Macs check for system updates on their own (by default) and prompt you when there are updates to apply to your system. If you want to update immediately, like after a fresh OS X install, you can check for updates by clicking on the Apple menu icon, then Software Update. However, if you want to update a system remotely -- a frequent need for remote servers -- you can do it from the command line.
Use the softwareupdate (all one word) command to check for updates or install them. Here are some commonly used switches:
| Switch | Effect |
|---|---|
--list |
list available updates |
--install |
install all available updates |
--install packagename |
install only packagename |
--schedule on |
turn automatic checking on |
--schedule off |
turn automatic checking off |
If you check for new software and there is nothing to apply, you get output like this:
iBook-G4:~ keithw$ softwareupdate --list Software Update Tool Copyright 2002-2007 Apple No new software available.
When updates are available, you get output like this:
iBook-G4:~ keithw$ softwareupdate --list
Software Update found the following new or updated software:
* iLifeSupport82-8.2
iLife Support (8.2), 2770K [recommended]
* QuickTime-7.4.1
QuickTime (7.4.1), 59940K [recommended] [restart]
* MacOSXUpd10.5.2-10.5.2
Mac OS X Update (10.5.2), 349324K [recommended] [restart]
To install updates, use the --install --all option:
iBook-G4:~ root# softwareupdate --install --all Software Update Tool Copyright 2002-2007 Apple Downloading iLife Support 0..20..40..60..80..100 Verifying iLife Support waiting iLife Support waiting QuickTime Downloading Mac OS X Update 0..20..40..60..80..100 Verifying Mac OS X Update waiting Mac OS X Update Installing iLife Support 0..20..40..60..80..100 Done iLife Support Installing QuickTime 0..20..40..60..80..100 Done QuickTime Installing Mac OS X Update 0..20..40..60..80..100 Done Mac OS X Update Done. You have installed one or more updates that requires that you restart your computer. Please restart immediately.
CommandLineMac
http://www.commandlinemac.com/article.php/20080122190716749