Mac OS X Panther in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition

Name

softwareupdate

Synopsis

softwareupdate [-h | --help | -l | --list]
softwareupdate { -i | --install | -d | --download } { -a | --all | -r |
--req | package? }
softwareupdate --ignored { none | add package ? | remove { -a | --all |
package ? } }
softwareupdate --schedule  { on | off }

A command-line version of the Software Update application, this checks for and installs Apple software updates. When invoked without arguments, it prints a usage statement to standard output.

Options

-d | --download

Download the specified update packages to the directory specified in Internet Preferences (now part of Safari’s General preferences), but don’t install them. The arguments are the same as the -i or --install option. This is useful when downloading updates for clients of a Network Install server.

-h | --help

Print a usage statement to standard output.

-i | --install

Install the specified update packages: either an explicit list of packages (with names as given by the -l or --list flag), all uninstalled packages (-a or --all), or only those packages listed as required (-r or --req).

-l | --list

Print a list of uninstalled updates to standard output, including package name, version number, size, and whether a reboot is required after the install.

--ignored

Add or remove packages to or from the list of those ignored for the system.

--schedule

Turn automatic checks for updates on or off.