The guide assumes you've already downloaded the Garmin map update. If you need detailed instructions on how to download the map update, check out this tutorial I published a while back.

First, you'll need something capable of extracting the files contained within the single map update file. I like WinRar. You can download a free version via Rar Labs' website. It's available for both Mac OS and Windows.

Download and install WinRar. Launch WinRar, open the Garmin map update file, and click "Extract To". Save the extracted files in a folder that will be easy to find, such as a folder on your desktop.

Wait while map update file extracts. Once the extraction process completes, quit WinRar.

Browse to the folder that contains the extracted files.

Run Setup.exe in the Windows subdirectory to begin the update process.

Important: If you're running the update on Windows Vista, right-click the Setup.exe file and choose Run as Administrator. If you don't do this, the update will fail.

Click Next to continue.

Accept the license agreement and click Next.

The map updater installs the files onto your computer first, then it will build a map file and transfer it to your nuvi.

Once the map update is finished, you can safely uninstall the Garmin map updater from your computer (which you might want to do, since it's just over 2 GB in size).

Be patient - this process can take a while...

Once the installer completes, click Finish and disconnect the nuvi from your computer.

You can verify that the new maps have successfully been installed on your nuvi by tapping tools > settings > map > Map Info.

There you go - that's everything you need to know to have a slightly smoother map update experience.

Of course, it goes without saying that Garmin really should modify the installer to at least show some progress status, and not force users to sit at their computer for 10 minutes hoping for the best. Until then, I recommend the above approach.