Recently, many Pro Tools users found their systems not working. The software would either not load or if it did run, had errors. The problem was an unsupported operating system upgrade.

Apple released version 10.4.9, a fairly benign maintance update. Many users rushed to download the update before checing if it was compatible with their software applications. Well, it was NOT compatible with Pro Tools.

You remember the old customer services joke? The one that had an experated CS tell an ignorant user, ” You are too stupid to own a computer. Put it in the box and send it back!” Well, users that blindly load operating system software with no knowledge of what it will do to their programs, espically the programs that generate income, may be in that “ignorant” category. A general Mac web site like MacInTouch will quickly show users reactions to new OS updates. If you have a specific program you want to check compatibility, go to the manufacturers web site and do a search. Or go to the Users Conference and watch the moaning and groaning of those who couldn’t wait. The ignorant.

BTW, those poor Pro Tools users who foolishly downloaded the automatic update were not completly lost. They could download the Apple Combo Update of 10.4.9 and their system would start working again. But Digi still doesn’t recommend it.

Play smart. Turn off any Automatic Updates your computer might have. Don’t download any operating system software unless you know it will be compatible with your important programs.

A few minutes of searching now will save you a lot of trouble later.