TMO Quick Tip - Hide Unwanted System Updates

by , 7:30 AM EDT, April 19th, 2006

Apple's Software Update application does a pretty good job of showing you only the updates that are appropriate for your Mac, but sometimes it shows updates that you don't really want. For example, if you don't have an iSight camera, or an iPod, there's no need to see updates for those devices. Here's how to hide the updates you don't want to see:

• Choose Apple menu > Software Update.
• Select the updates you want to hide from the update list.
• Select Update > Ignore Update, and then click OK.

Hide the Mac OS X updates you don't want to see.

If your fortunes should change, and you finally get an iPod, you'll want to see the related updates again. Here's how:

• Choose Apple menu > Software Update.
• Select Software Update > Reset Ignored Updates.

Your hidden updates will show up again, ready to download.

This tip works only if there are Mac OS X or Apple application updates ready to download. If there aren't, Software Update will quit without letting you hide or reveal anything.

if you have ideas for Mac related tips that you think other TMO readers might find helpful.