Software Updates

Managed Updates

Most of our applications are updated by Munki, a managed software installation tool that is configured to install, remove and update applications on our laptops and desktops.  We access these updates via the Managed Software Updates application (image above). You'll notice a red circle badge with a number in the center when updates are pending (image above).  The number in the red circle indicates the number of updates pending.  You do not need to enter a password to install these updates.  Often these updates are installed in the background as you work as long as no blocking applications are running (i.e., if Chrome or the Google Drive app are open, they won't update in the background).  You will need to close these applications periodically to receive updates.

💻 Restarting Your Laptop

If your teacher laptop is acting sluggish, applications are failing to run, and/or you can't print you may need to restart it. Restarting your Mac essentially clears your computer’s memory and starts it up fresh. When you restart your computer, your Mac closes all running programs and offers to save any files you’re working on. After you choose to save any files, your Mac will finally boot up again.

Restarting a computer isn’t the same as turning the computer on and off, which completely resets the computer. If you really want to make sure that your computer starts up correctly, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it on again. If you’re in a hurry, try restarting your Mac, and if that doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll have to turn it off and on again. It is best practice to turn your computer completely off at least once a week.

To restart your computer, choose the Apple icon on the top left of your toolbar key and then select Restart.