Manage updates with the Download AppCNET 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 3.0 has updated user interface, history, and scan individual drives.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 399 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 14 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Flags uninstalled apps, plus cheap adware con"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
None - waste of time.
Cons
Flagged uninstalled programs as requiring updates. Flagged all installed programs as OK. In other words, useless. Also, installer made transparently misleading attempts to install two adware programs: InfoAtoms (browser add-on, inserts content-related ads while browsing), Strong Vault (online backup trial version). For each adware program, a popup says "Click 'Accept' to continue this installation". "Accept" button is bright green. "Decline" button is dark gray, "Close" button is lighter gray. Prompt and button visuals suggest that "Accept" must be pressed to continue installation of Secunia program. However if you click on grayed "Decline" button, installation of Secunia will still continue. It's a cheap, cheap con to install those adware programs.
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"A must-have!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
Easy to handle
Cons
Scans thoroughly
Summary
One of my favorite's
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"DON'T DOWNLOAD FROM CNET!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
Good program. Does what it's supposed to do with MANY programs that you might run.
Cons
It can be a bit slow and doesn't cover some of the programs I like to use. When I downloaded it from CNET, in spite of my instructing it not to, it made a third party search page (Claro Search), labeled as dangerous by my AV software, my home page in ALL my browsers. It took quite a while to undo most (but not all) of that damage. I let CNET know about this problem. MAYBE they will correct it.
Summary
From now on, I will download directly from the publisher's website, not CNET. Sorry CNET, ONE STRIKE AND YOU'RE OUT!
I forgot to mention - after that hassle, I downloaded Secunia PSI from the publisher and experienced no problems during or after installation.
Updated on Nov 22, 2012 -
"PSI 3.0 awful"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
none to recommend it
Cons
Old version 2.0 much better, keep it if you have it.
Summary
keep old version
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"Great tool - needs improvements"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
Reports outdated/vulnerable software
Cons
No custom install - Not interested in adding more clutter to my SSD drive
Summary
No custom install option to select drive
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"version 3.0 is el stinko!"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
there ARE no Pros in version 3.0
Cons
version 3.0 is for the simple-minded.
Summary
If you want the best, GET the best...the best in this case being version 2.0.0.4003
NOTE: the link is on the middle far right-hand side of the page.
fortunately, you can still get version 2.0.0.4003 at the following link: http://secunia.com/products/consumer/PSI/sys_req/
Updated on Oct 20, 2012
you can also download version 1 from the same page. -
"Wait until they fix it."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
It used to work.
Cons
It stopped working for me and for others I have heard.
Summary
Don't bother until they get their problems fixed. Just get by with cnet, filehippo, and windows updater until then.
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"Secunia PSI Updated to v3.0.0.4001"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
The Secunia PSI remains a "must-have" utility for every Windows box. Version 3.0 is well-suited for those who desire a minimum of interaction with the maintenance of their computers, as well as the technically challenged.
Cons
Version 3.0 still offers insufficient advanced options compared to v2.0 for technicians and those who prefer to delve under the hood, as it were (see below).
Summary
Secunia have updated their PSI to v3.0.0.4001 (2012.09.28), described as a "minor maintenance release;" the changes listed are:
- Support for Secunia CSI 6.x integration
- Norwegian language support
- Added option to select not to download updates automatically but only be notified about them and then decide which to download and install
- Minor bug fixes
Cumulative PSI changelogs (as well as download links for current and previous versions) are available at https://secunia.com/products/consumer/PSI/sys_req/.
The Secunia PSI remains a "must-have" utility for every Windows box. Unfortunately, v3.0 continues to provide inadequate advanced options as compared to v2.0 (such as presenting scan results with detailed installation paths and folder links for detected components).
Though the PSI v3.0 is well suited for those who desire a minimum of interaction for the maintenance of their rigs, as well as the technically challenged, v2.0 will remain the version of choice for everyone else. Fortunately, Secunia continue to make previous versions available. -
"Great utility for updating programs."
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
It is quick and automatically updates most programs.
Cons
I some cases updates need to be manually assisted.
Summary
Great utility I will continueto use and recomment to others.
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"New versions are Win8 or Apple g4y! Must get 1.5.0.2"
Version: Secunia Personal Software Inspector 3.0
Pros
Still the only option for finding security flaws and updates from a trusted database.
Cons
You have to get the old version 1.5.0.2! The newer versions 2.0 and 3.0 are just pathetic and worthless. Good luck at trying to find it, even on hacker sites. They must know it's value and want to suppress it because it's so "amazing". Gotta love how companies make a great product and then kill it with "updates". The Advanced mode of the 1.5.0.2 is the only reason for using this product at all. Someone needs to get the computer magazines on this so they can ***** about it (guess that would only be MaximumPC or Consumer Reports, no one else has any balls). The new version isn't even fit for Grandma use!
Summary
Why don't they just make a Pro model and charge money for it?!
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