In Mac OS X Server 10.3 and later, you can update software remotely using the Server Admin. This is an alternative to using the command line tool for remote updates.
Note: This method does not work with Mac OS X Server 10.4 or 10.4.1. In versions, use the "softwareupdate" command line tool instead. Once you have updated to Mac OS X Server 10.4.2 or later, you can install later updates using this method.
The Server Admin application offers the same function as Software Update preferences, but with the additional ability update your server remotely.
Follow these steps to update your server software using Server Admin.
- Open Server Admin and connect to your server.
- Under the Computers & Services column, click the server to be updated.
Note: If you have not added your server to this list, please do so before trying this step.
- At the bottom of the Server Admin window, click the Update button.
- A Check Now button appears in the pane above the Update button. Click this button to see all available updates for your server software.
- Once you see the list of available updates, select those you wish to install.
Note: If no updates appear in this window, your software may be up-to-date, or you may not have Internet access.
- After selecting the updates you wish to install, click the Install button.
- While the software is downloading and installing, you will see percentage complete progress for each installation, along with the progress indicator.
- When the Status of each package is "Installed," restart the server.
To learn more, see
Getting Started with Mac OS X Server and
How to Update Your Software.