To address your first question, the latest updates appear after the update is installed, not just downloaded and TechTracker completes a new scan (either manually or automatically based on your scheduling preferences). However, some software does not fully remove all parts of the old version, which may result in erroneous 'out of date' alerts from TechTracker.
As to the second, Firefox Portable is a portable version of the Firefox web browser. It is "unpacked" rather than installed, enabling you to simply copy the unpacked files to CD/DVD/flash drive and run it on any Windows computer.
Hope this helps,
John
I went into TechTracker and there were four entries that I'd already downloaded on Jan.28. How long does it take for them to show up as already downloaded? Also there was a download called Firefox Portable 3.6 but had no explanation about what it was. Downloaded but haven't installed until I can find out what it is. I have Firefox 3.6. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic