Apple has released a 97MB update to its OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system which takes the software up to version 10.4.3.

Apple's website lists 60 improvements to Tiger, and bundled applications including Spotlight, the Safari internet browser and Mail email client. 

The patch claims to deliver increased system performance, additional compatibility with third-party products and the fixing of a number of bugs.

Additionally, the update resolves issues with foreign language versions, including Arabic, Hebrew and Traditional Chinese.

Safari is now the first major browser to pass the Acid 2 test, which verifies a browser's compliance with several current internet standards. 

A quick probe by vnunet.com found that the current versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera failed to pass the test.

Apple first reported passing the test in May. The update marks the first time that the application is shipping to end users.

The forthcoming Firefox 1.5 and Opera 9 are expected to meet the testing criteria, but Internet Explorer 7 is expected to fail.

The Apple patch is the third major update for the operating system since its launch in April. The vendor updated the software to version 10.4.1 in May, followed by version 10.4.2 in July. 

Users can update their systems through the automatic software update feature or from Apple's website here.