Stay current with Download.com Update Watcher
So you've got a lot of nifty utilities in your computer. The question is how do you ensure to be running the latest version of each of those?
CNet Download.com Update Watcher addresses this need. You need to create an account with CNet and add the titles you care about to your watch list. Once installed (download the XPI file, then drag it to Firefox window), Update Watcher will check Download.com's database and let you know when an update has been released recently.
Note that this extension is not smart enough to detect what software or version you are running. In my test as soon as I restarted Firefox after installing it, I got a notification of the very same extension just because it was released recently. You can right-click on the status bar icon and select Skip this updates to avoid further notification on this update.
This is not a perfect solution but can provide friendly reminders to stay better tuned.
Comments
Georg Fritscher
I have been aware of this former ‘Download.com’ feature, but prefer much more this version as not another 3rd party scans my PC … you never know what else on data they try to retrieve from your PC.
Ron Killmer
As Jonathan remarked this used to be a very robust service that generated an active server page of updates for MS wares, drivers, and share ware apps. Made a nice one stop check and download to keep current.
This service will only be as good as the extensivness of the user and the depth of the database history of products the user nominates. An issue is also the bandwith the extension uses. ForecastFox for example brings FireFox to a stand still every time is pulls a forcast update. These auto feed pull extensions can be intrusions on browsing.
Relequest
if only they would bring back the auto scan feature! filehippo have recently released such a feature/app, but obviously this doesn’t have such a big library as download does.
maybe they could resurrect this feature but somehow cut the cost of the server by having adds on the app. i mean i wouldnt mind a few more google addsense for that kind of quality!
jonathan hickman
Four or five years ago, they had this as a real feature. They actually scanned your computer and told you what needed updates. Apparently the service cost too much. It’s a shame they’re resurrecting it in such a crippled form.
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