Here's how it works: VersionTracker Pro adds a desktop client which tracks your software, compares and manages the updates, and inventories software for up to 10 Macs; improves your Mac's performance and stability; and you are the first with the latest updates. With MacFixIt you receive in-depth troubleshooting reports; access to all the archives from September 1996 to the present; and find what you need with the Advanced Search. When you install the client your software will be monitored and you are notified of appropriate updates. You can also sign up to receive email notification of the latest updates. In the latest version, when there's an update available for an item on your computer a transparent window pops up notifying you. You then have a choice to update it immediately or wait. Sometimes I choose to wait because the reviews may not be too favorable. I then place it in my "Pro Watch List" for a later download. If I want the software update right now, I click the download button. Some developers require you to go to their website, and in such case VersionTracker launches your browser to the web page for the download.

I also set up my "Pro" page, which allows me to place in my "Download Cart" updates I may wish to download in the future. It acts like a shopping cart, except that it doesn't empty when I leave the site. When I return, I can look again and find all my choices are still there.

I use the Ticker, which is a transparent window listing all the OS X software available. You can designate different colors for Text, Outdated, Editor's Pick, and Installed. I also have it set as a startup item when I boot my computer. I can't live without it.

As a Pro user you can turn off the site advertisements and surf advertisement-free, which in itself is worth the price! It was not intuitive to taking advantage of all the features on my own. It wasn't until I saw a demo at Macworld Boston 2004 that I am now getting all the benefits.

So, you want to buy it now, you're a MUG member, and want to know how to take advantage of the MUG discount? Follow these steps:

Go to www.versiontracker.com. Click on the "Buy Now" button below the product you are interested in. In Step 3 enter the following promotion code: "mug" Note: You can erase an existing code and enter "mug" if there is a promotional code already provided. Click Continue. The price discount is applied, and you can continue your purchase.

For less than $50 you can keep all your software up to date effortlessly. I give it 4 out of 5 apples.

Reviewer: Maria O. Arguello Maria O. Arguello has been a Pennsylvania resident since 1970. She is a native of Nicaragua but became an American citizen in 1964. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of New Orleans and her Master of Science degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Since retiring from the Philadelphia School System as a science teacher and science department head, her newfound time has allowed her to become more involved with her Mac and the User Group Community. Maria is president and vendor liaison of the Main Line Macintosh Users Group (MLMUG), where she has also served as member-at-large and as special events coordinator. She is an active member of several MUGs, including the Macintosh User Group of Southern New Jersey (MUGSNJ); Princeton Macintosh User Group (PMUG), where she serves as a board member; South Jersey Apple User Group (SJAUG); the Macintosh Business Users Society (MacBUS), where she served as secretary for a year; and Macs @ PACS. She is a member of the Apple Consultants Network and the Apple Regional Liaison. Maria enjoys learning about the diversity of the user group community and loves to attend conferences for the Mac to represent her home group, MLMUG.

[ home | newsletter | past | join | listserve | shareware | directory | links | md9 ]

© 2004 by Maria O. Arguello & MLMUG
Posted 08/22/04
Updated 09/15/04