17, Zachary Mutrux wrote:
> Is there a way to automate the download and installation of updates in Mac
> OS X? In Mac OS 9, the Software Update Control Panel included a checkbox
> labeled "Ask me before installing new software". If you unchecked the box,
> patches would be automatically installed. That checkbox doesn't exist in
> Mac OS X.
>
> I have done some searching on google, but didn't come up with a way to
> automate patch application. I'm just wondering if anyone knows how to do
> this. An AppleScript, maybe? Scheduled as a cron job?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Zac
>
>
> --
> Zac Mutrux
> Technology Consultant
> CompuMentor
> 415-633-9437
>
>
>
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Sebastian Schneider
straightLiners IT Consulting & Services
Metzer Str. 12
13595 Berlin
Germany

Fon: +49-30-3510-6168
Fax: +49-30-3510-6169
www.straightliners.de
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Attend Black Hat Briefings & Training Federal, September 29-30 (Training),
October 1-2 (Briefings) in Tysons Corner, VA; the world's premier
technical IT security event.  Modeled after the famous Black Hat event in
Las Vegas! 6 tracks, 12 training sessions, top speakers and sponsors.
Symantec is the Diamond sponsor.  Early-bird registration ends September 6.Visit us: www.blackhat.com
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