Where is is safe to download software from?

Until recently, I've been using Filehippo's Update Checker to check and update my software. I've been told, on this forum, that it's no longer a safe site.

I've noticed that if you directly check CCleaner, if it has any updates the updates come from Filehippo.

Is there a safe site to use to check software and update it? Am I better updating software from the software developer? What do you do when they download it through a third party?

 

Seems FileHippo has tampered with your Ccleaner to cause that. In its original state Ccleaner updates itself from the author's site Piriform. I always update software either from MG or from the author's site except where Secunia PSI has done it automatically in which case I'm not sure where the update comes from.

So using FileHippo's update checker is tampering with your settings.

 

I have to agree with Earthling. You either visit MajorGeeks or the Publisher's website.:major

We are never to old to learn - my late father.

 

I only use Major Geeks for downloads and updates if possible! Pay attention to the extra bloat ware things offered like toolbars and uncheck them! They are not necessary or in my opinion wanted.

 

When I get a update notice for CCleaner I go here on Major Geeks http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/ccleaner_slim.html It downloads the free slim version update directly from the Piriform site.

 

I don't have the newest version installed so I can't verify this but one of my internet friends said the newest version turns on automatic cleaning. After you update, you may want to look over all of CCleaner's settings just to be sure nothing like that is set.
I turn off update notifications because that's one less program running and going out to check for updates.

 

The best Update Checker that I've used is SUMo, Software Update Monitor.
I'd just like to say "THANKS" to the developer.

Seems that there is not an actual manual for the software, but basic info. is here:
KC Softwares Forums: User Manual?

One great thing about this is that you can add the executable for any program to have it checked, even portable programs stored on different drives.

I do all of my updating manually and download either from Major Geeks, if available, or the publisher's web site.

 

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Just to clarify a few things: I've uninstalled Filehippo update checker and no longer use it.

I do have CCleaner's auto cleaning function turned on. I didn't think it a bad thing but I'm now going to turn off that function.

I'm aware of bloatware and now read everything that's in the various boxes that come up during any installation and very carefully check for any pre-checked boxes.

@LauraR: thank you, especially for your 2nd post, I do think my mention of CCleaner caused advice to dwell on that programme. You were spot on: I was asking about updating software in general. I'd be most grateful if you'd expand your comments a bit about updating. How do you check and on what grounds do you determine whether you want an update?

 

The odd thing about SUMo is that MG is conspicuous by its absence from the list of sites you are offered to search for your updates. It's especially odd because the author, kyle_katam, has had an MG thread on SUMo running for what seems like forever, and at least four of the offered sites have been singled out for criticism here from time to time for loading their downloads with PUPs.

 

Here you go Laura -

 

Thanks LauraR. I shall be applying that guidance from now on it. It sounds perfectly good advice to me. I don't actually auto-update anything. I do like some control. My preference is for the software to tell me there's an update available but to ask me if I want to download it. I primarily used Filehippo to check for updates I might have missed. I certainly never update drivers. I can't say I've ever run into an issue where updating the driver was the solution. I have run into problems where I've been advised to update drivers and have followed that advice. I have generally believed that updating is the best thing as it's primarily security software I update and my browser in the hope every update might be solving any security issues. I also generally believe things will work well if I apply updates. Another reason I don't auto-update is because wherever possible I use freeware and quite often auto-updates aren't available in freeware.

 

SUMo looks like a useful program for establishing what updates are available, but I think I'd prefer to go find them myself.

 

I always download my software from right here at majorgeeks as I know they are safe from malware and viruses

 

A great topic and answers. I agree with most along the line of use MG or publisher. I noticed a time ago a lot of software adding the updater capability. Now I keep the older installer as a backup and if the new version incorporates something like this I go back to the older version. CCleaner for example - after I saw the update checker tying up internet I rolled back to older. Another was avg going to the new interface. I didn't like it. Uninstalled all and went back to the old one. Now I use something alltogether different. My CCleaner has a copyright of 2004-2008 and still does the job. Newer is not always better.

 

I remember something going on in a thread here many years ago about SUMo or another software by the same author. Therefore I've never even considered any of his software. Too bad I don't remember what the matter was and can't find the thread in which I posted in either.

I always choose MG and/or the developer of software to download updates or new software. Used to have PSI 2 but have deleted that software because the score was always 100% (fully updated).

 

Some misunderstanding here.

I do not, and have never done any software or driver updating directly with or from SUMo.

The real advantage to using SUMo is finding what software you already have has an update available.

I don't know what that was about but some people may have been nitpicking about the update information that SUMo provides and the way it gathers that info.
As long as you realize what it Is and what it Is Not, and use it appropriately, I think it's a very useful tool.
You can improve the listed results by taking advantage of the Ignore List which removes items from further checking.
The list can be edited at any time.

So, to clarify:
SUMo does not check or monitor software version information directly from the software publishers.
Instead, it is based on data collected from all SUMo users.

===

KC Softwares Forums: SUMo Presentation

 

I think everyone has missed Majorgeeks.com Software Updates and News v1.0.1.:-D
Here's a screenshot.

 

The SUMo download Does Not come directly from Major Geeks.

Before downloading SUMo, please read the Warning on the following review page:
Best Free Software Update Monitor

Always download either the Portable Zip version or the Lite Installer.

I use the portable version.

 

Thanks !