Apple OSX Leopard updated

APPLE HAS RELEASED WHAT WILL PROBABLY BE THE LAST update to its Leopard operating system before it pushes out the Intel-only Snow Leopard in September.

The update, which weighs in at 165MB for regular updaters, but can be anything up to a hefty 759MB depending on how often you keep your OS up to date, can be automagically installed using Apple's Software Update function.

The release fixes a number of vulnerabilities, including a much publicised flaw which left systems open to attacks whilst viewing PNG images, and a gaping hole in MobilMe which left user details laying about for anyone to access, even after signing out.

Other features of the update include:

Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
Addresses data reliability issues with iDisk and MobileMe.
Improves overall reliability with AFP.
Improves overall reliability with Managed Client.
Improves compatibility and reliability for joining AirPort networks.
Improves Sync Service reliability.
Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
Improves compatibility with some external USB hard drives.
Includes latest security fixes.

It's also expected that this will be the last point release to include updates and fixes for Tiger users but Apple is remaining tight-lipped about plans for its long-in-the-tooth (or should that be sabre-toothed?) OS. µ