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.
Version 1.5 includes Secure Browsing, Secunia PSI WorldMap.
What's new in this version: Version 1.5 includes Secure Browsing, Secunia PSI WorldMap.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 399 votes
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Current version:
4.4 starsout of 10 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-10 of 10
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"Seems to do what it claims"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
Does what it says
Cons
None that I know of
Summary
Both scans I have run show I am 100% percent patched - so guess I was doing okay on my own - but I feel good knowing for sure all is well, and I know I will slip up sometime.
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"Handy and free"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
Makes keeping important programs up to date and secure, automatically. Easy interface.
Cons
Sometimes keeps listing a program as insecure after it's been updated
Summary
As hackers find security holes in so many programs these days, it's nice to have Secunia watching your back. I don't always remember to check if I have the latest (secure) versions of programs and Secunia does it for me, and provides a simple way to download what ever patches are needed from the individual program's website. Lately, however, it seems to be telling my versions of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel are all "insecure" when Microsoft Update says there is no updates, while the same versions of these are NOT flagged on my laptop. I'm going to uninstall/reinstall Secunia and see if that helps.
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"This program is helpful."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
Reveals programs useful to update for large and powerful programs. Mostly the java programs.
Cons
Misses quite a few programs for update.
Summary
Simply helpful in updating your system.
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"Does exactly what it says it will"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
an invaluable peice of software.
a great app to have on your machineCons
there are none
Summary
said it all above..
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"Fantastic FREE program!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
It found tons of unpatched programs, that I thought were up-to-date, and without these patches that I was unaware of for my programs, my computer could have been taken over. Don't need to find patch yourself because it links you to the correct patch!
Cons
NONE! I find this program perfect, and easy to use.
Summary
Fantastic program that helps find the most recent updates for your programs, plus it provides you to the download link, so you don't have to find it yourself.
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"It does what it says it does"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
It's excellent, but you can't tell it to forget about a program. PSI didn't like my version of Java. When I clicked on the area that sends you to the homepage I got a message, "Congratulations, you have the latest version of Java".
Cons
Sometimes has erroneous data
Summary
I like having it, it saves me a lot of time.
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"Great found 7 programs that needed replacing."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
After replacing the 7 programs the computer sped up very nicely.
Cons
Not really one but could find and replace drivers. Just a suggestion.
Summary
Get it . It is free and very light on your computer.
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"Absolutely recommended software--don't live without it!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
More than covers all the bases for me. I've used the program for a while now, including the newest version, and I haven't been let down once.
Cons
None that I have found or experienced.
Summary
Has alerted me to newer versions of products I use before I receive notice of revision from the developers themselves. Found a couple out of date programs I no longer needed or used. I don't like wasted disc-space; and I keep my system simple. Secunia helps me do it better, and it's free!
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"CRAZY if you don;t use it!!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
First, it's free and then unlike many free programs it actually does what it is supposed to do. Also, it does it extrememly well and if you surf without it or access material from other sources you are risking your entire drive and files. It works!
Cons
To date there are no downsides to this program at all. I use it all the time and recommend it to anyone.
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"A new kind of really useful helper"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 1.5
Pros
sometimes faster than the program by itself - finding updates and keeping the computer equipped with the newest software. Or finding obsolete programs that are a potential hidden security risk.
Cons
it doesn't cover all bases yet - but is improving -
Summary
When I first ran this program I was surprised about the amount of remnants I had on my aging computer! This way it not only keeps the programs I want to keep at their best, but also helped to get rid of others I don't use any longer.
Results 1-10 of 10
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