For my first blog post, I am going to be reviewing a couple of software update checkers
Testing software requires the latest version, right?!
As I always think "newer = better" (although this is not always the case), update checkers are essential
Whether it is for patching up security flaws in your programs or just getting the latest features, a good update checker should provide a simple interface for checking and actually downloading the updates
Oh yeah, I forgot to add: Any programs that I list are free to download and install
FileHippo.com Update Checker
This tiny app checks for updates amazingly fast and then displays any updates in your browser. You can then download the updated program from Filehippo.com itself
Pros:
-Tiny! (149kb)
-Fast at scanning
-No need to install
Cons:
-Only checks Filehippo.com's database
-Doesn't pick up all your programs
Overall:
Its fast, small and effective at showing and allowing you to download the latest versions of the programs on your system
Download Site: http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/
Note. Although this is a BETA, I have had no problems with it whatsoever, enjoy! :bigthumb:
Secunia PSI RC3
This program is geared more towards detecting program vulnerabilities than just general program updates.
It did a good job at detecting programs on my computer, but it took longer than Filehippo's Update Checker. If any updates are available Secunia PSI gives your the download link from the individual programs' websites
It also give handy visual charts of various things, if you're into that kind of thing
Pros:
-Detects loads of programs (To show extra programs don't forget to unmark at the settings Tab:
[ ] Show only "Easy-to-Patch" programs)
-Provides download links directly from vendors websites
-Provides more info about security patches
Cons:
-Slow at scanning
-Adds a tray icon
-Interface can be slow to load
Overall:
A good solid program, but not my favourite because it's slow (and im impatient!)
Download Site: https://psi.secunia.com/
SUMo
Software Update Monitor, or SUMo is a tiny update checker. What makes it different from the rest is that the more people that use SUMo the better the results become. To explain this I will use Firefox as an example:
Ok, I download SUMo and use firefox
SUMo then checks what version other people are using
If more than 50% (i'm guessing) are using a higher version than me, my version of firefox will be displayed as outdated
SUMo scans for any programs installed on your system, then checks against it's database for updates. After selecting 'Get Update', the program opens your browser with a custom page. SUMo then provides various means of searching for the update online. It also gives stats about how many people are using which version of the program.
Pros:
-Quick to scan (although not as fast a Filehippo's Update Checker)
-Detects loads of programs
-No need to install
Cons:
-Buggy interface
-I have had a couple of false positives (with BETA versions of programs)
Overall:
Accuracy depends on how many people are using each program, but overall I have been impressed about how many programs SUMo detected. Out of all the programs SUMo detected the most programs on my system
Download Site: http://www.kcsoftwares.com/index.php?download
Conclusion
Each of these programs have their pros and cons, but I always find myself going back to Filehippo's Update Checker because of it's clean, simple interface and it's speed
- honda
Testing software requires the latest version, right?!
As I always think "newer = better" (although this is not always the case), update checkers are essential
Whether it is for patching up security flaws in your programs or just getting the latest features, a good update checker should provide a simple interface for checking and actually downloading the updates
Oh yeah, I forgot to add: Any programs that I list are free to download and install
FileHippo.com Update Checker
This tiny app checks for updates amazingly fast and then displays any updates in your browser. You can then download the updated program from Filehippo.com itself
Pros:
-Tiny! (149kb)
-Fast at scanning
-No need to install
Cons:
-Only checks Filehippo.com's database
-Doesn't pick up all your programs
Overall:
Its fast, small and effective at showing and allowing you to download the latest versions of the programs on your system
Download Site: http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/
Note. Although this is a BETA, I have had no problems with it whatsoever, enjoy! :bigthumb:
Secunia PSI RC3
This program is geared more towards detecting program vulnerabilities than just general program updates.
It did a good job at detecting programs on my computer, but it took longer than Filehippo's Update Checker. If any updates are available Secunia PSI gives your the download link from the individual programs' websites
It also give handy visual charts of various things, if you're into that kind of thing
Pros:
-Detects loads of programs (To show extra programs don't forget to unmark at the settings Tab:
[ ] Show only "Easy-to-Patch" programs)
-Provides download links directly from vendors websites
-Provides more info about security patches
Cons:
-Slow at scanning
-Adds a tray icon
-Interface can be slow to load
Overall:
A good solid program, but not my favourite because it's slow (and im impatient!)
Download Site: https://psi.secunia.com/
SUMo
Software Update Monitor, or SUMo is a tiny update checker. What makes it different from the rest is that the more people that use SUMo the better the results become. To explain this I will use Firefox as an example:
Ok, I download SUMo and use firefox
SUMo then checks what version other people are using
If more than 50% (i'm guessing) are using a higher version than me, my version of firefox will be displayed as outdated
SUMo scans for any programs installed on your system, then checks against it's database for updates. After selecting 'Get Update', the program opens your browser with a custom page. SUMo then provides various means of searching for the update online. It also gives stats about how many people are using which version of the program.
Pros:
-Quick to scan (although not as fast a Filehippo's Update Checker)
-Detects loads of programs
-No need to install
Cons:
-Buggy interface
-I have had a couple of false positives (with BETA versions of programs)
Overall:
Accuracy depends on how many people are using each program, but overall I have been impressed about how many programs SUMo detected. Out of all the programs SUMo detected the most programs on my system
Download Site: http://www.kcsoftwares.com/index.php?download
Conclusion
Each of these programs have their pros and cons, but I always find myself going back to Filehippo's Update Checker because of it's clean, simple interface and it's speed
- honda
