CNET Editors' review
Hiring a professional computer-security consultant is out of reach for most home PC users, but Belarc Advisor can fill part of that gap.
The app analyzes a machine's weak points, looking at elements such as whether antivirus software is up to date, or whether all the security flaws in Windows have been patched. It uses the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmark test to give the computer a score showing its overall security level, and produces a report that can be viewed in a Web browser.
Not only does it analyze software and operating system components and tell you where problems are, but in its comprehensive report it tells you what your computer's physical components are: not just how much RAM you have, for example, but what kind of RAM and which slots are occupied.
This program doesn't fix the problems itself, but gives clear advice on how to address each issue. This download is free for personal use; we recommend it to home users as a first step in securing their home systems, or for those considering a hardware upgrade who want to see what's in their current system.
Watch the CNET video review of Belarc Advisor:
Publisher's Description
From Belarc:
Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, including Microsoft Hotfixes and software serial numbers, and shows the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any Web server.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 706 votes
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Current version:
4.4 starsout of 11 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Easy to download,easy to execute,information invaluable"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Gives you a wonderful analysis of what your computer has, as far as Hardware, and shows every bit of software and update to the window o/s that was downloaded successfully. The report was invaluable when I wanted to upgrade my computer, because it showed the hardware installed and I could evaluate what need to be upgraded first, to keep the computer performing in optimum condition
Cons
none that I have encountered yet
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"Provides great system information"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Provides all you need to know on your system and short comings
Cons
Almost too much information, takes a while to run.
Summary
Complete snapshot of your system and information on how to improve system
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"Great product for a great price"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Fast and accurate
Cons
Nothing to improve for me
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"Pure Junk - It Doesn't Work."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Nothing at all.
Cons
It seemed to install okay, though it did not let me choose which directory to install it to. That's always irritating.
When I run Belarc, a little window pops up that reads - Belarc Analysis. It seems to be working; it runs through three little substeps. Then it just vanishes.
I installed Belarc on my desktop computer and my notebook computer. They both have Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Belarc should work fine on both of them but it bombs royally on both of them. -
"An Inventory for your PC that everyone should have"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Many Software license codes shown - lifesaver if you need to reinstall and have misplaced the original disks.
Hardware information you may need for future upgrades including motherboard and processor specifics. Print it out and put it in a file drawer, it might come in very handyCons
specific memory type is not shown (use CPUID for this)
Summary
Potentially Very usefu, both immediately and in the future.
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"Excellent program"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Tells you all the programs, memory, OS updates everything on your computer.
Cons
None as of now
Summary
Everyone should have this program installed
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"Excellent Security Information"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Provides all necessary security information: Active up-to-date Antivirus protection; Check on critical Microsoft Security Updates and Hotfixes installed; and a Security Rating Score provided except for Windows XP Home Edition to which it does not apply. Also provided is a comprehensive tally of installed hardware and software, and a detailed map of the local network.
Cons
None really, about the only thing I can think of is the amount of time required to do all the analyses: Suggest doing away with the Network Status check because that adds to the time of completion and provides information only about the Network and not the PC that the Advisor is analyzing.
Summary
This provides everything and then some, but I use it to make sure my PC's are up to date on Microsoft Security updates and hotfixes. It even lists the installed Software Licenses on a given PC. And other devices such as Acronis True Image Backup Archive Explorer; HID-compliant mice and keyboards; Synaptics PS/2 Touchpad; USB Root Hub; etc. Even on a small Netbook the Display Chipset and Monitor details are displayed. Installed Printers and RAM, everything about the System. Main circuit board bus clock and BIOS. Processor, primary and secondary memory cache, whether hyper-threaded, etc. Details on Operating System, Install Language, System Locale, Date of Installation of O.S., Hard Drives, SMART status, USB Storage, Last Login Time, Bus Adapters, and Virus Detection. As stated, everything a novice, non-IT, non- Hardware Professional would need.
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"It's very good, but not great."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
There's a lot of good information.
Cons
There's a lot more that should be there.
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"Answers all the questions true geeks are asking"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Thorough and accurate, free for personal use.
Cons
There were none.
Summary
Belarc Advisor is the first line of attack when I need information about a system component to troubleshoot or upgrade my computer. It gives a highly detailed and accurate analysis of the system's software and hardware.
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"My Best Utility Program, First I install, and UPDATE."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
WHAT IS ON MY COMPUTER ? That is the question. This will give you ALL the information you need !
Easy to use. VERY INFORMATIVE !
A PLUS PROGRAM for "what's on my computer".Cons
I have trouble DELETING unwanted programs sometimes. That's it, cannot think of any.
Summary
I have used this for 10 years. I reccomend to friends, and install Belarc ADVISOR on computers I build, or help friends to repair.
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