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.
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 729 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 19 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Best Home System Security consultant"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Has the detailed report for your hardware and software as well.
Cons
No support for the auto fixing the problems displayed.
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"Does the job"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
really good to run this before you do a system restore or reformat, also before and after adding new hardware.
Lists hardware, incl. mobo, memory (including slots and whats in them, CPU details, OS, network, installed software, registration keys for some software and moreCons
Could be easier to read (fonts and size). No big deal
BTW, there are constant updates you can download almost every time you use it, but it's fast, and you can click "No."Summary
Get it...
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"Excellent source of info on your computer!"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Easy to Download and use.
Cons
Have not had any problems.
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":Have used Belarc before;it collects useful info!"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Fast info collection.
Cons
None for me.
Summary
Highly useful info about your system!
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"particularly useful when changing PCs"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Great means to identify/list programs for special use - shows version, etc - useful for proprietary software as well as downloaded applications
Cons
Would be great to include the extensions used in browsers as well
Summary
I swapped/upgraded 3 PCs (used for differing projects) in 1 week - Belarc kept me organized thus saving time to duplicate prior configurations
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"Make BELARC a standard utility"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Belarc takes a snapshot of your system's hardware and software. It allows you to keep a record of software keys, and it includes a survey of state of the security of your system.
Cons
No real drawbacks - it keeps improving.
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"An excellent product.Extreme detail on PC and software."
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
Everything you ever wanted to know about your PC, its configuration and the software on it.
Cons
No cons that I can see.
Summary
Excellent product.
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"GREAT TOOL TO HAVE ON EVERY COMPUTER YOU OWN"
Version: Belarc Advisor 8.2g
Pros
It provides a quick and easy way to get a record of everything dealing with the hardware and some software probucts on your computer. It has even provided me with "License Numbers" for some installed programs that I could not find elseware.
I always take a printout with me when I need to take the CPU in for repair and then do a "new" one when I get it back.Cons
Absolutly none that I have ever experienced using if for many years on at least six different computers.
Summary
I recommend it to everyone I know as a lot of people are not even aware that it exists, let alone the programs capability.
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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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