Secunia has released version 2 of its Personal Software Inspector tool, which scans client PCs for missing Windows updates and outdated software programs, helping to alert the user to the presence of potential security holes. In some cases, the program can even download and install missing updates automatically, helping protect the computer from malicious software.

The major new feature in version 2.0 of Secunia PSI is its support for automatically updating third-party programs alongside Windows updates, alongside a redesigned user interface and improvements in the presentation of the scan results.

Secunia PSI 2.0 is a free security auditing tool aimed at home users. When first launched, Secunia PSI 2.0 will scan the user’s computer to check the status of both Windows and key software programs. If any missing updates or outdated programs are found, the program will flag them at the top of the results list, making it obvious which will require updating.

The new Auto Update feature is switched on by default, so if outdated programs are detected Secunia will go to work in the background attempting to download and install solutions – where no automatic solution is available the scan results page will display a link to install a manual solution.

The results page has also been redesigned to group together insecure programs at the top of the results list, making them easier to identify.

Corporate users will be also be interested to learn that Secunia PSI 2.0 now integrates with Secunia CSI (Corporate Software Inspector), allowing the system administrator watch how individual users patch their systems and what programs they install.

Secunia PSI 2.0 is freeware, and requires Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista SP1/SP2 or Windows 7.