The Apple update that isn't

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 26 September 2007 10:12

Business IT - Technology

Apple has released MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0 - but it apparently doesn't update anything.

It seems all the update does is turn on file system journaling. Although this feature is normally enabled on new Macs, it seems some MacBooks and MacBook Pros left the factory with it turned off.

With all the packaging and multiple language support, the update weighs in at 200K.

It might be quicker and easier to run Disk Utility to check whether journaling is enabled and if necessary click the toolbar button to turn it on.

Apple recommends restarting from an install or restore disc and repairing the hard disk after the update is installed; the same process would be prudent after manually activating journaling.

Journaling reduces the risk of file system damage. It keeps track of the changes being made to the file system, and this information can be used to quickly repair any inconsistencies when the system restarts after a severe crash or power failure.

Without journaling, the entire file system must be scanned. This takes an unacceptable amount of time with the relatively large hard drives that are now in common use.