Fix for Mac OS X Security Update 2006-003 Application/Finder Slowdown

Initially, we had no problem with Mac OS X Security Update 2006-003 that Apple released a week ago last Thursday. We updated a number of Macs including two Intel-based Macs, a 2GHz iMac Core Duo and a 2.16GHz MacBook Pro.

Then, with further use, we discovered that the LiveUpdate feature of Norton Antivirus 10 caused a system freeze on our iMac Core Duo--Symantec is working on a fix.

We also noticed that Adobe GoLive CS2 on our MacBook Pro has experienced a significant slowdown in window resizing, scrolling and data entry (typing). Apparently, Security Update 2006-003 causes significant problems with the Adobe CS2 applications generally, like preventing a startup with Version Cue installed. Fortunately, we did not have Version Cue installed and the slowdown with GoLive is just plain annoying. It seems like Rosetta is just not doing its job on GoLive after the security update. We have not heard that Apple or Adobe is preparing a fix for the application that we use the most following Mail and Safari.

Finally, yesterday we installed Security Update 2006-003 on our Intel-based 1.66GHz Mac mini Core Duo because it does not have Adobe CS2 or Norton Antivirus 10 installed. On reboot, the startup was very slow and the desktop, including the menu bar, formed in random pieces very slowly. Another reboot was faster and more coherent but still much slower than before the update was applied. Apple Mail was very slow, especially typing replies and in the address and subject fields. Typing in the Google box in Safari was also very slow. All three of our Intel-based Macs have now experienced significant problems with Security Update 2006-003. But we were able to fix this one.

First, we downloaded the stand-alone file, repaired permissions and re-applied the update with all applications closed and without doing any other work at the same time. Things sped up a bit but Mail was still unacceptably slow. Then, we disconnected all USB and FireWire devices except the Apple USB keyboard and mouse, turned off all network port configurations in the Network pane of System Preferences and re-applied the update. The third time was the charm. Our Mac mini Core Duo now is back to full speed when using all applications. The startup is still much slower than before but we can live with this annoyance.

So, if after applying Security Update 2006-003 you are experiencing a significantly slower application or Finder performance on an Intel-based Mac, try disconnecting all USB and FireWire devices except the keyboard and mouse, closing all network ports and re-applying Security Update 2006-003. It worked for us. [Bill Fox]