Check for Third-Party Software Updates

Like Apple's Software Update, third-party applications that have built-in automatic update checkers give you the option of postponing an update until a more convenient time. But some applications check only when you explicitly tell them to. Therefore, take a few minutes to launch your most frequently used applications and use their Check for Updates features. Download and install any free updates now, following the developers' instructions.

Tip

Another way to check for the latest software is to subscribe to VersionTracker Pro. This service includes software that runs on your Mac and alerts you when updates to any of your installed software become available, at which time you can download and install them with a couple of clicks. VersionTracker Pro monitors up to three Macs for an annual fee of $50 (www.versiontracker.com/subscribe/mactrial/).