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Automatic update of Windows programs. How to update Windows and installed programs? Setting up software updates in Android

Nowadays, almost every user daily uses different programs that were previously installed on the computer. From time to time, developers release innovations for their products, improving the quality of their work, fixing bugs and adding new features. Therefore, the user is faced with the need to install updates, which allows him to stick to the latest versions. It is not always convenient to perform this process manually, so some people look for simpler ones. software solutions. It is about them that we will discuss in our material today.

Until recently, Kaspersky supported a separate utility called Software Updater, but later announced that this tool would be discontinued. Now the functions of this application are performed by a standard security tool, for example, Kaspersky Internet Security. A separate section has been built in here, in which notifications about the need to update certain software appear. The developers indicate that the use latest versions significantly increases the security of the system, so they recommend not to neglect the situation and, if possible, install the latest software builds.

By default, Kaspersky Internet Security automatically checks for updates at a certain periodicity. Next, a window appears on the screen about the new versions found. The user clicks on the notification and goes to the section "Software Update". More is already shown here detailed information about the software, and there are also buttons "Update", clicking on which allows you to immediately proceed to the download. You can familiarize yourself with the full functionality of this solution by going to a separate article on our website using the link below.

UpdateStar

The creators of UpdateStar position their product as unified system, which allows you to always be aware of updates to all software installed on your computer. Unsafe links are excluded here, and files are downloaded only through official sources. The database works according to an algorithm that is able to determine the release of new versions of even the most unknown software. In addition, the UpdateStar window also displays information about how safe it is to use an outdated software build, since the release of any fixes or innovations is often associated with improved application security.

From additional functions It is important to note the ability to personalize updates. You set the scanning priority yourself or completely prohibit UpdateStar from scanning any installed program. There is also a built-in advanced removal tool, which is significantly superior in certain situations. standard means operating system. The program in question is shareware, since it is distributed under different subscriptions. Premium versions focus on commercial use and include features such as exporting settings or screen snapshots. More details about the differences in subscription plans are written on the official website of the developer.

Secunia PSI

Next in our material today will be a program called Secunia PSI. Its developers focused on maintaining the security of the entire operating system by monitoring installed software. This solution independently scans the computer on a schedule, finding possible updates and patches, and then offers them to the user or installs them independently, which depends on the selected settings. Absolutely every user can figure out how to use this software, since its interface is as simplified as possible, and there is also no huge number of different specific tools that affect the general understanding of interaction.

As for the distribution of software, previously it could be downloaded for free on the official website. Now you need to contact developers who can provide one of the latest versions of this software. The company's work profile has changed a little, which is why they do not actively support existing products.

SUMo

SUMo is another popular one. software, whose main functionality is tied to keeping the computer system up to date. It allows you to monitor updates not only for other applications, but also for drivers, as well as certain patches. User settings allow you to set filtering or authorization of beta versions, automatic updates and file detection. Otherwise, this software is completely consistent with what was already discussed earlier, and does not stand out in any way.

However, it is worth noting that automatic updating of installed software using SUMo is carried out only if you have a PRO version, which is distributed for a fee. Read more about the differences between free and paid assembly on the manufacturer’s official website, since there he indicated absolutely all the nuances.

Update Checker

The name Update Checker already speaks for itself - the software checks for updates to other applications. In fact, this is true. This software is implemented as simply as possible; there are no additional functions that make Update Checker something unique and worthy of attention. We can recommend this solution only to those users who are interested in quickly receiving notifications about the availability of new versions of installed tools on their PC. You can download Update Checker from the official website using the link below.

Soft Organizer

Next on our list is a tool called Soft Organizer. Most of the attention here is focused on the advanced uninstallation of unnecessary software, but there is also a function that interests us, which allows us to find updates. It can launch automatically if this is specified in the settings, but it will not install new versions found on its own, which is a drawback for some users.

Concerning additional features Soft Organizer, this includes a function for uninstalling built-in applications, compiling a software rating, searching for traces (residual files) of already remote programs, silent installation of software and automatic creation backup copies. Therefore, we recommend paying attention to this Soft Organizer to those users who are interested in getting the most large quantity additional functions in addition to software updates.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Modern users have already heard about Adobe many times and know that they develop a wide variety of software used in various areas of creativity and some technical processes. Now there are so many products from this company that without a separate launcher with all the installed tools it’s impossible to figure it out. If you actively use licensed software from Adobe and want to always receive the latest versions as quickly as possible, you should definitely go to Adobe Creative Cloud.

The launcher works in the background and monitors the activity of proprietary software. When any updates are released, it synchronizes with the server and notifies the user that a new build has been detected. It goes directly to the launcher and downloads from there additional files. Please note that this scheme allows you not to use a browser at all, because logging into account produced in Creative Cloud itself. However, the disadvantage of Creative Cloud is that, unfortunately, it only works with programs from Adobe.

Now you are familiar with the list of popular programs for updating applications installed on your PC. As you can see, there are not so many of them, but you can find a suitable option without any problems by reading the detailed description of all representatives.

In this step by step instructions we will figure out how to update the drivers of the entire computer at once. Since modern laptops and computers are often sold without special driver disks or without a disk drive at all, the topic of this article will be very useful for readers.

And to update the drivers of a laptop or computer, we need a simple and completely free program Driver Booster. With its help, even a beginner who knows nothing about computers can easily update all drivers in a few mouse clicks.

The principle of operation of Driver Booster is to completely scan the system to detect the absence of drivers or their inconsistency latest updates. You just need to download and install the Driver Booster program, click on the “Start” button and, after scanning, start updating the drivers.

The good thing about the program is that it doesn’t require you to know any of the intricacies of programming; you don’t have to go into the details of how your computer or laptop works on your own in order to update the drivers. Driver Booster will perform all these actions independently.

How to update drivers with Driver Booster: step-by-step instructions

Step #1

To begin with, it is important to make sure that you have access to the Internet. If so, let's continue. If not, first set up an Internet connection, and then solve the problem of how to update the drivers.

Step #2

If access to the Network works fine, download Driver Booster from the official website using the link

Step #3

Once Driver Booster is downloaded and installed, you can update your drivers. To do this, you will have to start scanning the program using the “Start” button.

Step #4

After scanning, Driver Booster (if it detects problems with drivers) will offer to update your computer or laptop drivers. To start the update process in automatic mode, click the “Update ALL” or “Update ALL” button.

Step #5

The program will create a system restore point, download the latest versions of drivers for your computer or laptop, and update the drivers automatically, one by one. As soon as Driver Booster finishes working, you better restart your computer. Perhaps the system itself will offer to do this.

After restarting the laptop or computer, the question of how to update all drivers will be resolved! Moreover, minimal effort will be required on your part:

— download Driver Booster for free and without registration;
— install Driver Booster;
— run Driver Booster scanning;
— agree with the program’s proposal and update your “firewood”;
— restart the computer.

Step #6

After all these operations, you can run the test again. During subsequent checks, Driver Booster often suggests updating system programs and applications such as Java and script libraries needed for the normal operation of a laptop or computer. But even if you are not offered anything like this, do not rush to remove Driver Booster.

Updating your computer's drivers once is not enough. It is important to constantly monitor updates and new versions of system programs. This is why you should leave Driver Booster, which will automatically check for updates throughout its operation. And if new drivers for your computer’s devices appear tomorrow, the system will notify you about it.

If everything is normal and driver updates are not needed, you will see the message: “ Drivers condition – EXCELLENT».

IMPORTANT: if for some reason Driver Booster violates Windows work, no problem! You can return to your previous settings from a restore point that the program previously creates. How to restore Windows is the topic of a separate article, which you may not need.

From personal experience : We have launched Driver Booster more than once at the most different computers and laptops, helped update all drivers for free, never caused any harm to Windows or computer operation...

BUT the program performed extremely negatively on old computers (there are user reviews)! After updating drivers to the latest versions, your old computer can become seriously tired and slow down. Remember this! We are not responsible for the results of third-party programs.

Every day, when using a computer, we use dozens of programs necessary for the convenience and speed of our work, as well as for entertainment. All of them are written in turn by ordinary people and can contain dozens of errors that either clearly affect their work (“software glitches”) or are completely invisible to end user, but can slow down the program or create unnecessary “garbage” (“software bugs”). In this regard, after the release of any software and detection of errors, developers release updates to it. They serve to “patch” existing errors and introduce additional, new functionality into the software.

Different operating systems implement software update functions differently. Now let's find out how to update the software in them.

Software update in Windows

In order to update all software provided by Microsoft, as well as the operating system itself, just go to the “Start” menu and in the “All Programs” section select “Center” Windows updates" After this, you need to click “Search for updates”, select necessary updates and click "OK".

In the case of updating third-party software, things are a little more complicated. The fact is that the application store with automatic updates of all installed (purchased) applications appeared only in Windows 8. And even then the list of programs that can be found there is very meager. In order to update all software the old fashioned way in Windows 7 and Windows XP, you can do it quite simply: open the “Add or Remove Programs” (Windows XP) or “Programs and Features” (Windows 7) section, a list of all installed programs and their versions. Now you need to download installers for new versions of your installed programs from the developer sites, then run them one by one and follow all their instructions. There are also programs for automatically updating all software on a computer, but they are very imperfect and cause many problems after their work.

Software update in Linux

If you don't know how to update your computer software, don't worry, it's very simple. Any third-party software, as well as system software, is updated through the built-in update center. Each program registers its own repositories during installation, where developers constantly post updates. You just need to open the “Update Manager” and click the “Search” button. After the list of updates is displayed, select the ones you need and click the “Install” button. After that, enter your password. Ready!

Our computers and laptops have programs from third-party developers installed, and new versions are released periodically. Many programs themselves check for updates on their official resources and offer to update. But not everyone does this, and sometimes even the smart ones for some reason “forget” to warn.

Program for automatic software updates

For such cases, there is a special program for automatic search fresh updates for programs known to her (more than 150 and growing).

Everything works very simply: the programs installed on Windows 7/8/10 are read and checked against their own database. Then FullUpdate checks on official websites current versions and divides the programs into two groups:

Nothing new found, just shows the current version

Updates: those programs for which there is an update

To update everything installed applications Click the “Install” button. By default, all applications are selected. If you need to update only one program, then click off the rest with the mouse, leaving only that one. Or you can go to the official websites and download the installer yourself, if it makes you feel better.

The update process is as follows: the utility downloads the distribution and launches the installation wizard in the same way as if you had done it yourself. That is, no invisible settings. In general, watch the video:

Library for installing new programs

FullUpdate can also install any of those programs that it can check for updates. Just select any one from the Library tab. Today there are more than 150 of them.

If you click on the gear, you can enable checking for beta versions and updates for paid programs that you have installed. Beta means a version with new functions, but not yet fully debugged, but it works :)

As part of the work to bring Windows to market mobile devices Microsoft once created a store Windows Store– a single source of content for the operating system, where users can comprehensively install all the software products they need. Today, the Windows Store is the place to install minimalist applications, games and browser extensions Microsoft Edge. But only. Microsoft's ambitious plans to transform the Windows Store into a single web market with a huge assortment, where users could also get acquainted with desktop programs (just get acquainted and download via a link from the developer's website), alas, have so far remained a project, not put into practice. So far, the Store is not a viewing platform for software that works with the desktop environment of the system, and it is still scattered throughout the Internet - on the websites of development companies, software portals, torrent trackers, etc. All these resources have to be accessed not only once to download program installers, but also periodically to update them, if this process is not automatically provided by the developers. Below we will talk about updating third-party Windows programs - how often they need to be updated, how to do it manually and using special tools.

1. Why and how often do you need to update third-party software?

Updating third-party software is less useful than updating Windows itself, but in some cases this process can have a significant impact on the performance of programs or their individual functions. And some old programs that are no longer supported by developers may not even be installed in modern ones. Windows versions, since by default they do not provide for the activity of the software platforms necessary for their operation. For example, as is the case with . In software updates, developers correct errors, eliminate conflicts with hardware, and adapt to changes in operating system and the software environments on which these programs operate add new capabilities.

How often should third-party software be updated? Versions of programs and games are often represented by a sequence of numbers like “xx.xx”, for example, Counter-Strike 1.6. Programs and games may have intermediate versions that have a sequence of numbers like “xx.xx.xx”, for example, CCleaner v5.24.5841. Interim versions, as a rule, do not contain any significant changes, except for minor fixes that are unlikely to be noticed by a wide audience of users. If the program or game works fine, you don't have to waste time updating to each intermediate version. The only exceptions may be programs such as antiviruses, password managers, clients of banking and payment systems, etc.

The creators try to turn radical updates of large software packages into a significant event in order to attract the attention of the masses. Such software packages may have readable and memorable version numbers, for example, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate X10, or contain the year of release in the name, for example, Acronis True Image 2017. This kind of software must be dealt with separately, since it may turn out that new version need to purchase a new one license key.

2. Manually updating third-party software

Software that does not provide automatic updates may simply offer a function to check for new versions. In programs with a classic interface, this is usually the last section of the Help menu. If this is not even possible, in the same help section of the menu you can find the address of the program’s official website, visit it and check if a new version has appeared.

3. Updating third-party software using special programs

To simplify the procedure for tracking and installing updates for users who want to have only the latest software on their computer, you can use special programs. Such programs usually scan the system, identify the software installed on it and, if there are new versions, offer to download them and install them on the system. And some programs even examine non-system drives to look for updates for portable software. The delivery system for a fresh distribution is designed differently for different programs for updating third-party software. Some can download a distribution of the latest versions of the software directly from the official websites of the developers, and some update the software using a single database on the Internet (usually a database of large-scale software portals). The latter usually offer the user a larger list of support for updated software, but, alas, even they are not a panacea, because there are a lot of programs and games for Windows.

Let's look at three programs for updating third-party Windows software below.

3.1. Kaspersky Software Updater

Free utility Kaspersky Software Updater from a renowned creator antivirus products– Kaspersky Lab – created with the aim of promoting paid software, but in the good old traditions of delivering high-quality software products, regardless of the terms of their payment. The utility is created on the principle of “Take it and use it”, it has a convenient interface and clear controls. Quality often makes friends with minimalism, so the creators of the utility found it necessary to limit themselves to only a hundred supported programs from those in demand by a wide audience. Right after Kaspersky installations Software Updater can start searching for updates to the software available in the system.


Kaspersky Software Updater

Based on the scan results, the utility window will display a list of programs for which new versions are available. And we can immediately start the update process for each of the detected programs by clicking the “Update” button. The update process will be carried out automatically.


Kaspersky Software Updater

Other features of Kaspersky Software Updater include batch updating of all detected programs in one click, adding individual programs to the list of exceptions (they will no longer participate in scanning), selecting a search mode for updates (all in a row or only essential ones), and automatically starting scanning according to a configured schedule. Kaspersky Software Updater is added to startup and in the background monitors the appearance of new versions of the software available in the system.

3.2. FileHippo App Manager

FileHippo App Manager is a program that works in conjunction with a single database of software installers; it is the client software of the FileHippo.Com soft portal. The program is free to use. The scanning period to detect new versions of the software available in the system is configured immediately when installing FileHippo App Manager. The program loads along with Windows, works in the background and notifies you of the availability of updates to the software available in the system with a message from the system tray.

Based on the results of scanning the system, in the FileHippo App Manager window we will see a list of programs for which new versions have been detected. Using the “Download & Run” button you can download new versions and start installing them on the system.


FileHippo App Manager

FileHippo App Manager stores downloaded distributions of new versions of software in a special folder. If necessary, its path, which is set by default on the C:\ drive, can be changed so that the distributions are stored, for example, on one of the non-system partitions.


FileHippo App Manager

3.3. SoftSalad Monitor

SoftSalad Monitor is a client program of the Softsalad.Ru soft portal. Other client programs also work with it, but SoftSalad Monitor has the advantage of being able to free use. However, during the installation process of the program, it is necessary to carefully monitor it so that companion programs are not installed on the system along with it.

Like other programs for automatic software updates, SoftSalad Monitor is added to startup during installation and performs its work in the background. After installing the program, a system scan will automatically start to search for new versions of the software available in the system. In the scan results, next to each of the programs in the list, possible actions will be available - download a new version, ignore for the future, and go to the Softsalad.Ru page with a description of the program. Downloading new versions is possible in batch mode.

The process of installing new software versions is launched directly from the SoftSalad Monitor interface.

If necessary, in the program settings you can change the preset storage path of the downloaded distribution.


SoftSalad Monitor

Of the three reviewed, this is the most functional solution. SoftSalad Monitor scans the system to look for outdated versions of not only installed programs, but also portable programs. SoftSalad Monitor is also a directory for downloading and installing new software. In the “Popular” tab we will find several thematic selections of the most popular software. And to search for specific programs, you can use the internal search engine SoftSalad Monitor.

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