Having used Secunia PSI for a bit i am now wondering wether there is actually much need for it. I recently had to reinstall Windows 7 on one of my laptops as the hard drive went (after only a year and a bit >:( )! i am now wondering whether i should even bother with it anymore as most programs do a pretty good job of updating themselves when they need to.
Just wanted to know other people’s opinion on this? I suppose i could use their online scanner instead to save hard disk space. Even with the PSI version i never had it to automatically scan and monitor anyway.
Not really, imo. It’s meant for uninformed users.
Just read the “updates”-thread here and you will be quite well informed.
And, as you said, many programs have autoupdaters included already.
I disagree with you. It’s a nice program and keeps your most important programs updated.
Checking the update thread is fine but doesn’t do much for the novice.
PSI never did much for me, i am to proficient in keeping my system updated.
As Asyn said just read the update sections on the forums or by visiting FileHippo and the like to find the latest updates.
I agree with you to disagree with me, but only for the beginners.
Everyone else will get no big gain with using it, imo.
Also, yes: it’s a good program and can help many novice users…! But keep in mind, I answered to justinlee, not to anyone else who reads this.
Well, it’s no private chat, but I answered to his question.
[OT] @Bob: Why don’t you quote the posters name and time of the posting…?? Sorry, but I had to ask this. In some topics it’s quite hard to get whom you quote. (Not here, btw.)
@ justinlee
Personally I don’t feel it that much of a benefit for me, a) I monitor the >> Updates << topic in the general forum and b) I periodically visit the secunia site and run the OSI scan.
Whilst that is nowhere as comprehensive on the programs that are monitored as PSI, it is mainly dealing with the major ones, e.g. those more likely to be exploited.
I had PSI installed for a while, but I just didn’t feel that keeping it up to date and running the scans was that much of a help given what I already do.
Why walk when you can drive ? why take the stairs when theres a elevator ? its called being proactive plus i didn’t want the program sucking up resources and i would usually have updated some of my programs or drivers weeks before PSI would notify since i have two systems that are virtually identical and i tested this with PSI on one and myself looking after the other.
For what it’s worth, I got rid of Secunia PSI a long time ago. It is not that difficult to keep software up to date. You wouldn’t believe how many software authors provide “update” buttons with their software. Is it a hard task to click on the button? This is something even a novice can do.
Never install it as it is unneeded. This application meant for someone who:
Having little knowledge of how to download and installing update.
Ignorant of updating their software.
Lazy
Besides, sometimes the update version of software introduce you to a new bug or problem. Sometimes it’s better to pass an update and wait until next major update or better update to be released.
Lee, you’ve caught my mind… Secunia must do a better job or it won’t be running in my computer anymore.
The most “dangerous” applications are being automatically update now. It’s not worthing to run Secunia anymore…
I have it and I’m not lazy nor have little knowledge about updating software but is good at finding old remnants of Flash that are not properly removed.
Thanks for all your replies. I agree that it is probably more use to the novice user and yes nearly all programs will display a pop-up when an update becomes available. I think it’s more useful for people who want their programs constantly monitored and updated automatically.
Personally, i prefer to be alerted by the program itself when an update is available and install it myself.
Although i also agree it is very good on the flash updates and alerts you of an update even before Adobe does.
