Generally speaking, I like Apple’s Software Update mechanism more than I liked Microsoft’s Windows Update. It generally seems less intrusive, runs faster, and has a simpler UI (disclaimer: I’m more familiar with WinXP than Vista; if the Vista experience has made it a lot better, be sure to comment to this post).

However, it still takes a lot more clicks than it should, especially for iTunes updates. iTunes seems to update itself more often than any other piece of software I own, and every time there’s an update I have to click once or twice to get past the License Agreement nonsense in addition to the clicks needed to just get the update installed. For minor “point” releases, I wish it wouldn’t ask me about the license agreement every single time:

Agreeing to the terms and conditions of, say, version 8.0.0, should imply that I agree for 8.1 through 8.9. Or heck, through 125.2. Does anybody read these things anymore anyway? Just give me a way to view the license agreement from the Help menu or something if I’m really worried about it.

Software updates should be, ideally, invisible; and when they can’t be, they should be simple to apply. I think Apple has done a good job with making them simple to apply. But many of them could be invisible. Windows Update had an option to automatically download and install (and even reboot if necessary) updates at 2AM. The next morning, updates are applied, and you’re none the wiser. Unfortunately this was a little scary, because there wasn’t a way to select which updates are authorized for automatic installation. It was all or nothing.

I want an option in iTunes where I can say, “Yes, yes, install whatever you want, whenever you want – just don’t bother me, kthx.”

I guess I want something more akin to the experience I have with software like Adium and Skitch. You’re told that there’s an update available, and you have to agree to install the update. After watching the progress bar (can’t anybody think of anything a little more entertaining than a solid bar filling up with the standard color? How about a clown juggling 3 balls, then 4, then 5? Or something?), I get a button that just stays “Install and Relaunch.” Which, unfortunately, is followed by a dialog asking if I want to allow it to touch all my keychain stuff (which I always say yes to). So there’s room for improvement there, too, but overall the experience seems cleaner and faster.

I don’t have all the answers, and I know that client software is supposed to be a dying breed, but I do think it’s time that someone – either Apple, Microsoft, or Linux – figure out a nicer way to install updates.

Speaking of Linux, I’ve never used a Linux Desktop OS. Those of you who have, I’d be interested in hearing about your experiences with operating-system updates as well as client software updates.