Here are my favorite free and easy to use update checker applications for Mac OS X and Windows. These small programs scan your computer for the latest software updates to keep your system up to date. Although these programs work great and have been tested extensively, please make sure you have a working backup of your system before running these update checkers.
For Mac OS X:
AppFresh is a useful program for updating all applications, widgets, preference panes and application plugins. It scans for both Apple applications and third-party software on your computer, and then does an online check if there are available updates. You can then download and install the updates from within AppFresh. Please note that if you only want to update Apple software, you can run OS X’s Software Update from the Apple menu in the top left of your desktop.
For Windows:
File Hippo’s Update Checker performs similarly to AppFresh – you run a small desktop app, then it communicates to the File Hippo servers and displays an updates list. It can show beta program updates, and even the install path on your system for each program. Note that this does not check for Microsoft program updates – it only checks for third-party software updates. For Microsoft products, open up Internet Explorer and visit Microsoft Update.
For further reading and updater alternatives for Windows, visit: (dead link as of August 2021 – it was http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-software-update-monitor.htm) Best Free Software Update Monitor.
If you have an alternative update checkers that you like or have any questions or comments, please enter it below.
