It’s not enough to update you antivirus and windows operating system. Vulnerabilities exist in all software on your system. A good example is the Java software and Abobe Flash browser support. Almost every webpage you visit employs these plug-in's but people rarely update them. This is a huge security risk.
Not only that but all other software, free or paid, usually has updates. Sadly, these programs do not always have the ability to automatically check and or download and run updates.
Enter Secunia PSI: Secunia Download page
For all recent Windows Operating Systems:
It is a free program which scans ALL software, antivirus, operating systems, and browser components. It can tell you what needs updates, which programs are at “end of life” ( no longer being updated or supported), and any other system security risks.
It runs in system tray ( or for savvy users you can turn off and run the program once a month) and monitors your PC. It checks with Secunia’s databases to make sure everything is up to date. I leave mine off and run it monthly. It scans the whole system in less than ten minutes- and I have a lot of software installed.
When it finds something, it gives you all information and what is wrong. It will tell you what version of software you have now, what is the new version, where it’s located on your hard drive, gives link to download or update to new version, and some instructions if necessary.
Occasionally it will give a “false positive”. For example, I have a program for making BlackBerry Phone themes. This software is based off of and older version of Java. Secunia wants me to updated the internal Java for this program, but it’s not possible and also not a security risk. You can tell Secunia PSI to not scan any software that produces a false positive. That way it will not notify you about it again.
Secunia is the best and only way to make sure all software on you PC is up to date and running secure. Best of all, it’s free.
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