OS X 10.6.3

Fixing slow and pausing USB input with the 10.6.3 update

One of the improvements that Apple included in the 10.6.3 update is compatibility with USB input devices. While this may have fixed some problems people were having with third-party mice and keyboards, it seems to have caused problems for other people where device input will periodically pause for about 10 seconds to 15 seconds.… Read more

SMB networking problems with NAS devices after updating

Since installing 10.6.3, a number of people have complained about limited connectivity when using Windows file sharing (SMB or Samba) over the network. This has resulted in permissions errors being presented when trying to copy files to NAS drives that are mounted via SMB.… Read more

Managing a hung OS X 10.6.3 update installation

Regardless of how you have decided to install OS X (Software Update, Delta, or Combo installers), you may run into a problem where the system might hang on installation. Though the occurrence of this with the 10.6.3 update seems to be rare, when it happens you may see it sit forever with the spinning color wheel, or go blank to a blue, black, or gray screen and require a forced restart. Even if the system appears to be healthy after the forced restart, there is the possibility that some files could be corrupt. As a precaution we recommend reapplying the combo updater.… Read more

Addressing small issues with the 10.6.3 update process

The OS X 10.6.3 update that was released Monday appears to be without any major problems. Numerous people have had success with the update and some have reported much improved features such as graphics performance with OpenGL applications seeming much faster; however, as with any update, there are bound to be those who have problems and a few people have contacted us and posted on the Apple message boards regarding various issues they are experiencing.… Read more

Apple releases OS X 10.6.3, Leopard Security updates

In the past few weeks Apple has increasingly updated their developer preview releases of the 10.6.3 update, indicating the release date was drawing near, and today have finally released it for the public. In addition to the client and server updates for Snow Leopard, Apple has also released a security update for OS X 10.5.8.… Read more

10.6.3 Update: Apple testing font issues in latest private beta

In the latest private beta for Mac OS X 10.6.3, Apple has asked developers to focus on compatibility and stability with fonts. Many of our readers will recall ongoing font issues with Snow Leopard, outlined in this article from late September. Fonts have continued to provide issues in the 10.6.2, detailed in this article as well. For those of you hoping these issues would be addressed with an OS update, you may be getting your wish. Read past the break for more information about the impending release of Mac OS X 10.6.3 Snow Leopard.… Read more

Mac Pro audio issues being tackled by Apple

Several recent reports surrounding a number of issues with Apple's top-of-the-line desktop computer, the Mac Pro, suggest the gang in Cupertino are acknowledging the problem and working on solutions. Some Mac Pros with the Nehalem processors have been experiencing high CPU usage and poor performance during audio playback. These issues are made worse by the processing not being recorded in Activity Monitor and thus not activating necessary fan operation to reduce heat.… Read more

Apple seeds 10.6.3 to developers; Crash and bug fixes

The forthcoming update to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, 10.6.3, will incorporate over 90 components including several bug fixes and solutions for crashes. The update will focus primarily on stability and maintenance with special attention, as AppleInsider reports, to "AppKit, CoreMedia, Desktop Services, FileSync, Fonts, HIToolbox, iCal, Mail, MobileMe, and QuickTime Player X."… Read more