After CNET TechTracker, Now What?

[Kashchei]

Now that CNET pulled the plug on TechTracker for Mac, I was wondering how others keep the software on their machines up to date. I actually liked TechTracker and was sad to see it go, so does anyone know of any comparable software?

 

[flynz4]

Now that CNET pulled the plug on TechTracker for Mac, I was wondering how others keep the software on their machines up to date. I actually liked TechTracker and was sad to see it go, so does anyone know of any comparable software?

I try to keep my machine as lean as possible. I generally prefer fewer (great) software programs rather than lots of crap. Whenever available, I buy from the MAS because I love the fact that it updates asynchronously from program usage... and I also value the licensing policy to be used on all of my Macs.

When an application is not available on the MAS... I evaluate hard if I really want it... and when that answer is still yes, then I put up with the crappy upgrade procedure that generally triggers an update upon program launch... which is the worst possible time to upgrade software (exactly when you want to use it).

Sometimes MAS software my be slightly de-featured from SW available directly from the vendor due to Apple policies such as sandboxing. Generally, I would evaluate the options on a case-by-case basis, but to date... I have always chosen the de-featured MAS SW. To date, the benefits of the MAS have outweighed any minor program features.

/Jim

 

[Weaselboy]

Now that CNET pulled the plug on TechTracker for Mac, I was wondering how others keep the software on their machines up to date. I actually liked TechTracker and was sad to see it go, so does anyone know of any comparable software?

I know the site MacUpdate has an app that does this here, but I have never used it.

Personally, if an app is not either on the App Store or does its own updates using Sparkle or similar, I'm unlikely to even consider it.

 

[Kashchei]

I know the site MacUpdate has an app that does this here, but I have never used it.

Personally, if an app is not either on the App Store or does its own updates using Sparkle or similar, I'm unlikely to even consider it.

Thank you so much for the helpful information--I've already downloaded MacUpdate--as well as the pep talk on using apps only from the App Store. I'll wean myself towards this goal.

 

[OLDCODGER]

MacUpdate ONLY, for me. I download wanted updates and install at my leisure.

 

[Mike Boreham]

MacUpdate ONLY, for me. I download wanted updates and install at my leisure.

MacUpdate Desktop app for me, much better (but not perfect) for me than Techtracker.

In case it is not clear this is a separate MacUpdate app which monitors your software, that you install, not just the MacUpdate website

Tip If you download direct from the MU app it gives the downloaded file its version name which many apps don't.

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--as well as the pep talk on using apps only from the App Store. I'll wean myself towards this goal.

Beware MAS.....I love it in many ways, but only nine months ago I bought Omnigraffle 5 for $100. Now Omnigraffle 6 is coming and if I want it I will have to pay $100 again...nine months later.

I could have originally bought Omnigraffle 5 from Omnigroup store for $100, and now I would be paying half price to upgrade to version 6.

 

[OLDCODGER]

MacUpdate Desktop app for me, much better (but not perfect) for me than Techtracker.

In case it is not clear this is a separate MacUpdate app which monitors your software, that you install, not just the MacUpdate website

Tip If you download direct from the MU app it gives the downloaded file its version name which many apps don't.

Thank you for the tip, omitted version numbers can be a pain to contend with.

 

[Xe89]

Are there any applications that don't auto update today? I mean there's Mac App Store and Sparkle, and bigger brands have their own update mechanisms like Microsoft Office, Adobe, Steam, Firefox, Chrome, Skype, Spotify...

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I try to keep my machine as lean as possible. I generally prefer fewer (great) software programs rather than lots of crap. Whenever available, I buy from the MAS because I love the fact that it updates asynchronously from program usage... and I also value the licensing policy to be used on all of my Macs.

When an application is not available on the MAS... I evaluate hard if I really want it... and when that answer is still yes, then I put up with the crappy upgrade procedure that generally triggers an update upon program launch... which is the worst possible time to upgrade software (exactly when you want to use it).

Sometimes MAS software my be slightly de-featured from SW available directly from the vendor due to Apple policies such as sandboxing. Generally, I would evaluate the options on a case-by-case basis, but to date... I have always chosen the de-featured MAS SW. To date, the benefits of the MAS have outweighed any minor program features.

/Jim

I agree keep a lean as possible. less is more.