Typically a computer user installs tons of software. Along with that, there are other stuff like plugins, extensions etc like Java, Adobe Flash, Silverlight.. Many of these softwares don’t even bother checking for updates, or notify you after weeks by which time you would have probably heard about it from someone. This is where software update tools come into picture.
Software update tools give a complete picture of the system software, their current version number and updates available. Without further ado, here are the only software update tools you will ever need on your respective platform.
Windows
FileHippo Update Checker is a really really light software(155kb) that installs on your computer and uses super small portion of your resources. The program runs a check on your computer for installed software and compares it to its online database at FileHippo.com, analyzes the result and opens a page in your browser with download links to updates and beta versions available.
Back when Filehippo was still starting out, it was already my favorite place to download software with top downloaded stats, categories and more. They also archive older versions of software (quite useful for some, like me).
Mac
AppFresh is literally the only tool you will need on the Mac to get update notifications. AppFresh is packed to the brim with features and includes support for software, widget, preference panes, application plugins and even Mac software updates! (although I prefer Apple Update for Apple products).
AppFresh checks with http://osx.iusethis.com/ to get information about latest software releases and displays detailed information including software description, comments, change logs. With a simple click you can download the whole update from within the app or once you are notified of the update, you can manually update that specific program.
AppFresh can be customized to check for updates periodically or whenever you want. You can also tell it to only check for stable releases or nightly builds. Lastly, you can integrate your iusethis profile and share your app list with friends.
Linux
APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) did a good job of cutting down the complicated steps by doing all the compiling, uninstalling software packages from command line. Still the process was not user friendly. This is where Synaptic saves the day. Synaptic is a graphical front end for APT. It has plenty of features like:
- Install, Uninstall, Upgrade, Downgrade single/multiple packages
- Update whole system
- Download latest changelog of packages
- Lock packages to the current version
- Force install package
- For a full list, click here.