I know you are all running Windows Update on your PCs. Well, let me back off a bit on that. If you have Windows 7 or before you should be running it manually or setting it to run automatically. Windows 8 on comes with the default for Windows Update to automatically run so you do not have to worry about it. What it does is check for and install updates to Microsoft Windows and possibly Office (depending on your version and configuration). That way you are always operating at greatest efficiency and more securely in Windows.
Five years ago someone wrote asking me for ways to make sure all of their non-Microsoft applications were running the latest versions. I told you about, “Secunia PSI“. This application scans many of your applications in the background and recommends when updates are available. It does a pretty good job; however, in my opinion, it is a bit clunky and more difficult to use than one I discovered several months ago. Search for the old article on DoubleClicks.info if you are interested.
The one I use now is called “FileHippo App Manager” and is smoother and easier to operate. There are a couple of things you should be aware of on the installation. First is that when you go to the link above there are two green “Download” links. Use the one in the upper right side of the page which says, “Download latest version.” As it installs it will ask you some general questions. I would uncheck, “Run at startup.” Many programs want to do this but it will slow your computer down.
When it is complete double click the blue icon on your desktop for FileHippo. A small box will pop up showing it is running. After a few moments your browser will open with (I’m guessing here) a long list of applications needing updates. You can click on them one at a time, download them and install their updates. Once finished you may close your browser and the FileHippo box will still be on your screen. Click the “X” in the upper right hand corner and it will close.
Not every program on your computer is checked by this program. However, neither Secunia nor the others I have tested in the past get them all. There are just too many programs for one app to catch every one.
Have fun updating some apps and look forward to getting the final, “Congratulations! Your computer is up-to-date!” message from FileHippo App Manager.
