The latest major patch update to Mac OS X 10.6.8 just got pumped through Software Update, and this is one patch everyone with a Mac is going to want to make as soon as possible: without it, you won’t be able to upgrade to 10.7 Lion when it is released on the Mac App Store next month.

Here’s what’s new:

The 10.6.8 update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that: – Enhance the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion

– Resolve an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit

– Improve support for IPv6

– Improve VPN reliability

– Identify and remove known variants of Mac Defender

You can see full release notes here. To download the update, either open Software Update or download the update directly here.

[via MacRumors]