Preparing for the OS X 10.6.8 update
The release of Apple's next update to OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard is very close, so here are some things you can do to prepare for the update.
Apple has recently made a number of references to the yet unreleased but anticipated OS X 10.6.8 update. The update is recommended by Apple for running the latest Final Cut X, Compressor, and Motion software suites that Apple released today, which suggests that its release is imminent. Apple previously released an update to MainStage that initially mentioned 10.6.8 as well, though this turned out to be a typo.
Regardless of the specifics of where it is mentioned, OS X 10.6.8 is quite obviously just around the corner, and will include a number of enhancements not only for people running current software and new releases like Final Cut X, but for people looking to upgrade to OS X 10.7 Lion, which is due to be released in the next few months. Apple is offering Lion through the Mac App Store, and any updates to Snow Leopard will undoubtedly ensure that the store and other features of Snow Leopard are ready for people to upgrade.
Before installing the update when it is made available, be sure to read our recommendations on preparing for an OS X update. The key things to do are to keep a backup of your system, run general maintenance routines to help repair any odd problems with the system before upgrading the software, and (optionally) unplug peripheral devices during the upgrade to prevent any interference from them.
The update will be released via Software Update, but will also be available as a standalone delta updater (which will require OS X 10.6.7) or as a combo updater that can be applied to any version of Snow Leopard. These standalone updaters will be available on Apple's Support Downloads Page.
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