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Posts with tag update-checker

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Commercial, Freeware

RadarSync keeps your Windows software and drivers up to date

RadarSync

While some of our favorite desktop applications automatically alert us when a newer version is available, many do not. Fortunately, there are several utilities that will scan your PC, compare the version numbers of your installed applications with an online database, and let you know if new versions are available for download.

RadarSync does that, and more. Unlike other update checkers, RadarSync will scan not just for software updates, but also for driver updates. Once you scan your computer, you can either click the "Downlods all items" button (seriously, that's what it says), or click Details next to the items you're interested in. The details window will show you a brief description of each application, and even a list of alternate programs that do basically the same thing. For example, if you check the details window for Pidgin, you'll find Google Talk, AIM, and Meebo.

The utility will also let you download and install updates directly from the manufacturer's website. RadarSync's basic version is available as a free download. For $29.95 per year, you can get access to the full version, which gives you access to tech support and also lets you schedule automatic system scans.

Filed under: Internet, Utilities, Windows, Freeware

Batch upgrade your software with AppSnap

AppSnap
We did an informal survey recently and discovered that the average Download Squad reader has 3981 programs installed in their computer. OK, we didn't do a survey, but we're betting you have an awful lot of handy little applications on your computer. So many that you probably forget about some of them until you really need them.

So making sure all of your software is up to date could be a full time job. That's where AppSnap comes in. Like File Hippo's Update Checker, AppSnap scans your PC to figure out what software you've already installed. It then compares your software against a master list and decides if your software is out of date. Here's where it gets really cool. While File Hippo Update Checker just gives you a list of links to download updates, AppSnap lets you check a few boxes and it will go to work downloading and installing software for you.

AppSnap's list is far from comprehensive. It found 4 out of date applications on our test PC. But when we ran the File Hippo utility afterward it found another 6 out of date programs. AppSnap also has a list of programs in its database. So if you want to install some applications that you don't already have, just check out the list of uninstalled programs or browser by category.

[via Lifehacker]

Featured Time Waster

Forumwarz - a potentially offensive time waster

I pwn UAfter spending the better part of an hour on Forumwarz I still can't decide if it's just sick or if it's kind of fun. It's a bit like a car wreck on the highway. I know I shouldn't be looking but I can't quite turn away.

It's sick, it's twisted, it's the internet on it's worst level and darn it, it's kind of fun. At least for a little while.

Forumwarz is a parody role-playing game that takes place on the internet - or at least the Forumwarz version of it. Your goal is to complete missions that are given to you through a mock up of GoogleTalk called Sentrillion.

Your first "friend" is ShallowEsophagus who begins giving you missions to pwn various forums by being a troll. Depending on the character type you are assigned at start up, you have tools like drooling on the keyboard or bashing your head on the keyboard that you can use to destroy forum threads and eventually, pwn a forum.

Future missions involve buying illegal software from the Russians, pwning more difficult forums and other internet oddness.

Completing missions gives you cash, called Flezz in game, and items that you can pawn or use in other missions. The game is NOT for those easily offended. It's crass, coarse and there are frequent f-bombs in the fake chat sessions.

This is also a game for a more mature audience as it requires you to shop at the Drugs R Fun store to get various concoctions to improve your playing, engage in certain cyber activities to get more Flezz and just generally use a more adult perspective.

If you can get past that, here are the more enjoyable and time-wasting aspects.

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