Avira Software Updater vs Ubuntu Update Manager

Avira Software Updater scans Windows computers for outdated software and helps users obtain updates.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 The free version identifies outdated programs and links to updates on publishers’ websites.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.

Ubuntu Update Manager is a free graphical frontend for apt that installs available updates and supports routine Ubuntu system upgrades. In the desktop menu it appears as Software Updater, and Ubuntu describes the package as a GNOME application for managing apt updates. It is intended for daily system upgrading as well as migration to a newer Ubuntu release.

The tool can check whether a new distribution release is available. Its development-release option can upgrade from the latest supported release to the development release. During an upgrade, it may reinstall ubuntu-desktop, change sources.list entries to updated ones, and add the default user to new groups when needed. Ubuntu says its bundled installation tools validate packages during installation to check for manipulation during download. Update Manager runs on Linux and integrates with apt. The manpage credits Michael Vogt and various contributors with its development; it also states that redistribution is permitted under the GNU General Public License and provides no warranty.