I own a Mac running OS X 10.2.6 and I am looking for a program that
will search through all of my previously downloaded programs and help
me to update them.  I use the updater that comes with the computer to
update mac software but is there anything like that for all third
party software?  I hate updating everything by hand.  Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by supermacman-ga on 18 May 2003 10:23 PDT

I have a found a service for Mac that:
a) downloads updated software for you, but you must manually install
the software (i.e. double-click on the compressed file)
b) costs money.

Would this be sufficient for your needs?

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Clarification of Question by smokeymischief-ga on 19 May 2003 04:03 PDT

I am a pretty cheap guy, but as long as you answer the parameters of
the question, whatever you found should suffice.  I would definitely
like to know what the service is and how well it works, but
ultimitately, if it works, good job!

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Clarification of Question by smokeymischief-ga on 19 May 2003 04:04 PDT

...as long is it is not something like version tracker or macu update
and is an actual program.  Thanks.

Well, the service I found is made by VersionTracker, but it is a ***
program *** that you download to your hard drive.

It's called VersionTracker Pro (
http://www.techtracker.com/products/vtpro ).

This piece of software is installed on your machine. After it is
enabled, it will automatically scan your hard drive for applications
that you have, and you have the option of adding it to your "watch
list". Once in the watch list, VersionTracker will periodically check
for updates. Should an update become available, VersionTracker will
notify you and let you download the software.

After the download, you still must manually install the software. VT
Pro downloads the compressed file for you, but you have to
double-click on the installer.

VersionTracker Pro costs US$49.95 per year. It is an annual
subscription, because VersionTracker Pro relies on continuous access
to www.versiontracker.com, which costs money to the company. The
subscription also gives you technical support from TechTracker (the
parent company).

I suggest you read the manual (
http://www.techtracker.com/downloads/Pro2_UserGuide.pdf ) for detailed
information.

The software runs natively in Mac OS X, but they also have an OS 9
version if you prefer.


Hope this helps!

- supermacman-ga


Search strategy

software updater Mac

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Clarification of Answer by supermacman-ga on 03 Jun 2003 17:50 PDT

Here's another program that automatically updates programs, and it's
free. However, it appears to be very limited in scope, as it requires
the application author to specifically code for the updater.

http://alphaomega.software.free.fr/extendedsoftwareupdater/Extended%20Software%20Updater.html

Your mileage may vary.

Very well done, the most obvious of answers are always the hardest for
me to find, that is why I use you guys!  Thanks.