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I don't know if anybody has noticed this yet, but they put the 10.7.3 Combo Updater in Software Update to replace the pulled Delta.
 
What a mess Apple.

And to those on here stating that these things happen and are acceptable because of variables. No, I don't buy that one tiny bit. Because this is Apple, ALL the computers it's update is aimed at IT built, their is no variables in the hardware and I would imagine it's pretty strict with the software too.
 
Actually, unless they've been grossly incompetent - yes you do. People make mistakes.

Perhaps true. But what excuses do you have for an entire department/division making a mistake. I doubt an OSX update is a one-man show, nor even a 10 man effort. They need to get their shot together.


Applying the combo update is de facto a partial OS re-install, you re-install all the files and components that were changed in the intervening updates. You might as well periodically re-install the whole OS, that should rectify any files having been corrupted or misplaced by any mishaps (be they hardware or user or other mishaps).

Oh, I guess you got me there. Very witty. Regardless, a combo update is much safer to install than the delta update. This is a widely held belief here and you're naive to believe otherwise. And, no doubt, Apple must even agree with this sentiment considering their combo update is still available.

Some problems you can't simply throw money at to fix. Ever had a power outage? Why are we not up in arms at the power company every time there is a power outage, rallying to have more money spent on every power line, transformer and plant? Are the workers incompetent? No.

Are you suggesting these power outages are due to human error? That they are not due to extreme environmental condition leading to the failure of hardware? No, I really can't get too mad at an extreme rain/snow storm overwhelming the electric company's hardware infrastructure. I don't think an outage is due to someone not being as attentive to the work they are being paid to do.

Perhaps you are trying to say that no matter how anal they were writing code, no matter if they had a team of 100 people on it, no matter if they tried it on any permutation of hardware set-up, that the update was still going to fail and not just fail 1-2 people, but thousands?
 
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I updated the day after 10.7.3 was released. No problems that I have noticed or had thus far. Should I do the combo update or just not worry about it?
 
Anyone who doesn't download the combo updates is asking for trouble. I've never downloaded a delta update in years.

And as for people are saying "developing's hard", Apple is one of the largest and most profitable corporations on this planet. They are professions. If a doctor or pilot screws up, do they say "sorry, it's hard being a doctor (or pilot)". And if you think software development shouldn't be compared to saving lives, then you're just giving them an excuse to be lazy. My point being, a professional should act professional.

Perhaps if Apple spent the money on R&D their competitors spend, perhaps this wouldn't happen. If not, then they should re-evaluate the effectiveness of their beta community. Seems like most are on board to get the latest builds rather than to squash bugs.
Back in the days where my job was on the line for my Mac experience, it was always the combo updates. Nowadays I only have worry about a handful of machines and my own personal ones.

This is not the first pulled update from Apple. Maybe they are just getting more memorable.
 
I do hope this is the last time we have problems like this.

I LOVE Software Update! It's a perfect example of "It just works" on the Mac. A hassle-free updater that you never have to worry about negative consequences with... except for this time. :(
 
If NO ONE used it when it was released, waiting a week or to isn't going to matter.

There are always fanatics who need the latest thing immediately ... like me, this time around. Usually I'm cautious - waiting till 10.#.6 before upgrading, but I was lulled into the comfort of Snow Leopard being rock solid. Once bitten ...

As for me, I'll upgrade to Lion in mid 2013 when it too is rock solid.

I upgrade to Snow Leopard at 10.6.6 long after the major bugs were sorted out, and it's been a dream.

Lion has nothing I require, and plenty that I detest (e.g. removal of SAVE AS, and having to use workarounds that aren't as convenient). So I'm staying with Snow Leopard until mid 2013. That'll be around 2 years from launch when all Apple OSX systems get totally rock solid.

Then, in mid 2013, I upgrade to Lion, while Apple brings out its new OSX version, and all the people queue up to pay to be Apple's beta testers.

After being burned with Leopard on launch day, I've had a great time avoiding paying money to be an Apple beta-tester.
 
I don't want to say this, but it honestly feels like Apple is treating Mac OS X similar to how Apple cares about iOS compared to their professional app. Since iOS is making more money, all resources are dumped on making it the best software, while sophisticated and professional applications (in this case Mac OS X), are left with minimal efforts.

I would be lying if I didn't say I'm a little disappointed at Apple ever since Lion was released. Software bugs became more apparent, stuff didn't just "work like magic" like before. I really hope Apple steps it up in the coming years to focus on iOS, but their foundational platform, Mac OS X.
 
I would be lying if I didn't say I'm a little disappointed at Apple ever since Lion was released. Software bugs became more apparent, stuff didn't just "work like magic" like before. I really hope Apple steps it up in the coming years to focus on iOS, but their foundational platform, Mac OS X.

Honestly that's never been the case. There was that update that hosed the whole hard drive, and lots of other problems of various severity with many OS X versions. And OS9 and earlier had its share of problems too. Definitely wise to wait a week or two before installing. I'm not defending Apple, just saying they've had issues all along and it pays to be cautious.
 
The different between the Delta and Combo updaters is normally just download size alone. The Delta updater is a smaller download since it just includes the changes, while the Combo updater includes everything and weighs in at 1.3GB.

The above is incorrect. The Combo does not include everything. It includes all the changes since 10.7.0. The Delta includes all the changes since 10.7.2.
 
I can tell that no none commenting has ever worked with software development.

Mistakes happen, its impossible to test for every single system. Its not like every person has these issues, its a select few. You can test all day in the lab but until something is released in the wild the developers will NEVER be able to know if more bugs are present in their code or not.

LOL, wasn't that one of the MAIN reasons for "our OS will only run on our hardware"? for fewer hardware clashes, and more control? this is clearly ANOTHER example of ****** programming.
 
It's so funny that suddenly all the messed up point releases of Mac OS X in the last 8 years have all been forgotten and now only this one matters. As if Apple didn't have bigger fallouts before.

The sense of entitlement of some teenagers here is startling.
 
LOL, wasn't that one of the MAIN reasons for "our OS will only run on our hardware"? for fewer hardware clashes, and more control? this is clearly ANOTHER example of ****** programming.

You obviously have never developed software. Again, like I said, this was tested to the best of Apples ability before release, just like EVERY major software company does but not ever bug can be found until the release is out in the wild.

And, again, the turn around time for a fix was phenomenal. Yes, a mistake happened but they fixed it extremely fast.
 
I updated the day after 10.7.3 was released. No problems that I have noticed or had thus far. Should I do the combo update or just not worry about it?

You don't have to if you have no problems, i am in the same situation.
 
You obviously have never developed software. Again, like I said, this was tested to the best of Apples ability before release, just like EVERY major software company does but not ever bug can be found until the release is out in the wild.

And, again, the turn around time for a fix was phenomenal. Yes, a mistake happened but they fixed it extremely fast.

I'm CLEARLY not a dev, and i've never claimed to be one.
 
Can I just point out I have 2 Macs here, both had the .3 delta update applied to them and both are completely fine. No issues what so ever. And a Mac Mini running Snow Leopard that had the 1.0 Security update applied, and Rosetta is still working fine?

And you have to remember everyones machines are totally different, some may have used hacks or have bits of software running/installed for 3 party hardware that might, just might induce a bug that might be catastrophic for you.

Do you remember when Snow Leopard came out there was a big hoohah about things not working or something, turns out it was people that had Logitech keyboard/mouse drivers installed which caused all the crap not Apple!
 
Had no issues with Delta Update, so i´ll stick with this one. I don´t see any reason to install Combo now.
 
Perhaps true. But what excuses do you have for an entire department/division making a mistake. I doubt an OSX update is a one-man show, nor even a 10 man effort. They need to get their shot together.

**** still happens. Bigger projects are harder to manage as well.
 
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The different between the Delta and Combo updaters is normally just download size alone.
No, check your facts (with Pacifist, for example or via the command line)!
The Delta updater is a smaller download since it just includes the changes, while the Combo updater includes everything and weighs in at 1.3GB.
The combo updater does not include everything. The Mac App Store InstallESD.dmg (10.7.3 in this case) includes everything.
The Combo updater should be available at this support page for direct download, but the page is presently not working.
You should probably try the same URL without the "?viewlocale=null&locale=null" part. I know, that is very difficult.
The direct download (1.3GB) link is still working at this time.
You should not post older links, if you expect updated content. That can lead to new problems. Just publish the correct download page! Thank you!
 
So, the question is: Should I apply the combo if I have not noticed any ill-effects after applying the delta update?

No. I also applied the Delta update and have zero problems.

Trying to "fix" something that's already working fine is more likely to cause more problems than it solves to be honest.
 
I can tell that no none commenting has ever worked with software development.
How?
Mistakes happen, its impossible to test for every single system.
It is possible. Some software applications require a rigorous testing. Software for the military, for medical applications and flight control systems must be bug free.

If not, something like this can happen:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIM-104_Patriot#Failure_at_Dhahran
Its not like every person has these issues, its a select few.
Only a few soldiers were killed. No problem for Apple defenders.

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Could be why some people are experiencing problems. Constantly putting updates over previous updates when its not broken.
And you measure this "broken" factor how?

I always use the Apple software updater to choose which updates are needed on my system. I admit I'm afraid I would download the wrong combo update for the wrong system and possibly screw it up even worse...lol
The updates contain sufficient checks, so that it is impossible to install the wrong update.
 
I can tell that no none commenting has ever worked with software development.

Mistakes happen, its impossible to test for every single system. Its not like every person has these issues, its a select few. You can test all day in the lab but until something is released in the wild the developers will NEVER be able to know if more bugs are present in their code or not.

For a company that takes pride that it's products 'just work', I expect much better. I agree that mistakes do happen, but they should never happen on this scale. I feel that Apple's Q&A department needs shaking up a bit. All of this could have been prevented.
 
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