Inane Bug #3 - Apple Software Update

A while back, circa September of aught six, our Macs had a bug. Here it was. You see, by default, Macs set you up as an administrator when you are the only user on a box. The problem with this is that your permissions get passed down to the software you run, meaning, if you are an administrator, your software can now do what administrators do. The fix - stop being an administrator. Cool? Yes. Easy enough. Derek explains how. Derek's cool. We are all cool, babies.

Now, the inane bug. When you stop being an administrator, the system fails to inform you of new software updates being available. It is kind of annoying to find out that a cool new version of iTunes has been available (with the immensely NOT useful FULL SCREEN "coverflow" ) and you do not have the latest iTunes because Software Update did not tell you.

I have personally verified the bug on three separate systems with the administrator fix: a PPC Mac Mini, a PPC G5 iMac, and my Intel Dual Core Mac Mini. The fact that my personal verification is, well, mine, consult your physician, your milage may vary.

Now it is not a major bug, but it is just a little backwards. Ubuntu 6.10 (which I am using now) will tell anyone legally logged in that there are software updates available, then ask for an administrator password when you choose to install the software update. OS X makes the assumption that since you are not an administrator, there is no point in checking, therefore does not bother to tell you about the updates.

Fix: you have to manually check for updates or (and I do not recommend this) become an administrator again.

I do not recommend running with your butt out as administrator. I like not running as admin because any bit of software that wants to install extensions to the system folder now has to ask for permissions whether the installer likes it or not. And if I am feeling really surly, I say "No."