In a not surprising step slightly sideways, Apple has released Mac OS X 10.4.11 and Security Update 2007-008. The 10.4.11 update provides enhancements for Tiger (10.4) systems, and includes the security update within it. The security update is also available standalone for 10.3.9 (Panther) systems.

It’s very good to see Apple continuing their past practice of supporting previous versions of the Mac OS when a new one (in this case Leopard) is brought out. They’re still adding features one major release back (Tiger) and security fixes two major releases back (Panther).

10.4.11’s main new feature is Safari 3. This version is the standard one included with Leopard, and also available, pretty much, for Windows and the iPhone. It includes a number of advanced features, but is probably not yet as well vetted from a security point of view as the previous Tiger version (2.0.4).

As far as the security update, it’s probably most similar in composition and relevance to security update 2007-004. In other words, no need for undue concern. Mainly theoretical “unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution” and “local user may obtain system privileges.” It even contains fixes to “Month of Apple Bugs” from January.

As with most security fixes, you probably do want to install this one, perhaps waiting a day or two to make sure it doesn’t break more than it fixed. As usual, we’ll let you know if we see anything like that.