Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Most of the programs on our computers these days come with automatic updaters that will alert you when a new version is available. If you prefer to be more proactive about your updates, though, there's Update Checker. This simple program will automatically check for updates for a wide variety of programs and alert you when a new version is found. Although most people probably stay pretty up-to-date by letting this task take care of itself, those who like to have more control may find Update Checker useful.
The program appears as an icon in the system tray, and mousing over it displays a small pop-up with the number of updates found. Double-click the icon and it will launch a results page in your default browser displaying all of the available updates. In our case, there were two regular updates available, and also six beta updates. The program doesn't check for updates for every installed program, but it works fine when it comes to browsers, media players, chat clients and the like. A link next to each item in the list let us quickly access the available updates. The program has a few extras in the way of settings; you can customize connection type and have the program scan for programs in specific places if they're not installed in the default locations. There's no Help file, but the program is pretty self-explanatory. Overall, we think that Update Checker is a good tool to have on hand if you're especially conscientious about keeping your software up-to-date.
Update Checker installs politely but leaves a folder behind upon removal.
Publisher's Description
From FileHippo.com:
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.
What's new in this version: Version 1.038 has improved for .NET 4.0 compatibility.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 73 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 27 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Excellent product. Best updater I've used."
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Updates are often identified before the program itself notifies me of an update. This keeps software current with no effort or delay.
Cons
So far, haven't found how to mark software I don't want updated to keep from being reminded.
Summary
Highly recommend this for novices and experts alike. With all the software being used on the average computer, trying to keep all of them current without some kind of help would be a daunting--and probably a full-time--task. Update Checker is probably the best of the bunch, in my opinion. Can't beat its intuitive nature.
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"Works Consistently, But Doesn't Support All Programs"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
- Small, Fast Download
- Easy To Use and Lightning Fast
- Not Bloated, but just lists your available updates which you can download from the same webpage
- Often picks up updates that the competition (CNET TechTracker) miss
- Also Lists Beta Updates, which I find of interest, although I prefer not to work with themCons
- Doesn't Support all programs, and limited to its' own catalogue of updates.
Summary
File Hippo Update Checker is limited to its' own catalogue of software updates which is considerably smaller than that of CNET TechTracker, but where it excels is in its performance. It scans your system at lightning speed and simply lists your available updates. There are no false or bloated reports. If you download the new version of your software and rescan, the new scan will NOT include the details, since it is no longer interested. It's Update Checkers way of telling you that you're up to date.
It will also scan for Beta updates.
I recommend this software to anyone who's looking for a simple and reliable way to keep informed of their software status. If only there was a way to apply this software to the CNET catalogue !!!!! -
"the best update checker i have ever used"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
fast, easy, effective, nice lists, download links are accurate
Cons
no option to run on a weekly schedule.
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"A great program for lazy person! ;)"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Simple to use, clear layout, fast search, suitably functions (such as "Customize Results" and opportunity to see the Beta versions) as well as result information is easy to understand.
Cons
I do not give full stars because the program does not recognize all the programs (a few), less common programs are not available, and because the program does not have the Finnish language (even though I offered to translate).
Summary
Application is quick and convenient way to become aware of new versions of programs.
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"Good for keeping software up-to-date"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Easy to use.
Also finds Beta updates.Cons
Doesn't check all software.
Occasionally errs in determinng if software needs updating. -
"Very easy to use and accurate in the program versions"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
It does all, to start it is the only thing to do.
Cons
It doesn't check all the installed programs
Summary
Very useful
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"Updates a lot of programs easily."
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Updates a lot of programs easily.
Cons
Doesn't cover all programs.
Summary
Good addition/
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"Excellent at what it does"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Very, very fast on default settings. Can run from a "least user access" account. Fairly easy. Highly customizable: Non-standard install locations, hide/display beta versions, hide unwanted updates. Can be set to run when Windows starts. Quite free.
Cons
Requires Microsoft .NET (though you'll never guess from the error message). Doesn't cover as many programs as some. "Settings" link is only available while the scan runs, and UDC's so fast you may only have a few seconds to hit it.
Summary
Update Checker only checks programs available for download from FileHippo.com. But FileHippo has a large and varied library (including such esoteric items as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer), so you might be surprised what UDC finds.
Secunia's Personal Software Inspector will find things that UDC will miss, but PSI requires admin privilege and is a lot more awkward to use. Combine UDC for speed and ease, and PSI for security, and you should do quite well. -
"Version 1.038 quit working. Had to revert to ver 1.037"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Version 1.037 is great.
Cons
Version 1.038 doesn't work.
Summary
If you have a working version, it's lite, fast, without bloatware. Defly rec.
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"Very good program!!"
Version: Update Checker 1.038
Pros
Easy to use, fast and accurate!
Cons
Non at all!
Summary
I have used this a while and love it. I recommend it for anyone who does not like automatic updates and would rather check and update software themselves.
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