This is actually a quick n dirty solution to check software updates and keep your system up to date with the latest version of the software that you use.

FileHippo.com is offering an update checker software. Currently it is still in open beta stage. The update checker will check your system for installed software, and then send the version information to FileHippo.com server to check whether there are any new versions. The updates will be shown on your browser. The links to download the software updates will also be displayed.

Why quick n dirty? Currently the only drawback is the update checker can only check the software that installed in the default install location. If you want the update checker to check updates for software that you install to a non-default location, you can manually add those non-default folder.

The service is free. I think its only scan for updates of the software that are downloadable from FileHippo.com only. Updates for software that not listed on FileHippo.com might not been shown. If you are a fan of FileHippo.com, then this software might be for you.

[FileHippo.com Update Checker]