---
title: "Windows Update alternative from Shavlik"
url: https://campbell-online.com/blog/2006/07/13/windows-update-alternative-from-shavlik/
description: "Brian Livingston’s “Windows Secrets” newsletter is one of the few industry publications I subscribe to; he’s a no-nonsense techie who keeps abreast of Developments You."
published: 2006-07-13
updated: 2006-07-13
---

# Windows Update alternative from Shavlik

Published 2006-07-13

July 13, 2006 · [IT service management](https://campbell-online.com/blog/category/it-service-management/) · [Knowledge work](https://campbell-online.com/blog/category/knowledge-work/) · [Tools and techniques](https://campbell-online.com/blog/category/tools-and-techniques/)

Brian Livingston’s [“Windows Secrets” newsletter](http://windowssecrets.com/) is one of the few industry publications I subscribe to; he’s a no-nonsense techie who keeps abreast of Developments You Should Know About.

Well, here’s a Development You Should Know About: Microsoft has started cramming spyware into their automatic “security” updates, and concerned users now have a great, free alternative to Windows Update:

> In my last issue, I reported that Microsoft’s in-house Windows Update routine is now likely to download marketing gimmicks such as Windows Genuine Advantage to your PC. I advised all Windows users, other than novices, to turn off Automatic Updates.
>
> Because promptly patching Windows is vitally important to your security, however, I recommended a trusted, third-party replacement: Shavlik Technologies’ HFNetChkPro, which supports a much wider variety of programs than does Windows Update. The only downside is that the HFNetChkPro software, while priced reasonably at $25 USD per PC, requires a license for a minimum of 5 PCs.
>
> After that newsletter appeared, Shavlik released a stunning improvement on this frustrating situation. The company’s NetChk Protect — which offers antispyware scanning in addition to patch-management — is now completely free for 1 to 10 PCs for one year.

[Free Windows Update alternative is released (Windows Secrets)](http://www.windowssecrets.com/comp/060713/)

Related:

- [The Security Baseline as of 13 July 2006 (Windows Secrets)](http://www.windowssecrets.com/comp/060713/#baseli)
- [Shavlik Technologies, LLC](http://www.shavlik.com/)

- [Shavlik NetChk Protect](http://www.shavlik.com/netchk-protect.aspx)

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