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 ratings and software info.
What's new in this version:
- One-click installs with "Smart Install" feature: Save time and avoid clicking through every 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
- Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard
6,958 downloads
- Apple Mac OS X Lion
3,401 downloads
- Apple Boot Camp
2,835 downloads
- CNET TechTracker
2,532 downloads
- Apple Mac OS X Tiger
891 downloads
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All versions:
1.9 starsout of 154 votes
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Current version:
2.2 starsout of 18 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Very Buggy -- Keeps restarting in background"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Generally keeps my software up to date
Cons
The application is CONSTANTLY restarting in the background and failing. There is no uninstall utility. Using AppDelete or Appcleaner does NOT find and remove all traces of this. When you use an automated uninstall, TTEngine is still left as a running process. This is running like a BETA product right now. It took some time looking through system files to find all traces of TechTracker using substrings of TTEngine and Techtracker.
Summary
Please fix this app....it's too buggy.
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"very useful and informative"
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
no broken links that Ive seen. Always up to date
Cons
none, it is a wonderful , useful site.
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""Cnet Works""
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
This program does keep p software up to date on my mac which is running 10.6.8
Cons
It does download copies of program even when you stop and delete one cop,y of the program to the trash. An example of this is Tech tracker downloaded 3-4 copies of iPhoto 9, which I am not even using because I am not planning to upgrade to Lion/Mountain lion.
Summary
It would be nice if there was a setting in Tech Tracker where you could turn of the automatic downloading/updating
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"Basic functions great. Extended features - disaster."
Version: CNET TechTracker 2.1
Pros
Keeps good track of what you've downloaded and installed and does a reasonable job of keeping an eye on available upgrades.
Cons
On my system, it trashed 5 programs and related files when I manually deleted an unrelated piece of software. Doesn't offer an "off switch" to control features such as automatic deletion. Misses the versions of some software I have installed and keeps telling me they need upgrading when I already have.
Summary
Earlier version was better when it didn't try to do as much.
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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.
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