Open Source and Freeware Updates Blitz

Something happened over the weekend. I’m not sure what it was, but there has been a huge release of beta, freeware, and open source programs that I frequently use for the maintenance of my machines, and the machines of others that I set up. What ever it was, stars in alignment, or a nod from the cosmic consciousness, it’s a good thing.

But now would be a good time to take stock, check the reasons for update, and install or update the programs used.

From Microsoft, an Extended Security Update Inventory Tool. Besides being a mouthful to say, it is a good idea to check and see if you have all the appropriate fixes in place, and haven’t missed any, through a mixed up, or a grunging of files in a multiple upgrade situation. I know that, since the upgrade cycle has changed, with no immediate forced reboot, and the tendency of many machines to have their download settings changed by Microsoft’s updates (no one really believes this is accidental, or anecdotal, do they?) has made it easy to go a couple of days without a reboot, and file problems occurring when the reboot does happen.

For those who like to have complete control over the responsiveness of their machines, there is another update to Process Lasso, a really fine  program that has been a bit maligned lately, because the program does now include a one time nag at startup, to encourage registration and payment. It is, however, still free to use in non-commercial applications. So rather than shareware, it is a new category, ‘freeware with a slight nag’. Still, it is updated frequently, works well, and is useful no matter the number of cores in your computer. (If you only have one core, it could be something that makes your life much easier!) Updated to revision level 3.62.2, and available in both 32 and 64 bit versions.

Sun releases Update 15 to the Java Runtime Environment, which brings a few bug fixes, and not much more bloat, so it’s recommended to update immediately.

Longtime favorite, and incredibly powerful, and useful program Crap Cleaner is updated to 2.22.968, with a few new features, including
Redesign of Cleaner results panel

- Added support for Opera 10 Beta
- Added support for Safari 4.0
- Added search to Uninstall tool
- Added search to Cookies screen
- Improved User assist cleaning in Windows 7
- Fixed bug in OpenOffice cleaning
- Fixed IE8 Suggested Sites.dat cleaning support
- Fixed UI bugs

Auslogics Disk Defrag has an update, to revision 2.1.1.30. Though the site says nothing specific about the update, you can bet that following the last update so closely, there are at least a few bug fixes. It works, great, and is free, so immediate update recommended.

Another favorite of mine, WinPatrol gets a small upgrade, and is a program that truly deserves a look, as it will allow some people to remove a few programs doing one job, to be replaced by WinPatrol, saving complexity, memory footprint, and disk space. How often do you get all three at once? The current revision is 16.1.2009.1 (does anyone else wish for a more natural naming progression with free and open source software, or is it only me?)

Every one of these updates are fully able to support the upcoming Windows 7 operating system, so if that was a concern, free your mind. Every one of them will do things that Windows 7 either does not do, or does something it will do, but much better.

Recommended for immediate action.

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