Secunia has released a beta version of a software inspector tool that checks to see if your system has the latest versions of Flash, Java etc. It also lists much of the other software installed on your computer.

From the Secunia page linked to above:

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The Secunia PSI detects installed software and categorises your software as either Insecure, End-of-Life, or Up-To-Date. Effectively enabling you to focus your attention on software installations where more secure versions are available from the vendors.

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The program is quite useful in my opinion. Software updates can be checked for all in one go rather than having to visit individual sites periodically to check for them.

If you decide to install The Secunia PSI (Personal Software Inspector), the program puts a shortcut in the 'Startup' folder so that it starts with Windows and puts an icon in the 'SysTray' (the area next to the clock). I'd suggest the program doesn't need to be monitoring constantly and the shortcut can be removed.

Just brought to the top as a reminder to check that your Internet software is up to date. Updated versions of Browsers, Java, Flash and PDF readers usually include security fixes.

The above tool can be installed to scan your computer for old versions. Checking for later versions can also be done by going to the respective sites if preferred. Java updates can be checked for by opening the options in the 'Control Panel'.

There may be a certain amount of bad luck involved when a computer becomes infected with malware. However, It's usually best to decrease the chances of this happening by keeping software up to date.

Thanks TW I installed it
It tells me I need lots of Java stuff , but it wouldnt be of any use to me
should I ignore those?

You probably do use it without realising. Java is used to run Java 'applets' in a web page. Java applets might take the form of scrolling text banners, some kind of game or an interactive animation (for instance). If a web page contains an applet, the web browser will run it as soon as the page is visited and loaded. You won't know about it in advance.

Java provides an environment called a 'sandbox' in which an applet runs. The general idea is that, if an applet contains harmful code, it cannot get out of the sandbox to do nasty things to your computer. The chances are that applets within a web page will be harmless. Even if you come across one that isn't, the Java environment should provide protection. However, if code does get past defences, then there is a potential risk to your computer.

Vulnerabilities or 'holes' are always being found in the software used to browse the Internet. That's not to say that we'll certainly get caught, or that anyone is actively exploiting them. The fact that vulnerabilities even technically exist is enough to make software suppliers/developers want to patch them. Once a vulnerability has been discovered, there is always a chance that it could be exploited.

Here is a page bringing such a vulnerability to our attention. The solution advised is to update to the latest version of Java. Also have a read of this page under the heading 'Java SE Security Overview'. It isn't necessary to understand it fully but reading the paragraph a few times gives an idea of what Java does and how it should do it safely. The last sentence mostly says it I think.

To put things into perspective, you have to be unlucky to visit a site that tries to harm you with embedded code (not just Java) but it can and does happen to some people. Staying patched and up to date should lessen the chances of being a victim.

Thanks,but there are downloads for things like Linux and Solaris which I dont have.

That's right. You only need updates for software relevant to the operating system you are using.

Excellent program! Thank you.

I've been having trouble opening some of the Christmas links that have been posted in other forums. Should I try this before doing anything else to see if this helps opening those?

If those links lead to 'Flash' presentations then perhaps you'd need to update the Flash Player. The Secunia PSI (Personal Software Inspector) can tell you if you have an outdated version. I don't think the tool would help with the links problem other than that. The program's function is purely to look at installed software and inform you if any updates are available. Keeping software updated may cure or prevent problems.

The installed version of Flash Player can also be checked here. The latest version is 9,0,115,0. If the installed version is an old one, there is a link to the download centre in the page.