Publisher'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:
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- 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 information, including ratings and software data
What's new in this version:
- One-click installs with the new "Smart Install" feature: Save time and avoid clicking through every software installation step.
- Immediate scan results: View your scan results immediately from the TechTracker desktop software.
- More advanced controls: Pick the most convenient time for your queue to run, and limit the bandwidth your downloads use.
More Popular Operating Systems & Updates downloads
- CNET TechTracker
7,686 downloads
- Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard
5,975 downloads
- Apple Boot Camp
3,536 downloads
- Apple Mac OS X Lion
3,455 downloads
- Apple Mac OS X Tiger
824 downloads
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All versions:
1.9 starsout of 149 votes
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Current version:
1.9 starsout of 14 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Disable the unwanted Uninstaller"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
This is informational
Cons
This is informational
Summary
I posted this a reply to another comment but it was displayed out of order. Figured this might help others frustrated by the unwanted Uninstaller feature. Honestly, I think it's a nice idea, offering a function I've seen in PAID utilities. However, I would consider it "dangerous" for the average user as unless your aware of when to delete prefs and application support files (total app removal) and when not to (upgrades) it's going to cause you pain. And TechTrackers lack of explanation/documentation/etc certainly does not help.
I found a way to disable the automatic Uninstaller feature that triggers when you drag an application to the Trash. The method was a bit techie so I've tried to work out a simpler approach that does not take you into Terminal. ;-) Your username needs to be an admin user for this to work. While I have seen no problem as a result of this, I have to put in the disclaimer *follow this procedure at your own risk*, (yada, yada).
I preferred to disable but not delete the app so I can always put it back if I want to.
1) Make a copy of any application. Drag the copy to the Trash to trigger Uninstaller to run. (This is to get the app to appear in the dock.)
2) Right click the Uninstaller icon in the Dock and select Options> Show in Finder. (This will reveal the "Resources" folder where the Uninstaller application is... inside the TechTracker engine package.)
3) Right click the Uninstaller app icon and select "Compress" from the context menu. Because the default permissions in this folder do not allow you to write, the compressed file should be written to the desktop.
4) After the compressed file is created, delete the Uninstaller app from the Resources folder. This will require you to authenticate.
5) (Optional) Drag the compressed version of the Uninstaller file from the desktop back to the Resources folder. (If you want to keep it where it was originally for future reference.) Once again you will need to authenticate.
6) If you didn't do so already, quit the Uninstaller. (You can empty the trash to delete the copy of whatever app from step 1.)
At this point when you delete other apps the Uninstaller can no longer run. Oddly, I couldn't find it logging any complaints about this either. -
"Mac Version 2.1.0 doesn't work"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
None that I can think of as the product doesn't work!
Cons
Latest version doesn't work at all on my Macbook (10.6.8). All earlier updates worked fine, but this latest one is useless.
Summary
Bring back Versiontracker!
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"Keeps my PC current"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
No hassle upkeep of most of my nominated software
Cons
Has trouble with Auslogics. both latest version and sub programmes
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"did not get it to run after 5 tries uninstall / install"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
none did not run
Cons
did not run
Summary
Did not run with the first version also. I could not give zero stars
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"Very helpful when it works"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Running it weekly really helps me keep my software up to date; but it is only helpful when the application works. However, I only have it inform me of what needs updating. Once knowing that I go to the appropriate sights to get the updates.
Cons
More times than not, after a very long pause, I get an error window that states that a "Communicatgion error has occurred. CNET TechTracker is unable to contact the server." E-mail, web browsers and anything else the goes out to the Internet is working just fine. Quit the program and try again periodically and eventually it works properly again. Annoying. This is version 2.1.0 (489) along with at least 2 previous versions.
Summary
I like the program and what it does. I just wish they would clean up whatever this problem is with the so called communication error. Since everything else works fine with connecting to the Internet I have to believe that the problem lies in TechTracker. As soon as it seems to be running longer than usual I know I will end us seeing that error window.
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"Garbage. Won't run on my Lion OS X iMac"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Would be good if it actually worked.
Cons
Won't run on my iMac. Have requested assistance from CNET but have had no response since about 2 months ago. Would rate it zero stars if I could.
Summary
Garbage since it won't run. Disappointing absence of support from CNET.
Nonexistent support. Can't get it to run on my 27" iMac and have never heard back from CNET support. Tried uninstalling and re-installing according to the self help instructions but has never worked.
Updated on Feb 12, 2012
Too bad since it would be a good app if it actually ran on my Mac. -
"Little value, lots of hassle."
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
None that I can see.
Cons
I couldn't get the latest version to work right, and nothing in the help and troubleshooting files was clear enough to prove useful. Ended up just removing it from all four of my machines. There are plenty of other programs, like FileHippo, that are slicker and more intuitive. Also, I hate all of the e-mail reminders, and it's a hassle to keep shutting them off. This was a marginal program to begin with and the latest "improvements" push it over the edge.
Summary
There are better options available. Too clumsy.
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"Automatic updating is a disaster"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Claimed to let you select software needing update then do the actual download. Would be great if that were true.
Cons
The automatic download "feature" keeps downloading copy after copy of programs that are out of date, even if those programs were "hidden" on the list because the new version is an unwanted paid update. Before I killed the program it had downloaded more than 20 copies of the latest iPhoto, along with many copies of other programs (one of which I have never owned). Whenever I stopped one download thread it would start another.
It's like DIsney's Sorcerer's Apprentice. Once started it won't stop, and there seems to be no way to control what it will download.Summary
It used to be a helpful assistant that reported on outdated software. The current version is a buggy disaster.
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"Please, no uninstall ancillaries when emptying trash"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Like the new features, but...
Cons
Desperately need a preference to turn off the uninstall logic when an application is manually dragged to the trash. This confuses folks who don't understand, and leads to inadvertent deletion of preferences which really should be retained if a new version of an application is subsequently installed.
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"I want VersionTracker bak!!"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
The fact that it was once so good and useful, and CNET would like us to believe that they have our best interests at heart (a gracious assumption), I'm sure that this product may once again become something more than a methodology for CNET to know what applications we have installed and if they're important enough to us to update.
Cons
VersionTracker was an excellent tool over which I had complete control. It was application. You've turned into, being kind, an annoyance; as a previously delighted VersionTracker user, it's now an abomination that requires more effort than it saves.
Summary
I've downloaded the latest Mac rev and I'll try it for a couple of weeks. Based on previous revs, my expectation is that I'll be removing it from my system. What CNET has done to a perfectly good product since they acquired it only raises questions in my mind about their ability to effectively critique anything.
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