For all you computer techies:  I am trying to download the most recent software update for my Lowrance unit.  I am told by their customer service that their software is not written to work on Mac products.  So, I downloaded the file to my PC.  It downloads as a UPD file (whatever that is).  The problem I have is I can't get my computer to open the file and I don't know what program I need to open it.  Has anyone been through this one and what did you have to do to convert the file and save it to a SD card? 

Thanks!  Al

You don't open it on your computer.  You download the software update (usually a "zip" file that compresses a bunch of smaller files into one.  Extract the zip file contents to a folder, then copy them to an SD card.  Put the SD card in your unit and power it on, then it will automatically update.

Here's the link to Lowrance's instructions.

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Software-Updates/HDS-Gen1-Software-Update/

Thanks 3W.  I had done what you stated but it didn't want to update my unit.  I incorrectly thought it was the type of file that was wrong.  What I eventually figured out is I had to download the previous software update (2.0) before it would allow me to download the newest version (3.0).  Maybe they assume people just know this stuff.  I think they should state that or design it so the newest version would include the updates from previous versions.  All is good now...

Yah, I would think there should be a booming job market for technical writers who understand how to write in plain english. 

/rant_on

Technical writers are chose for their ability to please the legal team, the marketing group, and work for cheap. Few companies are interested in providing informative, easily understood documentation for the end user.  If the technical writing was viewed as a profit enhancer rather than pure overhead, it could be different.

/rant_off

Paul