In the past, we have written about the importance of keeping Windows updated and running smoothly. Just yesterday, we commented on the yellow shield and how Microsoft’s Windows gives you the proper “warning lights” to let you know when there are updates for Windows. But what about your other programs? They are updated by the manufacturer from time-to-time as well. How do you know when to update them?
Unfortunately Windows did not include any programs, other than Microsoft products, into the “yellow shield” update warnings nor did they include any standard feature for monitoring the updates of other programs on your PC. The only warning most programs issue occurs when you open the application to use it. With some programs you are greeted with the standard “there is a newer version of this ….. would you like to update now?” How inconvenient is that. You are in the middle of something and your options are to wait 5-10 minutes for the update or skip it (which is what most people end up doing). For those programs that do not prompt you when an update is available, you would have to search for the update yourself. What would make you think to even look for an update in the first place?
Well, luckily there are some applications out there that were built to handle these exact issues. These “update trackers” are real-time programs (always running in the background) that analyze the applications on your computer and warn you when an update has been released for any of them. They work much like the yellow shield warnings that Windows gives you, but with much more flexibility and information. I took the time to test two different FREE programs and here are my findings on each:
- Update Notifier (CleanSofts.org) – The first FREE program I tested was (at the time) the only Update Tracker I had ever seen.
- The layout and simplicity of the program are great.
- Each program on your computer is shown as a line item, with related icons, installed version numbers and publisher information.
- Anything with an update is shown with a big green “download” icon, which takes you directly to a CleanSofts.org download page.
Update Notifier
- TechTracker (CNET) – I stumbled across this FREE program while on the CNET web site. CNET is a respected and trusted name and I thought I should see what they had to offer.
- The results/recommendations are shown in a web page, instead of a program window.
- The layout is almost identical to Update Notifier with icons, version numbers and publisher info.
- Updated items are clearly marked and moved to the top of the list, so you don’t miss them.
TechTracker
DIFFERENCES: While both programs are very similar, they offer some different advantages.
- TechTracker uses less memory to run (about half), keeping your computer running more smoothly.
- TechTracker allows you to set email notifications for all updates or just specific ones.
- Update Notifier lets you “ignore” certain programs so that you aren’t bothered with reminders. Those programs can even be hidden from the program list.
I found it very hard to choose a favorite between the two, but I think I have to go with TechTracker. The deciding factor was the way it affected the PC, using less resources to run. If you are running an older PC with XP or Vista, TechTracker will be a bit more friendly. No matter which program you choose, it is important to keep your programs up to date. You’ll get more out of your PC and your applications.
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