Go to WindizUpdate

By Michael Ventnor Free Editors' Rating
The Download Now link will prompt a local download of the Firefox extension. To install the extension directly, open the file using your Firefox browser.

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Feb 27, 2009

While it's true that this program offers an alternative to Windows Update, it wasn't always smooth sailing with this freeware. The headaches were even harder to overlook knowing this application offered virtually no advantages over the standard Windows offering.

For one, WindizUpdate was duly downloaded and installed, but when the link in the Firefox Tools menu was clicked the first time, we were directed to the WindizUpdate site and notified that a system scan indicated we didn't have the plug-in installed. There was no explanation for the two-part installation. That could be forgiven if there were some benefits in using WindizUpdate over the standard and also-free Windows Update. Unfortunately, this freeware tool just adds steps to the process and its results didn't always jibe with what the Microsoft tool recommended. To check for updates, you not only need to open Firefox, access the link, and run the scan, you'll then need to pick and choose which updates you want to install. The Web site makes a vague promise that the scan will cover software aside from Microsoft's, but it doesn't specify which ones. Our testers didn't find any scan results that backed this up. Also, the results of the WindizUpdate didn't always tally with what Microsoft Update recommended.

Novice users are better off sticking with the standard update tool. Those who can make informed decisions about which updates to install, or those who just prefer working through Firefox, can give this freeware a shot.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 0.7

This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.

General

Release November 7, 2008
Date Added October 15, 2007
Version 0.7

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista
Additional Requirements Windows XP/Vista, Mozilla Firefox 1.5 - 3.0a2

Popularity

Total Downloads 2,742
Downloads Last Week 0
Report Software

Related Software

Ghostery (for Firefox) logo

Ghostery (for Firefox)

Free
Ghostery (for Firefox)
MaskMe for Firefox logo

MaskMe for Firefox

Free
MaskMe for Firefox
WOT (Web of Trust) for Firefox logo

WOT (Web of Trust) for Firefox

Free
WOT (Web of Trust) for Firefox
NoScript logo

NoScript

Free
NoScript

Developer's Description

Go to WindizUpdate is designed to provide an alternative to Windows Update which will run in Firefox, Netscape or Opera. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.

Promo image for CNET Shopping

Get the best price on everything

Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click. Designed to make shopping easier.