In short, what the support rep referenced is a common issue for all software updaters - it is impossible for an updater to know of every application and every version, and to provide update details without ever making a mistake. With that in mind, you have several options:
1.) Choose to avoid every such product because it cannot offer 100% accuracy.
2.) Choose to use such a product and ignore any inaccuracies you encounter.
3.) Choose to use such a product and report any inaccuracies you encounter.
Personally, I prefer to do the latter as it helps make the product better for both me (future updates) and other users.
Regarding a review: When looking at TechTracker, UpdateStar, et cetera, one thing I look for in a review is a comparison to other solutions available. I know they are all imperfect and that each could be equally disqualified based on their inherent limitations, so I do not find your comments helpful as I am looking for the best option that will minimize my manual efforts, not a reason to give up before I begin. However, comments that compared accuracy ratings (including percent of false positives and false negatives), the number of programs the application can identify, the ease of downloading the updates, the ability to manually override the system in cases of inaccuracies, et cetera would be very beneficial, not only to me, as a potential user, but also to those developing the products you reviewed. And that, in turn, would help them make the products better for me.
Just some thoughts from someone constantly in the market for a good updater. (And currently using/recommending UpdateStar, in case you are curious.)
John
In response to my product review in which I described how TechTracker reported many false positives and failed to report other programs that needed updating, Cnet TechTracker report posted this reply
Thanks for your feedback. Often, our technology is at the mercy of developers and publishers who may or may not consistently update their application information within the program's files. If CNET TechTracker is reporting a version which looks incorrect to you:
1. Visit your CNET TechTracker page at www.cnet.com/techtracker
2. Locate the item which appears incorrect
3. Underneath the program name, click the "Feedback" button
4. Fill out a short report describing your issue
This will send the information we need directly to our software editors, who will then be able to research and hopefully fix the issue.
You can also hide specific applications from your software list. Locate the application on your list and click the "Expand All Info & Settings" tab. You can either "Hide" a program, which permanently moves it to your Hidden list, or "Skip" the program, which removes it from your list until the next version is available.
Regards,
CNET TechTracker Support
This response begs a few follow-up comments:
1. If I have to take the time to beta-test frequent TechTracker errors by issuing "Feedback" reports for false positives, I might as well just cut out the middle man (TechTracker) and check for updates manually. It's less work. Besides, I'm not a beta-tester.
2. "Hiding" programs from TechTracker obviates its use for those programs. In that case I *will* have to check for updates manually, making TechTracker irrelevant.
Either way, there's no reason to use TechTracker. It just doesn't work well enough to justify its use.
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic