Mac OS X 10.4.9, the latest update to “Tiger”, is now available via both Software Update in the Apple menu and direct download from Apple’s web site. In development for several months, 10.4.9 includes many bug fixes in many areas of Mac OS X (click here for details) Several sites have reported that iChat AV now directly supports additional USB video camera models without the need for 3rd party drivers or hacks.

Also available are an update to iPhoto (v6.0.6) and a security update for Mac OS X 10.3.9 (”Panther.)

The easiest way to get the update is by choosing Software Update in the Apple menu, however you can also download the appropriate combination updater that includes all previous updates. Its been our experience that the combo updater can have less problems but it is also a very large download. Be sure to select the appropriate updater for your Mac’s processor: PowerPC or the newer Intel Core Duo. If you aren’t sure which one you need use the Software Update item in the Apple menu to perform the update, it will automatically download the correct version.

• Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Updater for PowerPC Macs
• Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Updater for Intel Core Duo Macs
• iPhoto 6.0.6 Updater
• Security Update 2007-003 (10.3.9 Client)

Before You Install the Update

Is is probably a good idea to verify the integrity of your Mac’s hard drive before installing any software update:

1. Open the Disk Utility application (Finder menu: Go > Utilities, double click on the Disk Utility icon.)
2. Click on the icon for your hard drive in the Disk Utility’s left column (its the item with a slightly indented hard drive icon and labeled with the hard drive’s name, typically “Macintosh HD”.)
3. In the First Aid tab click the button labeled Verify Disk. This will check your hard drive for structural errors. If any errors are found you’ll have to repair them before installing the update [see below].)
4. Also in the First Aid tab, click the Repair Disk Permissions button. This finds and corrects ownership and access permissions.
5. Quit Disk Utility

You’re ready to install the update.

Repairing Disk Errors

You’ll need the Mac SO X 10.4 installation disk that came with your Mac or that came in the box when you purchased Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger”. DO NOT PROCEED WITH AN ACTUAL INSTALLATION, you just want to use Disk Utility.

1. Insert the Mac OS X 10.4 install disk in the CD drive of your Mac. Choose Restart from the Apple menu then when you hear the startup chimes press and hold the C key until you see the gray screen with an apple in the center. Sit back and relax a few minutes because starting up from a CD can be quite slow.

2. Choose the appropriate language in the first screen.

3. Select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.

4. Click on the disk icon with the name of your hard drive (typically Macintosh HD) in the left column of the Disk Utility window.

5. In the First Aid tab click the Repair Disk button. This should locate and correct structural problems with the drive contents.

6. Quit Disk Utility, then Quit the installation application.

Your Mac will be Restarted and you should be good to go.

If Disk Utility can’t fix the errors you’ll have to use a more advanced commercial utility such as Disk Warrior.