Where do software updates go?

[mistermoya]

Just wondering, where do software updates go after it gets downloaded? Let's say I downlaod a 50mb update from software update does it go into my computer or does it disintegrate into thin air?

Does it eat up significant harddisk space ro just disappear after youd install it?

[dust]

I assume the software update gets applied and the installer is deleted.

[Adel]

Originally posted by mistermoya
Just wondering, where do software updates go after it gets downloaded? Let's say I downlaod a 50mb update from software update does it go into my computer or does it disintegrate into thin air?

Does it eat up significant harddisk space ro just disappear after youd install it?

It stays in the system until the app/update is installed then it is erased. The only remnants will be a marker in Library/Receipts and in Software Update's log.

If you want the update saved, in Software Update, click on the checkbox beside the name(s) of the update(s), but instead of clicking on the Install button in the main window, go to the menu bar, drop down the Install Menu and click on 'Install and Keep Package'.

That way, the update is saved for transfering to another computer (as opposed to downloading it again) or for archiving in case you have to reinstall and don't want to go through the hassle all over again. It will be saved in Library/Packages.

[penmanila]

i make a habit of saving all the update packages in an "installers" folder, and i keep them around for a few weeks or months, until i'm pretty sure the latest version is stable. you never know when you'll need to reinstall an earlier version, esp. if the new one is a bomb.

[ginoledesma]

If you're using Software Update, by default it doesn't keep the installer once downloaded/installed. If, however, you would want to keep the installer, choose "Download and Install package" from the file menu instead.

The installer will go to the /Library/SoftwarePackage folder. You can keep them for future use (as I do so that I don't have to redownload them in the event of a clean install).

[super_ed]

if you're using Speed Download, it goes to your SD2 Folder automatically of your User/Documents Folder.

[quicksilver]

if i may ask: i saw a library folder under my username (along with documents, desktop, music, pictures, etc), but i didnt see any subfolder within library named "receipts", "packages", or "software package". are these folders automatically created?

[Adel]

Originally posted by quicksilver
if i may ask: i saw a library folder under my username (along with documents, desktop, music, pictures, etc), but i didnt see any subfolder within library named "receipts", "packages", or "software package". are these folders automatically created?

Yes they are, but there are two Library folders, remember. One in your root directory, for system-wide/admin use, and another one in your Home folder, which is for just your user account. If there are other user accounts in your Mac, each one of those will have its own Library containing settings, files and preferences just for that user.

[quicksilver]

Thanks, Adel. I didnt know that. How do I get to the root directory?

[Adel]

Originally posted by quicksilver
Thanks, Adel. I didnt know that. How do I get to the root directory?

It's the main, or base directory of your boot drive. Where everything is. Also known as the top level. Just open up a Finder window, go to the pane or column view, and scroll to the left as far as you can go. That should be the root directory. The Library folder is there. Along with Applications, System and Users, among others.