Manage updates with the Download AppPublisher's Description
From CBS Interactive:
CNET TechTracker is a free application from CNET that helps keep the software on your computer up-to-date and secure. TechTracker works by scanning the software installed on your computer and alerting you when updates are available. Keeping software up-to-date is important because updates often contain patches that make your computer more secure and new features that make your software better.
TechTracker leverages the CNET Download.com software catalog -- the largest catalog of software in the world -- to provide secure, spyware-free software updates. TechTracker makes it easy to keep track of all your software updates in one place and ensure you are running the latest versions.
Features:
-
Receive notifications and easily install your latest software updates
- Choose how often TechTracker scans for updates
- Customize your applications list by hiding or skipping notifications
- See product ratings and software info.
What's new in this version:
- Bug Fixes related to TechTracker client crashes in Lion 10.7
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All versions:
1.9 starsout of 177 votes
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Current version:
1.5 starsout of 24 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
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"Nice while it lasted"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Did a reasonable (but not perfect) job of detecting updates to existing apps.
Cons
'Twas most foully murdered.
Summary
Once again Mac users are told they're not worth supporting and they should just be grateful for what scraps they receive and to shut the hell up!
I can't express how disappointed and angry I am that CNET is removing TechTracker for Mac without providing any kind of replacement. CNET can let their advertisers know I won't be seeing many of their ads now since I intend to bypass CNET whenever possible. That goes for my Windows machines too! -
"Occasional blips, but overall useful..."
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Automatically notifies of out-of-date software, background app allows you to control update procedure...
Cons
A little too many false notifications - i.e., up-to-date programs reported as not. TT has now been replaced with Download App, a lesser product imho. At least with TT, you could ignore or hide certain program updates - DL does not allow that, so now I have to look at paid-version update notifications of my free versions. Also reports out-of-dates that are current.
And about adware and malware installs with the app, I think the dude missed an opt-out screen...that said, I AM going to check out SUMO, mentioned by an earlier reviewer...Summary
A lackadaisical product, time I was moving on...
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"rubbish!!!!"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
none I can think of
Cons
constantly downloading things that are already down loaded whether I need them or not. Constantly crashing.
Glad to see it is no longer supported for the Mac - should suit Windows users, as they are used to crap software that keeps crashing!Summary
One line summary says it all: "rubbish!!!!"
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"They failed."
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Idea was good.
Cons
Execution was terrible (others already said all).
Summary
Closure is sometimes the best issue for a failed project.
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"Left our in the cold"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Was a very useful tool that brought me to CNET
Cons
WAS a very useful tool that brought me to CNET
Summary
I receive a message from CNET, that TechTracker is being discontinued on May 31st. There will be no version for Mac after that date.
Thanks a lot,
Me -
"Use only for reference"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
SO I only use it for reference and then go the specific sites to see if I need to download an update or if I already have.
Cons
As some said before: TechTracker also reports updates when you're already up-to-date, fails to catch some updates, and repeatedly tries to get you to upgrade software to versions that are either incompatible with your OS X version or require a paid license.
Summary
about what you'd expect for free...
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"Very useful; some glitches with product versions"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Keeps me aware of updates; consolidates updating
Cons
some glitches with product versions
Summary
Very useful
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"Saying that this is for mac may not be correct."
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
Very good at automatically updating your software!
Cons
Says that it is for mac? so why is the preview of Windows 7?
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"LESS THAN WORTHLESS!!! (IF THAT'S EVEN POSSIBLE.)"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
It teaches you not to trust this company! Actually, it provides a potentially good target for a class action lawsuit! These are the only "pros" that come to mind.
Cons
Completely wastes your time and energy! It's a sham, a disgrace and sullies the names of those, including the company, associated with it. Were the use of profanity permitted, it would be completely appropriate.
Summary
It does virtually nothing correctly except succeed at frustrating any potential user.
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"I wouldn't even bother with this"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1.1
Pros
It's a nice way to stay informed of when app updates are available.
Cons
Basically everything else. It hardly works. It flat-out ignores settings to blacklist applications from being checked for updates or to automatically download updates. You might as well not even bother with blacklisting, say, stock Apple software, because TechTracker will simply "forget" you ever blacklisted it in the first place and it will indicate updates for things like iLife apps, Safari, and iTunes, and you'll randomly find it hogging bandwidth as it downloads these updates in the background. Not to mention how idiotic it is that it checks these particular apps for updates to begin with, considering Software Update handles them already, and unlike TechTracker, won't report updates if your version of OS X is incompatible with them. TechTracker also reports updates when you're already up-to-date, fails to catch some updates, and repeatedly tries to get you to upgrade software to versions that are either incompatible with your OS X version or require a paid license.
Summary
Basically, using TechTracker is more tedious than simply handling updates manually by yourself. It's a piece of garbage which has shown zero signs of improvement in its history, so don't count on it getting any better. It's obvious CNET put basically zero effort into QA and bug fixing, so why bother writing the software in the first place?
I have just discovered that TechTracker, and CNET's installer, occasionally and surreptitiously installs malware on your PC without your knowledge or consent (http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7598_102-568380/coupon-companion-adware/ ). I just discovered that I had adware called Coupon Companion installed on my PC since 1/30/13, the same day I installed Windows 7 and used CNET's services to download and install my software. As TechTracker, and Download.com in general, is infecting PCs with malware, be it intentional or due to sheer incompetence of the development team, I recommend anybody using TechTracker and/or Download.com to cease using these services immediately. CNET cannot be trusted.
Updated on Feb 27, 2013
