Update checker is a freeware tool for windows XP/Vista from the developers of Filehippo.com, offers the updates in web2.0 style – after starting, the installed programs are automatically checked for updates and the user is directed to a web page, where the result is displayed.

Since the programs are scanned in the basic setting, the recognition rate is quite low. Moreover, the Update Checker only detects those programs or apps that are hosted on the website FileHippo.com. Despite these limitations, Filehippo.com has a good stock of applications. Important freeware programs, for instance, Process Explorer, or autoruns by Sysinternals, are present.

In order to access the program settings, click the ‘settings’ during the scan process and specify additional folders in ‘Custom locations’ using the ‘Add’ button, in which update checker can search for installed programs.