Leopard Gets Its First Update - but many issues remain unresolved
Apple have released Leopard's first update, 10.5.1, which addresses a number of issues facing early adopters - but there is much more to be done.
According to Apple, "The 10.5.1 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac." (Specific details can be found here).
Some areas where users have reported significant issues not covered by this update include:
• Printing - not all manufacturers have updated their printer drivers for compatibility with Leopard's updated CUPS printing system. In my own particular case I discovered that my FujiXerox Docuprint printer wouldn't print from Leopard, and that no updated drivers were available - but what did work for me was that my printer was actually a 're-badged' Brother printer, and selecting that built-in driver restored printing. Think Different!
• Finder connections to some LAN-based storage devices (NAS) which are Windows-driven network storage devices usually connected to by SMB. It has been reported by one manufacturer of the hardware (often re-badged by popular brands) that there is driver incompatibility with Leopard, that new driver software is being developed, and that users should access their files via FTP or USB rather than SMB at this time.
• Connectivity and filesharing with Windows-based devices. Apple re-wrote the network interface and things are perhaps not as intuitive as once before. Connecting, browsing and file sharing with Windows devices seem to be a very hit-and-miss affair at the moment, with various workarounds working in some situations but not in others...hopefully Apple will make this a priority fix for the next update.
According to Apple, "The 10.5.1 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac." (Specific details can be found here).
Some areas where users have reported significant issues not covered by this update include:
• Printing - not all manufacturers have updated their printer drivers for compatibility with Leopard's updated CUPS printing system. In my own particular case I discovered that my FujiXerox Docuprint printer wouldn't print from Leopard, and that no updated drivers were available - but what did work for me was that my printer was actually a 're-badged' Brother printer, and selecting that built-in driver restored printing. Think Different!
• Finder connections to some LAN-based storage devices (NAS) which are Windows-driven network storage devices usually connected to by SMB. It has been reported by one manufacturer of the hardware (often re-badged by popular brands) that there is driver incompatibility with Leopard, that new driver software is being developed, and that users should access their files via FTP or USB rather than SMB at this time.
• Connectivity and filesharing with Windows-based devices. Apple re-wrote the network interface and things are perhaps not as intuitive as once before. Connecting, browsing and file sharing with Windows devices seem to be a very hit-and-miss affair at the moment, with various workarounds working in some situations but not in others...hopefully Apple will make this a priority fix for the next update.