MacUpdate Desktop

[milomak]

How is this a thing?

Why is it offering me free upgrades for software that I can upgrade anyway through the actual software or the App Store?

 

[pigoo3]

Have no idea what you're referring to??

Not sure if this is the same thing you are talking about...but "MacUpdate" is a website...that generally is semi-risky to download from...since it has so much advertising on it.

- Nick

 

[ferrarr]

For a while now, MacUpdate has had an app that you install, that will scan your apps and tell you what updates are available for them, if any.

 

[pm-r]

I had to get rid of MacUpdate.app quite a while ago now and if I recall correctly, it was a bit of a PITA to do so.

I can't recall all the reasons but it was waaaayyy off on its accuracy for me as I don't normally run the latest OS X versions, and if I recall properly, MacUpdate was completely filling up my maximum 4,000 Console logs within various messages and within just a few minutes using way to many resources.

And I have no real proof, but I have a feeling it was also doing a bunch of snooping around on my Mac, even though I do have and use Little Snitch.

A quick Spotlight check shows they were still asking me to Upgrage in July:
Hi Patrick,Let's upgrade your free account. …

You be the judge and decide…




- Patrick
=======

 

[pigoo3]

For a while now, MacUpdate has had an app that you install, that will scan your apps and tell you what updates are available for them, if any.

Thanks. Sounds like a useful app in theory. Sounds like pm-r has not had a good experience with it.

- Nick

 

[Slydude]

I don't remember using that piece of software but I used to use the site regularly. The old versiontracker site used to have a similar app. I didn't have the problems with it that Patrick has apparently had with the MacUpdate app. I find that I use these apps less and less over time.

 

[pm-r]

Thanks. Sounds like a useful app in theory. Sounds like pm-r has not had a good experience with it.

- Nick

It seems that even though I trashed their App, I still seem to have a profile at their site for whatever reason it does or doesn't do.

For the OP or others, maybe checkout some other user's comments at the app's home page:
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/8544/macupdate-desktop




- Patrick
=======

 

[milomak]

it seems to have set itself up as a protected app as well

can't even remember the app i wanted that made me install it
edit - AppCleaner dealt with it

 

[IWT]

I too got the Macupdate some years ago. I too found it unreliable, but the real problems are two-fold: difficult app to remove as it has tentacles everywhere. And malware has been asociated with it if you update a genuine app through the Macupdate website.

Thus keep it or not; your choice; but make sure all your updates are direct from the developer's website or through Apple if appropriate.

Ian

 

[ferrarr]

I had to get rid of MacUpdate.app quite a while ago now and if I recall correctly, it was a bit of a PITA to do so.

I can't recall all the reasons but it was waaaayyy off on its accuracy for me as I don't normally run the latest OS X versions, and if I recall properly, MacUpdate was completely filling up my maximum 4,000 Console logs within various messages and within just a few minutes using way to many resources.

And I have no real proof, but I have a feeling it was also doing a bunch of snooping around on my Mac, even though I do have and use Little Snitch.

A quick Spotlight check shows they were still asking me to Upgrage in July:
Hi Patrick,Let's upgrade your free account. …

You be the judge and decide…




- Patrick
=======

I had issues with the app and got rid of it about a year or more ago. It was kind of helpful, but so many most apps offer auto update.

 

[Slydude]

My understanding is that the profile at the site is part of how the app knows what is on your system (and therefore might need upgrading).

For those who may not follow this type of app it looks at the software on your system and checks that list against the updates on their site. It will then show a list of possible updates and offer to install them. It's similar to the Apple Software Update function but isn't limited to Apple software.

 

[ferrarr]

Here is a link, in case anyone is interested in the app.