Manage updates with the Download AppCNET 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.
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 723 votes
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Current version:
4.7 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"A must have analyzer"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
1. Analyzes a machine's weak points
2. Gives clear advice on how to address each issue.Cons
None so far
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"provides great detail and an exceptional overview too"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
gives you a detailed report of your units specs. Of special interest is memory details, empty slots , type of cards etc that allow you to make decisions w/o even opening up the unit.
Cons
Have not encountered any yet
Summary
Fantastic tool that no one should be w/o
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"Exactly what it says on the tin!"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Gives me all the information I want about a system before upgrading / changing / installing software etc.
Cons
Can't think of any.
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"Creates a good reference"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Provides a report of all programs, updates and hardware with serial numbers
Cons
None as of now.
Summary
I would recomend this program to everyone!
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"Great for checking software licenses key#"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Great for checking your Web Server connections
Cons
none so far
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"Very informative."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Great information for being free especially
Cons
I can't think of any cons at this time
Summary
Very informative program for checking specifications. I suppose it could have some performance measurements, but that isn't what this program is really for, so for what it's supposed to do, it does it well.
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"A Must-have Utility For All Windows Boxes"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Provides an enormous amount of useful information for virtually every Windows system (Win 95 - 7). In particular, the Belarc Advisor can detect whether all required Security Updates and Hotfixes are present and properly installed.
Cons
Many users will be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information provided. Also, the Security Benchmark Score may give many users pause, as its value will be quite low for most.
Summary
Even when Microsoft (or Windows) Update (even the Secunia PSI) scans a system and reports that all necessary Security Updates and Hotfixes are present, that does not automatically guarantee that they are properly installed (thus providing the protection intended).
Fortunately, the Belarc Advisor has the ability to detect security patches that are not properly registered (installed), and provides download links to obtain whatever patch(es) may be required, thus allowing manual installation. Additional scans will then determine whether the deficiency has been corrected (and provide for further user intervention, if required).
In addition, the Belarc Advisor provides a veritable smörgåsbord of information on the system, from the versions of all installed software to passwords, and all hardware (as well as peripherals), including model and serial numbers.
Together with the Secunia PSI ( http://download.cnet.com/Secunia-Personal-Software-Inspector/3000-2162_4-10717855.html ), another free must-have utility for Windows (2k on), the Belarc Advisor will help keep a Windows system fully patched and, as a bonus, provide an enormous amount of useful information about the system it is installed in. -
"Great tool to find your complete system"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
complete system deetails
Cons
n one known
Summary
Great tool to review set up and sources
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"Very good. Does what I need."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Very good. Does what I need.
Cons
Nothing bad to say.
Summary
Very good. Does what I need.
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"This is a great thorough program"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2a
Pros
Lots of useful information well catagorized
Cons
More information is baited for a pay for upgrade but I have found this to be an acceptable practice with many retailers and wholesale companies.
Summary
Great product for the money. I would highly recommend this to my friends and colleagues.
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