Apple Releases Update to Mac OS X 10.5.7

We talk a lot around these parts about operating systems that aren’t officially released yet, but there’s still work being done on the OSes of today.

Just as Windows Vista has its second Service Pack (it’s gone gold and should release soon), those of the Mac camp have a brand new update to download to bring their OS X installations to a whole new number.

Apple today released an update to bring Leopard to 10.5.7 – what many believe to be the last major update before the release of Snow Leopard.

Apple lists the following as general fixes and improvements:

• Includes latest security fixes.
• Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
• Improves performance of video playback and cursor movements for recent Macs with NVIDIA graphics.
• Resolves an issue with Dvorak keyboard layout in Mac OS X 10.5.6.
• Improves the reliability and accuracy of Unit Converter, Stocks, Weather and Movies Dashboard widgets.
• Addresses a situation that may cause issues when logging into Gmail.
• Improves reliability when syncing contacts with Yahoo!.
• Expansion Slot Utility for Mac Pro now reports the correct PCIe slot configuration.
• Improves network performance when connected to certain Ethernet switches that have Flow Control enabled.
• Improves stability for network home directories hosted by Mac OS X Server v10.4.
• Improves Finder search results for network volumes that may not support Spotlight searching, such as Mac OS X Server v10.4, Time Capsule, and third-party AFP servers.
• Includes several improvements to Directory Service and Client Management, which are described in the About Mac OS X Server 10.5.7 Update article.

There are also other fixes for iCal, Mail, Parental Controls and Printing. Check out the full list here.

If you have a Mac running 10.5, you can get the update from Software Update or you can download them separately from Apple’s Support Downloads. The base update from 10.5.6 will run 442 MB.