Which is your main Update checker? (with poll)

[progress]

Which is your main Update checker?

[Pinga]

Since Sumo comes bundled with spyware that monitors Internet browsing and purchasing activity

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=194509&page=7

I've lost all trust and am currently testing Updatestar.

[Tarq57]

Secunia PSI runs on startup, I manually use Filehippo's application from time to time.

[tsec]

Never felt the need for an update manager. Apart from the AV definitions for CIS, I always seem to remember to regularly check manually for all updates for products installed here that require them.

[progress]

I was trying Update Notifier for some days and I'm really satisfied :)

[The Hammer]

I voted for none currently. However I'm mulling it over.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "I was trying Update Notifier for some days and I'm really satisfied :)" }-

Think this is a great poll. I'm really interested in what people are using when comparing the different alternatives since this type of software is not discussed so much at all. :)

[TOMxEU]

Softpedia's email notification.

[JRViejo]

Wilders Update Alerts (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34)!

[deanmartin]

Secunia, Simple Online Scan.

[Joeythedude]

I just use the secunia online scan.
takes about 40 seconds and covers windows and browser add-ons,
So alerts to a lot of vulnerabilities.
Flash and adobe and java installations tend to be a bit of a scary maze, so very helpful in easing my mind about what i had installed where.

for other apps , which tend to be games , I just leave them at what ever version gets them working :)

[ThunderZ]

I voted for "other" = myself.

[Page42]

-{ Quote: "I voted for "other" = myself." }-
Same here.

[noone_particular]

None. I don't allow any auto-updating on my PCs. When I decide that I need a specific update, I do it manually.

[The Hammer]

Actually I suppose i do have one, NOD32 gives me alerts.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "Actually I suppose i do have one, NOD32 gives me alerts." }-

Alerts on missing/new updates for other programs and maybe the OS? :-\ :doubt:

[raven211]

I don't think e-mail notifications, Calendar of Updates, Wilders' Update Alerts and such are considered as the same thing. An "Update Checker" is something which looks at your programs, and sometimes also the OS, to see if there are new updates available. That's why it's called "Checker". It's something that you run to "check" your system - not a notification through text or such.

Hope this clarifies things. :)

[progress]

-{ Quote: "Think this is a great poll." }-

Thank you for the flowers :)

[TOMxEU]

-{ Quote: "An "Update Checker" is something which looks at your programs, and sometimes also the OS, to see if there are new updates available." }-
True, but unfortunatelly, no checker contains all software, though on Softpedia it takes a few months sometimes , till some software gets updated. ::)

[dw426]

Secunia, hasn't failed me yet.

[Bob D]

-{ Quote: "Secunia, hasn't failed me yet." }-
Here for Secunia as well, though I solely employ their OSI (vs. their PSI).
Thorough, succinct analysis.

[tipstir]

Rising PC Doctor updates the OS/Office, fixes issues.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Windows has its own combined with Office
FoxitPDF has its own
Java has its own
Shockwave, Flash..same
Antivirus self manages.

[mack_guy911]

Secunia PSI for me :D

[fishmaster]

I use my 'auto' manual...me gut tells me to check for an update on a certain product and I do...or...
A few certain sites alert me of 'updates' via some folks posts to some of the products I have and then I manually update.

Of course, certain products I dare not update until I do a full back up.

[chrisretusn]

I used to use an update checker. In my opinion based on my experience you need more than one if you are going to cover all bases. All of them quite often show false updates. Some are very limited on what programs they track others go way overboard and track every executable that comes with an application when only one key file or executable will do. That and do I really need to have the latest update of every program I have installed on my computer? Nah, to much effort with very little real gain.

If a program has it's built in update check I use that. If not then it may not get updated unless I visit the home page or notice a post in one the the forums I frequent. For some programs I also use there RSS feed to receive update notifications.

On Linux, it's all about staying "current". The few programs I use that are not part of my chosen Linux distribution; I update only when there is an advantage to do so.

[Kyle_Katarn]

-{ Quote: "Since Sumo comes bundled with spyware that monitors Internet browsing and purchasing activity

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=194509&page=7

I've lost all trust and am currently testing Updatestar." }-

SUMo comes in a "Lite" version with NO SPONSOR AT ALL.

[the Tester]

I currently use the PC Security Analysis tool in IObit Security 360.

[MikeBCda]

I ticked "other", but "none" probably would have been more accurate since I don't currently use any application to auto-check (other than, of course, the ones in my avast a-v and in Firefox and Thunderbird). My primary source of info is the Updates thread over at the avast forums, and I'll occasionally do a manual check, as in when I do my weekly defs updates for SAS and MBAM which will normally catch program updates at the same time.

I used to use Secunia, but their last upgrade made it essentially unusable for me. The online version consistently failed to load the Java applet properly, and the installed (PSI) version complained about improper certificates, so I dumped that and went back to relying on notices from other users.

[Cloudcroft]

-{ Quote: "Wilders Update Alerts (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34)!" }-
Same here. :thumb:

[progress]

-{ Quote: "That and do I really need to have the latest update of every program I have installed on my computer? Nah, to much effort with very little real gain.
" }-

An interesting question, do you think an updated browser and pdf reader should be enough? :-\

[progress]

Yesterday I removed UpdateNotifier due to too many server connection problems :(

I will give Secunia PSI a try :)

[Threedog]

I don't use an actual update checker but I usually do check out Beta News and File Hippo's download site for latest updates.

[nikanthpromod]

File Hippo update checker:)

[moserw]

Secunia PSI and CNET TechTracker. No single solution as such.

[SirPeterPan]

KC SUMo, Microsoft Update and Secunia PSI.

[nikanthpromod]

SUMO includes a spyware. So if u want to use it , then use its lite version.

[SirPeterPan]

-{ Quote: "SUMO includes a spyware. So if u want to use it , then use its lite version." }-

Or don't select to install the spyware during the installation of SUMo.

[progress]

Database informations:

FileHippo Update Checker: ~ 200 applications
Secunia PSI: ~ ? - who can tell me ???
SUMo: ~ 90.000 applications
UpdateNotifier: ~ ? - homepage is down again :(
UpdateStar: Free version ~ 13.000 applications / Premium version ~ 260.000 applications

[BILL G]

Other Wilders Update Alerts Manual CHK

[Noob]

I update all my programs manually.
I get to the vendor main website and check ;D (I got too much time)

[nikanthpromod]

SUMo Lite (RK)

[ProrokX]

My main update checker? My habits;D! Everyday I read about news from Internet world on my favorite software sites...many of them has something like "new version of software...etc." I have only trusted software vendors, so every new version is there;D
For security software new versions information- I go here;D
Rest- I update it manually
And thats all

[ameyap]

is an update checker really required?

[firzen771]

-{ Quote: "is an update checker really required?" }-

IMO yes, especially wen u have a lot of programs installed.

[gaslad]

I use the Calendar Of Updates website:
http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?

It's always current - no software to install. ;)

[ChineseChicken]

Update Notifier and Update Checker but could only vote for 1

[Creer]

None.
(only manualy by bulit-in originaly updater in software which I use)

[LambRador]

Secunia PSI and CoU.

[Watasha]

I use both Secunia and File Hippo.

[lubieplacki]

I dont use anyone, but maybe today I'll install Secunia PSI

[SIR****TMG]

filehippo

[Mr.PC]

SUMO
and
CNET's TechTracker
http://www.cnet.com/techtracker/?tag=nodl (http://www.cnet.com/techtracker/?tag=nodl)

[progress]

FileHippo Update Checker :)

[Triple Helix]

I pick none as I visit Calender of Updates http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?app=calendar and 99% of products are shown there also anyone can add and entry to the Calender all you have to be is a member!

TH

[J_L]

SUMo and RSS feeds.

[mvario]

Update Manager (ubuntu)

[blacknight]

None. I like better to take notices and to manage by myself.

[littlebits]

I use RSS Feeds from Major Geeks, Softpedia and Cnet.
I use Feedreader to get the feeds and have it set to run with my system and minimized in the taskbar.
You can easily subscribe to the developers page to get the latest updates of individual products.
Software updater programs never get the version correct.
I've tried several and all have disappointed me.

Thanks.:)

[AvinashR]

None for me...

[YanK33]

none cause i like to visit those home pages and see if a new driver or software version is available, ex nVidia, Realtek, Java, Microsoft, Tune-up Utilities etc,etc all by hand lol:argh:

[CiX]

Other (360 Safeguard)

[mrgigabyte]

Filehippo
Calender of Updates
Softpedia send me email
Secunia

[Ranget]

mmmmmmmmm

why do Secunia hang on my PCS

anyway

Looking for something powerful Like it


i didn't like the currently alternatives but what shall i do :doubt:

[LoneWolf]

None here. ;D

[J_L]

-{ Quote: "Looking for something powerful Like it " }-
KC Softwares SUMo detects even more software than it, and alerts for all kinds of updates, not just security. It's only on-demand though, and can detect many other unnecessary files (such as multiple executables for one program). Very good for an advanced user.

[Ranget]

-{ Quote: "KC Softwares SUMo detects even more software than it, and alerts for all kinds of updates, not just security. It's only on-demand though, and can detect many other unnecessary files (such as multiple executables for one program). Very good for an advanced user." }-


Thanks i tried Sumo

But i don't think it has an autoUpdater :doubt:

if sumo Have an autoUpdater Function It will be something Like Perfect ::)

[J_L]

That's why I said on-demand.

[Hungry Man]

Filehippo has most of the software on my computer.

edit: Going to switch to ninite.com. Their updater costs money but you can just run the installer.

[luciddream]

I always check for updates from the drop down menus in the program itself.

And my AV is the only thing I allow to auto-update, and engine + defs only. I look for product updates once a month (2'nd Wed. of each month), along with my Windows updates.

Everything else I do manually.

[NoobStick]

In addition to Wilder where I often see that new updates has been released (:thumb: ), I use "calendar of updates" and "Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)".

[Jose_Lisbon]

Secunia.
Nothing else comes close.

[Hungry Man]

What programs does Secunia show?

[dw426]

-{ Quote: "What programs does Secunia show?" }-

Well, I currently use it and motherboard drivers show, Windows/Microsoft programs/files, Flash, browsers, AV, media players utilities like CCleaner. If it's at least a decently known program, Secunia is likely to show it. Often times it tells you of updates before the programs themselves tell you. I love its auto-update feature. It saves you a good amount of checking, though I'd be more cautious with Windows updates.

[J_L]

I remember it showing most of my programs, but only security updates and issues.

[Hungry Man]

Holy... Secunia updates a ton. Will it update my stuff even if the update has 0 to do with security?

[J_L]

No. That's why I didn't keep it.

[Hungry Man]

Hm. That's such a shame! It has every single program I have installed... I may keep it for a while, just to see if it's worthwhile at all.

edit: I'll keep it. And I'll continue to use ninite.

[Jose_Lisbon]

-{ Quote: " but only security updates and issues." }-

That's what it was designed for.
And that's why I like it.
I'm not interested in the very latest version of a given program. Many times it is a bad surprise. Bugs, glitches, compatibility issues...
What I want is:
1 a version that works
2 a version that is patched

[J_L]

Unless we're talking about betas, the very latest stable usually fix bugs and glitches. The very latest security update isn't exempt from those issues either.

Stability, speed, resource efficiency, and more features are important to me as well. There should be very little compatibility issues unless you're updating major versions (excluding Chrome and its copycats of course).

[Athletic]

None. I don't like updateing thing that works very good. Security on my PC is enough for me, without security patches and software updates.

[Hungry Man]

That's not a very good attitude...

by that logic you could be using firefox 2.x because "it works."

[nisby79]

I voted for Secunia PSI

[datarishik]

How do 'UpdateNotifier' and 'UpdateStar' compare to other popular update checkers? Never tried them.

[mrpink]

I only use Secunia for security purposes. I update my programs myself. I mostly use portable apps, so having portablefreeware.com on my bookmarks is all i need really, but i have all major download sites bookmarked and i visit them daily, so i can not miss an update.
The problem with update checkers is that they can not detect all the programs you have on your system. Sumo was ok but FileHippo was a joke. Out of around 60 apps i had, it managed to detect 16 or something

[cozumel]

I am the update checker. Voted 'other'

[jadinolf]

Microsoft Update

[J_L]

-{ Quote: "How do 'UpdateNotifier' and 'UpdateStar' compare to other popular update checkers? Never tried them." }-
Update Notifier seemed to have stopped working, at least according to TSA (Gizmo's Freeware).

[Ranget]

what do you think about cnet Techtracker ?

seems decent

[J_L]

Problem is the downloaders with adware.

[Hungry Man]

I haven't had adware with NiNite. Working well still.

[Osaban]

None, most important stuff I check it. It is critical to update Windows once a month and make sure that the antivirus is updating at least daily, otherwise I'm not in a hurry.

[AlexC]

FileHippo Update Checker here.
It checks for updates at startup, and if it finds any, it gives direct download links, if not, it closes. Among others, Fillehippo keeps trace for Java and Flash Player updates.

[Hungry Man]

I like the portable FileHippo Updater. It checks for beta updates, which is nice.

[enemyofarsenic]

Any new cool updater to use?

[Noob]

Right now with my life being busier i tend to use outdated software unless i do a fresh format ;D

[poison]

I use Secunia PSI and I've been using File Hippo Update Checker for a few week which seems pretty good :thumb:

[atomomega]

I do have a weekly update session on my machines... ;D
I used to use Secunia PSI but it became bloated... >:(

[The Hammer]

-{ Quote: "I do have a weekly update session on my machines... ;D
I used to use Secunia PSI but it became bloated... >:(" }-
Bloated how?

[atomomega]

-{ Quote: "Bloated how?" }-
It's been almost a year since I last used it but I remember that there was an update to version 2 I think. It was nice, but somehow there where at least 2 instances running all the time, services and stuff added to startup, all hidden in a cluttered interface.

[ams963]

I like secunia psi...completely hands-free with it's automatic updating...

[Francis93]

Secunia before, now NONE. :thumb::thumb:

[Nick Rhodes]

Zen works in the office, Ubuntu's built in update manager at home.

[ExtremeGamerBR]

Rarely use the FileHippo Update Checker. Normally I do not use anything.

[nikanthpromod]

SUMo..

[SirPeterPan]

Microsoft Update

PortableApps.com Platform Updater (for portable programs that follow PortableApps.com Format specification)

KC SUMo (for installed programs ; also tweaked to scan folder with portable programs that don't follow PortableApps.com Format specification)

[Cloudcroft]

Secunia online.

[mrpink]

-http://www.raymond.cc/blog/heimdal-agent-keeps-vital-software-up-to-date-preventing-driveby-attacks/

[Kyle_Katarn]

You should use SUMo ( http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?download ) since its developper is a forum member ;)

[J_L]

For SUMo, you should get Lite or Portable version that doesn't have opt-out bundles.

[skudo12]

Anybody else used this? Seven updater -http://sevenupdate.com/-
Features
Provides automatic updates for software
Full update history
Application Repository - a list of applications that can be updated with Seven Update
Add an application to Seven Update by clicking a link on a web site
Automatic search and download of updates (depending on settings)
Hide & restore updates
Intuitive user interface
Hash verification, no corrupt files!
Displays download counts and sizes.
Informative progress, know exactly what Seven Update is doing.
SHA1 Hash Verification – uses SHA1 to determine if a file needs updated
Register DLL/OCX files in the system
Create shortcuts
Ability to read the registry for directories
Write, update and remove keys/values in the registry

[poison]

-{ Quote: "You should use SUMo ( http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?download ) since its developper is a forum member ;)" }-

I just downloaded SUMo and Nod32 alerted me. I guess it's a false positive?

230924

I submitted it for analysis anyway.

[skudo12]

Your AV's are reporting the toolbar's and rk in the sumo.exe. I think that it is safe although annoying, but the developer needs it for funding. If that is bothering you, just download sumo lite in the download page for sumo.

[poison]

-{ Quote: "Your AV's are reporting the toolbar's and rk in the sumo.exe. I think that it is safe although annoying, but the developer needs it for funding. If that is bothering you, just download sumo lite in the download page for sumo." }-

Thanks. I also tried the nork version but the following was reported..

230927

I think I'll give SUMo a miss for now and try again at another time.

[SirPeterPan]

-{ Quote: "Thanks. I also tried the nork version but the following was reported..

230927

I think I'll give SUMo a miss for now and try again at another time." }-

You should try SUMo LITE, not "nork".

Here is a direct link: http://www.kcsoftwares.com/files/sumo_lite.exe

You can find it at the download page (http://www.kcsoftwares.com/index.php?download) where it reads "Free of all sponsors download links" (CTRL+F this to find faster).

[poison]

SirPeterPan, I totally missed the free of all sponsors link on my first and second visit :s Thanks for the direct. :)

[TonyW]

-{ Quote: "You should try SUMo LITE, not "nork"." }-But the sumo_nork version is supposed to not contain the Relevant Knowledge bundle. There are options to install other stuff though.

The AV detections some are seeing relate to Relevant Knowledge, and not to SuMo itself or other bundled software.