Secunia PSI 3 keeps your PC software up to date

Danish software developer Secunia ApS has released a brand new version of its free security audit tool for Windows users. Secunia PSI (Personal Software Inspector) 3.0 allows users to automatically scan their computer for missing Windows updates and outdated software, and, in many cases, the program can then automate the update process where necessary.

Version 3.0 boasts a cleaner, simpler user interface, automated patching support, localization support and improvements to underlying features.

Secunia PSI 3.0 aims to make the patching and updating process as painless and as simple as possible, and its new streamlined interface makes it abundantly clear what’s going on. After launching, the application provides a security rating for the user’s computer, then lists outdated software and missing patches as easily identifiable program icons.

Secunia PSI then automatically attempts to update any outdated software and patches automatically on behalf of the user – if it can’t do so (the user needs to pick a language, for example, or the application in question can’t be closed automatically), those programs are clearly labelled and the user can manually click them to update. Similarly, the user can right-click an entry and opt to exclude it from the list -- perfect for software that is up to date, but has been superseded by a newer version.

Secunia PSI is also configured out of the box to sit in the background, automatically providing updates as soon as they appear -- these options can be configured from the program’s Settings button, while a History button lets users see what apps and updates have been patched through Secunia previously.

Other changes in version 3.0 include support for five major languages -- English, French, German, Spanish and (understandably given the program’s origins) Danish -- as well as what Secunia describes as “enhancements” to existing features, all designed to help simplify the updating process further.

In simplifying the interface, Secunia has made the program more attractive to less experienced users, but fans of previous versions may be disappointed at the lack of manual tweaks or advanced settings on offer.

Secunia PSI 3.0 is available now as a freeware download for PCs running Windows XP or later.

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