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. Version 7.2k may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
What's new in this version: Version 7.2k may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 706 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 42 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great, just doesn't work right."
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Finds lots on my computer, but is antique in abilities.
Cons
Insist that I am running Vista, although I have run Windows 7 since day one.
Summary
Nice toy, but not worth taking serious.
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"A must have tool!"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
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"A great application to have"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
I've used this software for some time now, have also used similar software to analyse my PC's set-up, software and so on, I prefer Belarc. It seems to do the analysis as thoroughly as the alternative progs do, plus it's great for checking up on Windows updates. Not just to see if you are missing any, also to see if they have installed properly, which I really appreciate, nothing like thinking that you've updated your OS/office software only to have an update misfiring and leaving you with a gaping hole still.
Belarc regularly updates it's advisor to include new M/soft patches
It's free too!
Cons
None that I've found yet
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"I like it more now then ever before."
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
I've tried this app several times over the last 18 months or so and always found it useful with one exception. The CIS benchmarking was never close to accurate. Now that I'm using "Vista" I like this app more then ever. This version is more accurate in "Vista" then it was in "XP", at least for me. This time it picked up all my apps where before it always missed a couple. The fact that the CIS benchmarking not available yet for Vista only makes it better in my book as it's benchmark score was so far off with my XP machine it would have woke the dead. Although I find this app not a necessary install, it's fun to run just to see where your comp stands and to see how accurate it is. This app is good freeware and I recommend it for those with a "Vista" machine.
Cons
No cons. Just wondering what it will look like once the CIS benchmarking works with "Vista".
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"Just what I needed"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Everything in one place
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"Tells you everything you need to know about your PC"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Provides an extremely thorough report on hardware & software on your PC, including versions & updates. Also lists all installed MS updates & lets you know if any are missing.
An outstanding app. I'm impressed.
Cons
Nothing at all.
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"One of the best add ons to my computer"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
It analyzes your entire computer and withing seconds the completed results are listed on a new web browser page. See all security updates, hardware, software, etc. Too many goodies to list here. Do not fail to download. Superb.
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"total infomation"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Gives you all you want to know about your system right down to your update status. All the stuff we all should have in one place.
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"Download and ran free Belrac inventory program, which simple to use."
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Belrac inventory showed me what graphic card was in the system by model and version number. This great since I am not technically smart.
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"Thorough..complete"
Version: Belarc Advisor 7.2k
Pros
Important information on your computer is in one place.
Cons
Nothing so far...
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