Avira Software Updater vs Topgrade

Avira Software Updater scans Windows computers for outdated software and helps users obtain updates. Avira says it manages patches for more than 150 programs and also handles drivers. The free version identifies outdated programs and links to updates on publishers’ websites. Pro can automatically download and install selected software, app and driver updates, including silently. Avira lists Windows operating system updates, automatic exploit protection, priority access to updates, customer support and no ads among Pro features. The product is for Windows 7 SP1 and later. Avira says current software can help address vulnerabilities and current drivers can support system stability and hardware performance. Some updates may not install if a software maker blocks third-party update initiation or releases updates gradually. The free version is included in Avira Free Security, while Pro is included in Avira Internet Security. Standalone Pro plans are listed for one PC, monthly and annually, but their prices display as “loading...” rather than amounts. The annual plan includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Topgrade is a free command-line tool that detects tools in use and runs the commands needed to update them. Run it with the `topgrade` command. The project provides self-updating binaries, source installation, and package-manager options; release binaries cover macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. Its example configuration includes Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget. Topgrade can pull or fetch configured Git repositories, and custom commands can run before, during, or after its built-in commands. It can use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally. On first run, it creates a configuration file if one is missing and also loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`. The project describes itself as a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to keep the tool maintained. Its example configuration advises against running it as root on Unix, since it invokes sudo or an equivalent where needed. Only the latest version is supported, and fixes are not backported.