Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Difference between TechTracker and FileHippos update checker

Oct 15, 2009 9:46AM PDT

What's the difference? I've read the reviews on both the TechTracker and FileHippo's update checker, but I've seen better reviews on FileHippo's program (even on your own site). What's the incentive to make people choose this over that program, exactly?

Thanks a lot,
Kyle

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Hello
Oct 15, 2009 1:11PM PDT

There are several free products that do what TechTracker does.

I have used SUMo in the past it finds ALOT of software, however their database is based on how many people submit their versions to their server not based on an update from a company that makes and publishes software. So you will find the version numbers of other people that have used SUMo but no links to download the new software. Im not sure if im making sense.
http://download.cnet.com/SUMo/3000-2084_4-10758580.html

Anyways, TechTracker wont find software unless its added to download.com and there is a link to download it from their service.

Same goes for Filehippos service, they dont list as much either but have the download links.

I like how filehippo has a beta listings window and shows the install path of your software.

Right now TechTracker doesnt show Java versions installed or Super-anti Spyware and cant tell between Flash Player Versions on Firefox and IE.

So after rambling the answer is use both until TechTracker adds more features or use SUMo and search for the updates using a search engine.

- Collapse -
eh?
Oct 16, 2009 7:20AM PDT

Use both? I heard TechTracker doesn't even work properly though (looking at this site's reviews). Why would I even bother? One update checker is enough. That's like saying go ahead and get two AV scanners since one of them is half as good as the other but as a few extra features the other doesn't. No one is going to do that.

- Collapse -
Well..
Oct 16, 2009 8:10AM PDT

I use 41 Virus Scanners if there is a suspicious file thats under 20MB then i average the results or pick and choose my favorites.
http://www.virustotal.com/
I refer to...
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
under main comparatives page where they list .pdf results of each anti-virus scanner thats willing to submit theirs for testing.
I also use 2 Free AntiMalware software that scans for more things like Adware and Spyware.
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
http://www.superantispyware.com/
In conclusion one product is not good enough until everyone agrees that one is good enough.