Version Tracker
Pro
Reviewed May 2006
What's It Do?
This program uses an extensive database to track your installed software.
Compile a list of that software, and notifies you when the software is
out-of-date. With the Pro version, you can then read detailed information
about the product and, if desired, download an update.
Does it do what it promises?
Reviewer 1: Yes. It promises to list all of your installed software
and drivers and then track them for updates and notify you as soon as they
are released.
Reviewer 2: Yes. VersionTracker Pro searches for the most recent
version of your installed software, and then gives you the option of
downloading the newer version.
Reviewer 3: In general, VersionTracker Pro does what it promises.
It does a comprehensive scan of your system’s installed programs and finds
the newest version available. Programs that have an updated version
available are highlighted and sorted in the default list display. In
practice, some of these updates may be inappropriate for your system and
care should be taken to research the update before proceeding. Do not
update without first backing up your computer system.
Reviewer 4: Yes.
Reviewer 5: Yes and no. While it listed the software, drivers and
versions, there was a certain mainstream application I use frequently that
showed up as “untrackable.” The Web site has some areas that can seem like
dead ends.
Reviewer 6: This is one of those special niche programs that comes
along to fill a gap that one doesn’t really notice until our attention is
brought to it. We may be aware of the importance of keeping our anti-virus
or our anti-spyware programs up-to-date, and that we should be conscious
of downloading and installing the Windows updates. In fact, these programs
allow, and even encourage, the user to schedule these updates on a regular
basis. Some of the other programs that we use also include an automatic
“updater”, or provide an easily accessible menu “Check for Updates” menu
item. But until I began using VersionTracker Pro, I had not realized how
many of the programs that I use had fallen behind in the updates that are
available to me. That being said, I am not sure that VersionTracker Pro
really does what it purports to do that accurately.
Reviewer 7: Partially. On my system it inventoried the installed
programs in about 3minutes, indicated which had later-level versions
available, and provided a very high-speed multi-thread link to download
any updates desired. The problem was that it identified only 59 of over
130 programs installed, overlooking over one-half, including a number of
common programs including CounterSpy, Diskeeper, Ewido, FinePrint,
PartitionMagic, PestPatrol, PicoZIP, Photoshop Elements V3& V4, and
WinTasks. Eventually I found some of these programs listed after I
selected the pulldown “Untracked Options View;” however, most of these
items did not fit the stated definition of Untracked Options: "...do not
have version numbers, are part of the OS, or are not updated;...", which I
find a very serious fault in Version Tracker.
Was it easy to install?
Reviewer 1: No. While it was a quick and painlessly small download
that installed easily and provided two additional PDF downloads for start
guides and user manuals, trying to find your way through the maze that
leads you to creating an online account to further access all of its
features was clumsy and tedious.
Reviewer 2: Yes, I had no difficulty installing it at all.
Reviewer 3: Installation was quick and simple. Version Tracker
displays one of the shortest and simplest License Agreements of any
software I have seen. So simple that, in fact, it omitted the feature
displayed on their Web site permitting you to install it on up to three of
your computers.
Reviewer 4: Yes.
Reviewer 5: Yes. I had no trouble installing VersionTracker Pro on
both a laptop and a virtual machine. The manuals were included on the
download page in PDF format for easy reference. Creating an account on
line seemed easy just by clicking on Tools / My Account and getting it set
up. I received a confirmation email within minutes.
Reviewer 6: Yes. The setup was simple and I was able to install it
in the folder of my choice.
Reviewer 7: Basically yes, although there were some noticeable
bumps along the way: its License Agreement was not copyable for close
reading before requiring agreement, and one couldn't copy/paste into
registration templates. Also, presenting the installer with an option to
launch the program when in fact
that launch was required for inventorying installed applications and
drivers is unfortunate. If the User's Guide is going to carry the
direction: "...make sure the 'launch the program' option is checked before
you click 'Finish'", why have it as an option at all!? Also, I very much
wanted a copy of its “Warning Tile about Device Drivers” for my records,
but that also was uncopyable. The most serious objection I found was in
its Disclaimer of Warranty: "...The entire risk as to the quality and
performance is borne by you. Should this software prove defective, you and
not TechTracker assume the entire cost of any service and repair." I find
such a statement not only a cop-out, it’s something that should deter
anyone from purchasing or installing the product. It should be fixed if
the developer expects anyone to want the product.
Good points.
Reviewer 1: VersionTracker Pro allows you to keep all of your
software updated by scanning your local volumes for all applications. It
then lists all software and third-party drivers found with their names and
version numbers and then checks these applications against a database of
the most current versions available and displays those that are not
up-to-date. It provides you information about the update such as what’s
new in the latest version, requirements, developer’s site, a rating given
the version by other VersionTracker members, and purportedly the ability
to download and install the update right from the VersionTracker program
itself. In addition to its primary focus, it also has download history
that allows you to keep track of all of your downloads. It has a fairly
attractive and intuitive interface (GUI), is relatively simple to
understand and use (the manual really is not required for this), and has
one of the most liberal EULAs I’ve seen, allowing installation and use on
up to three computers.
Reviewer 2: It’s easy for us to use a computer day in and day out
and not realize that the software manufacturers have released new updates
to your software, which may be crucial. Without realizing it, you can miss
out on new features and bug fixes. The savvy user checks periodically for
program updates, but it can become a hassle, especially as the list of
software you have installed on your system grows. VersionTracker Pro
performs the grunt work of locating updates for you, so you have one less
task to perform yourself. It does its job well; I have a decent number of
programs installed and this program located updates for many that I was
unaware of. It has a clean interface and is very easy to use with little
or no learning curve. VersionTracker Pro alerts you when updates are
available and allows you to download them straight through VersionTracker
itself. It performs the entire task from within the application.
Reviewer 3: This program does a comprehensive search for updates of
your programs quicker and easier than you could do on your own. Set by
default to run when your computer starts, it compares your versions of
programs to the most recent version available according to its database.
For many programs, downloading the most recent version is as easy as
double clicking on the program name in the list of programs.
VersionTracker Pro proceeds to download the most recent version. Pressing
the “Launch File” button begins the installation of the updated program.
If you decide that you do not wish to update a particular version, you can
easily remove it from the update list.
Reviewer 4: The interface looks similar to an Explorer window, so
it is easy to use and understand. I also liked how it grouped the software
that had available updates together. The color coding also made it very
easy to see which packages had updates. The software also includes a
download manager and this makes it very easy to get the updates that are
available. Once you select an application, the details pane shows the
details about that specific update, including what’s new in the update.
Reviewer 5: VersionTracker Pro gives the user a good snapshot of
the versions of software they are running and what might need to be
updated. It also gives the user a quick overview of what the available
updates have changed or fixed. At that point, the user is able to either
manually select which updates to download or let VersionTracker Pro
automatically download them. The interface is straightforward and easy to
navigate. For example, when the user clicks on “Installed Drivers” Version
Tracker Pro warns the user that modifying drivers should only be for
advanced users. Connecting to a central database listing many applications
and their current version numbers is a very attractive concept.
Reviewer 6: Each time you run VersionTracker Pro it runs a quick
scan of the software installed on your computer. The first time that you
do this, it will take a few minutes; from then on it is just refreshing
its list, to take account of any changes that you may have made since last
running the program. The Version Tracker screen provides you with all the
important functions of the program. The main window provides you with a
list of all of your currently installed programs. There are three columns:
Name, My version and Current Version. At the top of the list are the
programs that you could update, while below are the ones that are
up-to-date. When you highlight a program in the main window, details of
the program appear in a smaller window below. This is quite extensive, and
gives you a lot of information about the program itself, as well as what
is new in the updated version. I do like this feature of the program, as I
must confess to having a very large number of programs on my computer –
some of which I had forgotten about. There is even a rating (from
VersionTracker Pro users) that you can add to if you wish. On the left
side is a pane that lists the main features of the program, so navigation
from one activity to another is very easy. Besides listing your software,
you can also scan the drivers installed on your system. When you select
that item, a large warning appears, reminding you that unless you are an
advanced user, (or even if you are an advanced user) you should proceed
very carefully indeed. Please heed that warning. There is a very good
Flash demonstration of the program on the Web site called “Take a Tour”,
that will show you the highlights of the program. I also found the support
to be responsive. You need to have an account on their site in order to
have access to the support personnel. And you have to send your request in
directly from the Web site, a practice that I really do not like. I always
prefer to be able to send an email directly. However, a copy of your
request is sent back to your email address right away, and once you have a
reply to your request, you can email follow-up questions directly to the
person who answered you.
Reviewer 7: VersionTracker's user interface is clear,
well-organized, and comprehensive, an outstanding design. Almost
everything needed is available in its top-level screen, the remainder just
one level below. Being able to keep track of software installed on
multiple computers is a definite advantage. Version Tracker Pro's price of
$49.95 is substantially higher than I think viable, but at present its
special offer of $29.95 is much more palatable and would likely provide a
better overall gross return. Also, especially commendable is its single
license allowing up to three PCs. VersionTracker's Quick Start Guide for
Windows is very well-written and sufficient to install and use the program
successfully. I had very few questions remaining after reading it. Its
paragraph on Column Sorting I found especially helpful.
Weak points.
Reviewer 1: Many of the updates it finds are for new Beta versions
of the software which are not identified as Beta versions. If some of your
installed applications are freeware, downloading the updates may lead you
to installing the shareware versions of your applications, as it makes no
distinction between freeware or shareware applications. It has a tendency
to misread your installed version and suggest that you need to update when
the updated version is the same as already installed (it does allow you to
report such errors). Only in theory can you download and install the
updates directly from the VersionTracker program. Some of the updates will
download from the VersionTracker window, while others will open your
browser. If you are lucky, sometimes all you have to do is click a link in
your browser to manually download the update, but other times you have to
log in to the developer’s site. Worst of all, many pages that open are
dead links that no longer exist. And even when all goes well, the process
still requires a lot of manual intervention as you must often accept
license agreements, enter passwords, acknowledge the successful
installation of each update, and so on. Trying to find information on the
VersionTracker Web site is like trying to read a folded map while driving
down the interstate blindfolded, and trying to find support is near
impossible. Essentially the only way you can find the web site and support
is through links provided in the downloadable PDF Quick Start Guide, and
even this presents yet another maze of sorts. Part of the confusion comes
in the name of the software. VersionTracker Pro is not simply a more
advanced version of a software program; it is simply the downloadable
software version of an online service called VersionTracker (which if you
Google, that is all that you will find). Once you do find the actual Web
site for the program as opposed to the online service, you will find that
there is virtually no documentation of the software and clicking on
support offers you only a FAQ which has more to do with renewing or
canceling your subscription than anything else. Support is, by my way of
thinking, non-existent. By clicking on the “Contact Us” link (no, not the
“Support” link!), you are taken to a “customer form” that you can complete
to ask a question. There is no indication of turn-around time, let alone a
promise of such; nor is there a confirmation of the question received.
Otherwise, there is a non-toll-free telephone number buried in the Quick
Start Guide that you can call for support during very limited business
hours. This is no support! And for all little of this you can have being
underwhelmed turned to being overwhelmed when you learn that this
subscription service will cost you $50.00 a year. My advice? Stay away,
far, far, away and save your money.
Reviewer 2: My biggest gripe is that you often get an older version
number than the one you have installed, flagged as an update. For example,
you may have version 4.65 of a given application, and VersionTracker will
sometimes flag version 4.22 as the newer version. This is easy to
overlook, but is bothersome anyway.
Reviewer 3: While this program makes it easy to see the updated
versions of your programs, it does not distinguish which upgrades/updates
are appropriate for your system. Examples of this from my experience
include: updating a registered program to find that I now had an
unregistered trial version of the newer version of the program.; and,
having my system become unstable with Windows XP crashing shortly after
another update. It is impossible for me to verify that the program update
caused the crashing, but the two were closely related in time. Both of
these problems were resolved by restoring my system from a recent backup.
This program showed an updated version of Internet Explorer available.
After I downloaded and began installing it, the display from the
manufacturer indicated that the version I was installing was a Beta
release. Since I have no interest in being a Beta tester, I aborted the
installation and deleted the downloaded file so no harm should have been
done. VersionTracker Pro should indicate that the newest version of that
software was a Beta version in its initial display. It would also be nice
if the option to download the most recent non-Beta version was available.
In the case of Internet Explorer, the Beta version was the only upgrade
displayed. If a newer non-Beta version was available, it would be helpful
to have the option to upgrade to that version.
Reviewer 4: VersionTracker significantly slowed my boot time
because every time I rebooted my system it started to scan my system. It
would also be nice if the display indicated which updates are free and
which ones require payment. It leaves an icon in the taskbar, but double
clicking on it opened it minimized. This meant it took two clicks to
actually open the software.
Reviewer 5: Unfortunately, some of the updates that Version Tracker
Pro found were for Beta releases of software, most notably Internet
Explorer, but the software did not differentiate between Beta and released
versions, nor did VersionTracker differentiate between freeware
applications and versions that required software subscriptions.
VersionTracker Pro showed that my version of Windows Media Player was out
of date. However, after several attempts to update directly from the
Windows Update web site, I was left with the same version after scanning.
Reviewer 6: The first thing that I noticed in running VersionTracker
Pro is that the list of installed software was suspiciously short. Many of
the programs that I use did not appear at all. I later found out that to
see a complete list of all the programs I have installed, I need to check
“Untracked Items” under the view menu. Now I see a complete list; however,
the majority of my programs are “untracked”. When I highlight a program,
instead of having a description of the program in the smaller window
below, I get the following message: “Use the Report Button to request that
this product be added to the Version Tracker Database.” I am not sure that
I want to do this myself. If the developer wants to add his products to
the Version Track Web site and to its database, that is up to the
developer. I also noticed that the “My Version” number of several of the
programs was incorrect. For example, the program that I use all the time
for contacts, addresses, to do’s and all that (my “PIM” -- Personal
Information Manager), and, of course, one that I do keep up-to-date, is
listed as being version 1.0. That is a version that I never owned, as I
came into that particular program at about Version 4. I do, in fact, have
the most recent version of the program, but VersionTracker Pro incorrectly
lists my copy as being out-of-date. The fact that this program is a
widely-used one, and is not a small or esoteric freeware one, makes me
suspicious of the accuracy of some of the other information that
VersionTracker Pro is providing me with. So I checked another very
widely-used program that is part of my daily work. It is also listed
inaccurately. So if my version is listed incorrectly, would it be wise of
me to go to their site to download an “update”? Are the programs they are
listing on their Web site up-to-date? Or do they rely on product
developers for their database information? Perhaps it would be better to
go to the developers’ sites themselves if we want to update our programs.
Finally, I find the program to be very expensive. I would suggest that
something in the range of $20.00 to be much more in line with its value.
Programs that I really need to keep updated, such as security programs,
the Windows updates and so on can all be automated or scheduled, and this
I do. One of my usual criteria for selecting a program that I want to buy
is the ability to check easily for updates. Many of the others I do not
want to update, because I find the version that I am now using to be
perfectly satisfactory.
Reviewer 7: Technical/customer Support is available by email or by
telephone (something seldom provided for programs in this market -- a
definite plus); however, there was no indication of duration of support
nor turnaround time, which is the heart of any maintenance program. Rather
than having to develop it manually, I would have appreciated access to a
list of programs that the VersionTracker organization recognizes are not
presently covered in its database. It must exist; why not share it?
Other comments.
Reviewer 1: First of all, this is an online subscription service
passing itself off as legitimate software. Even if we accept it as
software, it has to be the single most awkwardly and poorly thought out
program I have ever experienced. And that is a shame because it is
actually a great idea, just poorly thought out and executed, and with no
thought to customer service whatsoever. I realize that the program is
trying to interface with thousands of different and possibly disparate
software developers, each with its own way of handling and identifying
updates, and this has to be like trying to herd cats. Nevertheless, it is
the task they have set for themselves and either they can or cannot do it
successfully. Thus far it seems the cats are running in all directions.
Tech Tracker, producers of VersionTracker
Pro, replied: VersionTracker Pro is a client application that runs on your
machine. It is a paid yearly subscription. Pro interacts with
VersionTracker.com, a completely free service that lists all updates and
applications
Reviewer 2: VersionTracker Pro is an excellent tool for those who
don’t like to waste time searching for product updates. A word of warning
though: it makes no distinction between free updates and those which cost.
If a new version exists that is buy-only, no distinction is made, and you
may download software that you must buy in order for it to work.
Reviewer 3: After registration, VersionTracker Pro went into a nearly
ten minute scan of the installed files on my system. (Note: subsequent
scans were much faster.) At the end of the scan, it displayed a list of my
installed programs along with the most recent version available. The
versions which could be updated were displayed in red. Also available were
lists of installed drivers and their possible updates. The installed
drivers list began with a caveat to check with multiple sources including
the manufacturer for the appropriateness of installing the updated
version. They also recommended backing up your system before making
changes. There is also a “new software” section displaying lists and
description of freeware, shareware, commercial software, and updated
definitions for anti-virus programs. It displays an interesting and
diverse collection of programs and the download and installation process
is simplified to a couple of clicks. I would be more open to using it if
more information was available regarding how these programs are selected
and screened.
Reviewer 4: This is a great package for the users who have trouble
keeping their systems current.
Reviewer 5: When I created my on-line account and clicked “close
window,” I was returned to the previous screen, where I had entered my
information about my account. Luckily, I did not provide a phone number or
home address, because the information on the screen was not mine. To make
matters worse, the site logged me in as the user, welcoming me by his
screen name. Additionally, all that VersionTracker Pro seemed to be was a
front end to developers’ Web sites and links to manufacturers’ update Web
sites. While having Version Tracker Pro automatically download updates to
a user’s computer seems like a good idea on the surface, it can be
dangerous for users who use software that is not the norm. To that end,
most major software manufacturers such as Microsoft, Adobe and virus
scanners have their own mechanisms for updating software on a user’s
computer. The download of new driver updates is especially dangerous if
the user is not experienced.
Reviewer 6: It is interesting that VersionTracker Pro is one of those
programs that started out in the Macintosh arena, and has recently
migrated over to Windows. Macintosh OS 8 and 9 are both supported, as well
as OSX. Palm OS is also included. I would also like to compliment the
VersionTracker people for their honesty in providing the criticisms of
their own product, with their answers to those comments, on their Web
site.
Reviewer 7: I like this program. It provides a much-needed service for
almost any user. I wish that it covered more,, but that may well come in
time if it can establish a foothold . Both CounterSpy and Webroot
SpySweeper found associated with VersionTracker a low-level spyware
cookie: "Real Spy Monitor Build 2.18 from ShareStar, Inc." that both
programs recommended deleting. If the cookie is useful to the
VersionTracker program, it should be declassified as spyware.
Will you continue to use it?
Reviewer 1: No
Reviewer 2: Probably.
Reviewer 3: Yes, but cautiously. It is alluring to have most if not
all of the available updates for my system displayed and available. On the
other hand there is the unknown factor that some of the programs and
drivers may not be appropriate for my system.
Reviewer 4: No.
Reviewer 5: No.
Reviewer 6: Yes, but only selectively.
Reviewer 7: Yes; however, at a full retail price of $49.95 I would
not, nor do I think many others will, either.
OPERATING SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REVIEW
Windows XP Pro, XP Home
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