Q. Does the Mac automatically install updates to programs from the Mac Store, or just OS X Yosemite system patches?

A. Along with OS X system updates, you can have the Mac install any app updates it finds during its daily check-in with Apple’s servers. If you are not sure what your Mac is set to do, open the System Preferences icon from the Dock, or go to the Apple Menu in the upper-left corner of the menu bar and select System Preferences.

In the System Preferences box, click the App Store icon. In the box that appears, you can turn on (or off) the check boxes to automatically check for updates and download those files in the background when your computer is connected to the Internet. Note that especially large updates from Apple can bog down your connection if your broadband plan is on the slower side. (If your surfing speed seems balky, a hefty OS X update may be downloading behind the scenes.)

In addition to installing Mac Store app updates and OS X patches, you also have the option of automatically installing data files and security fixes. (These are usually what Apple pushes out quickly to protect the operating system from Internet threats.) If you have multiple Macs around the house, the App Store preferences also give you the option to automatically download the applications purchased on the other computers with the same Apple ID.