Why do many computer programs now continually update?

I understand why ant-spyare programs and anti-virus programs continuously update, but I don't understand why some others do. I just sat in front of my computer for 15 minutes updating Adobe Reader which is version 7.0.8, however, in addtion to updating version 7.0.8, it also updated version 7.0.5 and version 7.0.7. And each update took around 5 minutes, plus, each update required a restart of my computer. ....I'm sorry, but I don't get it. Also, I would think that I shouldn't have to update my Adobe Reader for a while now, but let's see how long until the Adobe Reader update nagscreen pops up again. If it pops up again in about a week or two, then something's not right. Also, why does a program like CrapCleaner need to be updated on a regular basis? I mean, it basically does the same function everytime you use it without too much variance in the files and folders that it deletes from your computer. I don't get it. Could someone explain?

 

iirc, adobe reader has updates to address vulnerabilities.

ccleaner, otoh, has updates for bug fixes, translations, and other minor things.

OT: ive long since replaced adobe reader with foxit reader.

 

Anything that is going to interact with the internet or run downloaded files should generally be kept up to date to avoid security vulnerabilities. Others, like CCleaner, are generally just going to contain bug fixes and such, as WSFuser noted. The constant updating of CCleaner gets a bit annoying to me, and I also switched to Foxit, but otherwise I will keep things updated as much as possible. Once you get a good set of prefered software, this shouldn't be too much hassle.

 

Thanks, guys.

 

BTW, what are the advantages of the Foxit Reader over Adobe?

 

Foxit is smaller and faster

 

Unfortunately, my online-bank forces me to keep on using Adobe Reader.

 

Thanks, guys. And I'm just hoping that neither one of my bank accounts that uses pdf files for their online statements require that I use Adobe.

 

I hope so too RCGuy, I didn't had the choice.