Apple’s 10.7.3 Update Causing Crashes, Graphical Errors
Apple’s Software Update application is one of the nicest things about OS X. You’re kindly alerted to a new update and can install at your leisure. But Apple slipped up Feb. 1, 2012, with the latest OS X Lion 10.7.3 update. Some users are reporting unsavory effects, the worst of which is heavy application crashing. But never fear, we’ve got the details on how to avoid any hiccups during your OS X update…
If you’re the unfortunate user who installed the Mac OS X 10.7.3 update right away, you might be dealing with severe crashing of system applications, in addition to bizarre graphical glitches where buttons and other objects have been replaced with a image of a question mark with the word “CUI” across the top. If you haven’t updated yet, that’s a good thing. You can take your chance with the OS X software update application, but your best bet is to download the Mac OS X 10.7.3 combo update. The combo update, unlike the “delta” update from Apple’s update application, includes data for upgrading any version of Lion, not just 10.7.3. Users have reported successful installs and successful fixes by using this version of the update. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is already under way fixing the issue, but the mere fact Apple pushed out 10.7.3 with bugs of this magnitude are embarrassing and far from the level of quality users expect.
When my Mac is alerted to any update, I usually wait a day or two to make sure everything is kosher. For VARs and channel partners who are relying on Apple hardware, I would recommend either installing the combo update, or simply waiting for Apple to re-issue the update with a fix. I’ll personally be waiting on Apple’s official fix. It’s certainly not imperative to be running 10.7.3 at this instant.
It annoys me when early updates come out for an OS and everybody freaks out and calls the company on it when there are bugs. This is an OPERATING SYSTEM, people.
Such quotes as “..bugs of this magnitude are embarrassing and far from the level of quality users expect” really rub me the wrong way.
Anybody remember when LEOPARD came out? Remember THOSE bugs?? How about when Tiger had to receive multiple updates AFTER Leopard’s release to address severe compatibility issues? Heck, do I dare pull out the Windows card? UPDATES HAPPEN. Sometimes, they aren’t perfect, like the humans that made them.
So far, we’re only at 10.7.3, and if the worst thing you have to do is manually install the update, I don’t think that merits this kind of whining. Only a few people have been affected by this, the fix is quick and simple, and the update addresses much more annoying-to-fix bugs that usually require MORE than a simple reinstall of the update.
I’m not saying that bugs are just dandy and we should all just accept them, but more that we should actually think about these things in comparison before just going “Herpderrrp!! Update bug, omg Apple sux!!1!!!”
It’s probably a very small percentage of users with problems, but I guess that’s no comfort to those who crashed their computers by agreeing to the update.
I totally agree with your opinion, in that it’s best to wait on any system update, to make sure it is working well. Unless you are ready to deal with the possible technical issues, waiting a few days may save headaches.
I am one of those affected and I certainly am not a happy camper. Tell me about that “quick and simple” fix, how much of fixing can I do if virtually every app crashes, I can’t even open Terminal… When an update renders the whole system unusable it’s a face-down. Shame on you, Apple!