Some software programs make use of an automatic or manual update checker to inform the user about new versions of the software whenever one is available. Most programs execute those checks when they are started on the operating system. Some go a step further and add an updater either to a task scheduler or to the autostart of the system.
And then there are applications that do not have either option. To update those the user would have to visit the developer’s website or a software portal to see if an update is available.
The portable software Web Versions aids the user by providing the means to automatically check websites for updated versions.
It basically works by configuring a website with update information and an element on that website that defines the latest version that has been released. It is possible to use the developer’s homepage for those checks or a software site like Betanews or Softpedia as long as the page does not change for the individual program.
The program is filled with about 120 different programs, most seem outdated and it is probably best to clear the whole list (pressing Del key) to start with a blank list. A right-click in the application’s interface and the selection of new will open the new record window.
Here it is that the website and parameters are defined for the look up. Mandatory fields are the application’s name, the web address and the new WebVersion. The website address should be a page that contains update information and the new WebVersion the latest version that is displayed on the page. Lets use the popular open source encryption software True Crypt as an example.
True Crypt is entered as the name on the top. My version can be used to enter the current version of True Crypt that is installed on the computer system. The address of the True Crypt website that lists the new releases is the True Crypt homepage at http://www.true-crypt.org/. The newest version of the program now needs to be entered into the New WebVersion field. A click on find loads the source code of the page. The program will automatically try to find the version number entered on the page and display a suggestion to the user. The result can then be saved with save to list.
It can happen that the first occurrence of the version number is not the correct one. It is then necessary to click on Advanced Options to enter the right html elements that appear before and after the version manually.
Additional programs can now be added to the listing. These lists can be loaded or saved in case they need to be transferred to other computer systems as well. A click on the Web Update button in the main window will check all configured websites for program updates and indicate the updates to the user.
A double-click on a program name will open the website of that program in the default web browser.
Web Versions is a portable software for the Microsoft Windows operating system. It is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the OS and available for download at the developer’s website.
Related Articles:
Disk Encryption Software TrueCrypt 7.1a ReleasedSoftware UpToDate Finds Updated Versions Of Windows Programs
True Crypt 6.1 Released
Increase True Crypt AES performance
Disk Encryption Software TrueCrypt 6.3 Released
Enjoyed the article?: Then sign-up for our free newsletter or RSS feed to kick off your day with the latest technology news and tips, or share the article with your friends and contacts on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ using the icons below.
Seems pretty much like what Ketarin does, except that Ketarin can actually download stuff for you.
I prefer Sumo (http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?sumo) myself.
Thanks Rarst for comparing with Ketarin!