Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.5.3 Update

Apple has released its Mac OS 10.5.3 update, incorporating a slew of fixes for its “Leopard” operating system and bundled applications—incuding compatibility patches for its vaunted Time Machine backup utility and Time Capsule wireless storage device. Apple is recommending the update for all Leopard users; it should be available now via Software Update, although standalone and combo installers are also available from Apple’s support Web site.

Key fixes in Mac OS X 10.5.3 include improved Wi-Fi networking and compatibility with Apple’s Time Capsule wireless backup drive, fixes for Apple’s Mail application and iCal calendaring utility (although it’s not yet clear whether these include fixes for published potential security vulnerabilities in the program), along with significant fixes for Leopard’s virtual desktop utility Spaces.

As always, Apple recommends users perform a full backup of their system before installing the update, just in case anything should go wrong.