Secunia PSI 3.0, updating 3rd party programs made more easy.

Secunia (from Denmark), have released their latest version of 'Secunia PSI'.
The 'Personal Software Inspector' can check your PC/notebook for insecure/outdated programs, list them and automatically download updates and install them (optionally).
If you don't regularly check Oracle for java updates or Adobe for Adobe Reader/Flash, to remedy new found exploits/bugs/etc. this version might be just for you.
Remember that unpatched software can be a big security risk, one that can easily negate an installed AV.
Modern malware, whether it's ransomware or banking trojans especially target much used, outdated versions of above mentioned programs.

This version is much simpler (or dumbed down depending on your POV). Secunia have removed quite a few settings, giving new users a much easier program to work with. (But it offers much less specific information like vulnerability ratings, so current users perhaps will like to stick with 2.0 perhaps).
It will show you, after a scan, which programs can be updated and automatically download the updates.
Just make sure not to select 'Update automatically' when installing the program; it's best to decide yourself which programs you want to update initially.

'PSI 3.0 Walkthrough' on Youtube link. Secunia PSI 3.0 download link. Highly recommended!

 

I have been using Secunia PSI for several years now and I think it is a great program. I honestly do not like the new GUI with 3.0 and it does feel "dumbed down". But it still does exactly what it is supposed to and I do like that it has streamlined the updating via software feature. I don't understand the point of the social media links.

The one thing I do miss is the statistical information and it has become more difficult to submit new updates into the system IMO.

I do feel that I can recommend this to friends and family that are not as tech savvy without needing to explain its features and (lack of) configuration settings. For me, I'll stick with 2.0 until they stop supporting it.

 

This part annoyed me quite a bit as well. Kept me from upgrading, but overall this is one of those areas where you can get by using the older version of the software, since it's the software you updating that's already on your PC is what matters.