CNET Editors' review
Not only does Secunia Personal Software Inspector provide extensive details on the software installed on your computer, it also gives you direct links to update programs that are older and potentially not secure.
The interface mixes professional layout with a text-heavy, spartan design. At the top right of the program window, users can choose a Simple or Advanced layout. Under Simple, Secunia provides basic information about the installed program statuses, with a chart to gauge their security over time and a simplified listing of any errors. Clicking on an error leads you through the proprietary Easy-to-Patch program update process, which automatically excludes more challenging updates. The Advanced layout tab exposes more details and more updates. It also checks your Microsoft XML, your Adobe Flash player installation, and others programs, looking for mission-critical holes and their respective updates. Installed programs get flagged as Patched, End-of-Life, and Insecure, with the most recent reported threat noted with a colored bar and a mouse-over label on the right column.
Scanning can be slow, and occasionally the scan restarted for a second round automatically after completing its first pass. However, the update process was seamless, and once you update a program, it moves into the Patched list after about 5 minutes, because Secunia defaults to run in the background. The End-of-Life tab offers up a toolbox with quick access to Add/Remove Programs, the listed software's folder, and online references. Secunia's plain language for instructions and explanations enhances the already robust update package, making this a highly-recommended freeware.
Publisher's Description
From Secunia:
The Secunia PSI allows you to scan, detect, check, and secure the applications installed on your computer. Get an assessment of the applications installed on your computer are they insecure, end-of-life, or patched. The Secunia PSI enables you to secure your applications, and to quickly and easily upgrade to new and secure versions of applications installed on your computer. Providing a graphical presentation of your performance week by week.
What's new in this version: Version 2.0.0.4003 fixed issue which caused the uninstallation, upgrade process to hang.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 367 votes
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Current version:
3.3 starsout of 7 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-7 of 7
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"2.0.0.4003 Hangs seeking server connection"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
Used to be a very useful program
Cons
This version is unusable on my Windows XP
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"Keeps me aware of programs that need updates."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
Easy to use, very accurate, a great application if you have a lot of software on your computer.
Cons
Sometimes flags programs that there is no way to remove, at least from the control panel (this is particularly true of Adobe Version Cue and Adobe DNG Converter, which are no longer needed starting with CS5).
Summary
I have several computers, and use this program on all of them. It has been a wonderful help in keeping my software current.
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"Excellent to keep up with important updates"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
Knows all my important programs
Cons
Auto update of programs doesn't always eeem to work
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"very satisfactory"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
helps me keep tabs on drivers
Cons
can't find any at the moment
Summary
Very pleased with this application for keeping drivers up to date
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"2.0.0.4003 Hangs when trying to connect with the server"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
As a longtime user, I have always relied on Secunia and found it to be a nifty tool to keep my computer safer.
Cons
This version is buggy.
Summary
I'm sure there are people out there who don't have any problems with this release. However, take a quick look around in the forums and you will see that many others have this same exact complaint. I have followed the troubleshooting threads to no avail. Ironically, one of the fixes that Secunia recommends involves removing the check mark for "Check for server certificate revocation" script listed under Internet Options > Advanced menu. If anything, this action will render your computer less secure!
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"v.2.0.0.4003 Hangs on initial screen. Unusable."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
I have used PSI in the past. A good product. However ...
Cons
Latest Windows version, v.2.0.0.4003, hangs during setup on the initial screen, Verifying Internet Connection, so product unusable.
Summary
I can find no support FAQs, support contact, or user community support through the Secunia web site. Hopefully, the company will read this review and provide some contact or resolution information for the issue.
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"Excellent program...it's like having a watchdog."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 2.0.0.4003
Pros
Keep up to date with your programs
Free
Never a problem running the program
Accurate results after scans
Excellent information and dwonloading advice...especially for Adobe and Java updatesCons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I've been using Secunia PSI for several years, just got a new computer and it was one of the first programs I installed. I trust Secunia to let me know what programs need updating, and allowing Secunia to run in the background doesn't slow down my computer and I know it will update/patch any program that needs it.
Results 1-7 of 7
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