We have known for years that Microsoft consistently runs updates on your operating system to make your computer safer. Being the most widespread operating system in the world (read that as under attack the most) Microsoft tries to stay ahead of the bad guys. They usually get updates to your computer as quickly as a security problem is discovered. They also update functionality of the system from time-to-time to make it run more efficiently.
Let us jump back in time a few years to 2010 and 2015 to be exact. In 2010, I wrote about an application that would also check your individual programs even if they were not Microsoft related. All programs need updates at times for security and new features. It worked well and was called “Secunia PSI.” The application was later bought by another company and the name was changed to “Flexera PSI.”
I mentioned it again in 2015 suggesting a newer one I liked even better. It was more simple to use, “FileHippo App Manager” (rd.dblclx.com/FileHippo). Well as of this month Flexera PSI is being discontinued. FileHippo is still around and still good. However, I have found another I have been using for the past six months. I like it better, as it finds even more outdated applications and is very easy to use.
“Patch My PC” is the name and it is found at, rd.dblclx.com/patchmypc. It has very good information for details there also. Here are some of the simple basics.
When you download it you will have an executable file. However, it is not like other programs you install. The file you download is “PatchMyPC.exe” and when you double-click it to run the installation the program starts automatically. It is a standalone, portable file. I suggest you move it to your “C:\Program Files (x86)” folder, create a new folder called, “Patch My PC” and put the executable there. Then create a shortcut and place it on your desktop or “Pin to Start” and run it from there. You can also check the program itself for a scheduled run and it will run it automatically on time you chose. That is what I do and never have to think about it again.
Once started the “Update Status” will scan and show if there are any applications needing updates. You may also choose to click “Re-check software” at the bottom of the window to run a manual scan.
The applications needing patching/updates will be displayed in red. Apps shown in green are those which don’t need any updates at this time. Black labels mean that you do not have them installed on your PC. If you see one in black that you like you can click the check mark next to it and it will be installed from within Patch My PC. You will not have to go to a site to download and install them, it is all automated. Once done click the “Perform updates” choice and all of the ones selected will update.
I now use both “Patch My PC” and “FileHippo App Manager” as both are good applications. However, the reason I use both as I stated years ago in the old article…one finds apps that the other may not. Below is one the “FileHippo App Manager” found that “Patch My PC” did not.
