The goal of the tune-up is to allow you to copy all the available Mac OS software updates to a flash drive, DVD, or even an iPod… and then you can take them with you. This allows you to quickly fix other people’s out-of-date Macs, rather than sit and wait downloading. Even on 384k DSL, this can take quite awhile, but for many people still on dial-up, updating isn’t even realistic.

The Tune-Up was inspired by AutoPatcher, and I wanted to create something similar for the Mac. Thankfully, updating Mac software isn’t nearly as complicated as the (needless) hotfix system that Windows uses, so this can be boiled down to a web page, rather than a resource-intensive update application.

The list is far from finished, when done, every major version of iLife and Mac OS, tracking all the way back to System 3.2 will be listed with available updates.

Let me know what you think, and spot errors out (I’m sure there are at least a couple) in the comments.

Now on: Digg

QuickTime 7.3.1

QuickTime 7.3.1 addresses security issues.

This update is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.

For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61798

GarageBand 4.1.1

This update improves overall stability and addresses issues with file export to iPhone.

Even weirder, some Leopard systems pick up the update when running Apple Software Update, while some don’t. And, that’s even taking into account an HP all-in-one printer added to the systems.

Finally, weirdest, Apple doesn’t offer a direct download, nor does HP. Since Apple Software Update is the only way to get it, this means it’s sometimes not an option to download (like, when your system doesn’t pick it up).

So, to wrap all this up, I’ve uploaded a zipped copy of the installer here to download. If you have an HP all-in-one, download the update from the link below:

HP All-in-One Drivers for Mac 4.0.1

When Mac made the transition from PowerPC to Intel, Micromat didn’t reinvent their program, they simply recompiled it for Intel. Verision 4.0.3 became version 4.5. However, Micromat refused to offer the updater online. Instead, they insisted that users buy an “Update DVD” and pay a $25 handling fee.

When pressed, Micromat admitted that there wasn’t really a need to do this. They could have offered a downloadable update online. The response was masked in a “large file size” explanation, however, that turned out to be incorrect… the 4.5 update difference was actually not very large in size.

Now Micromat is poised to do this all over again. With the release of Leopard, Micromat had to tweak the program to continue working, but rather than offer the update online… guess what… another $25 handling fee, for another useless DVD.

This process is bad for everyone. It’s costly for the user, antagonizes Micromat… and is even bad for the environment (on some small level).

What do I suggest people do? Search online and download the update from a torrent or similar download site. You’re already a licensed TechTool Pro 4 user, you shouldn’t have to pay for a useless coaster of a disc. You’re not breaking the law to bypass paying a shipping and handling fee… so long as you’ve bought and paid for a license to TechTool Pro 4 already. I for one refuse to pay for perpetual DVD coasters that I don’t need.

What I suggest Micromat does, is end this practice completely. If you want people to upgrade… make a real upgrade with real improvements. Micromat is free to charge for new generations of products that help make the Mac better. If a release is too small to even be considered for a new license… don’t make people pay for a coaster.