If you’re anything like me, you like to try and keep all of your Mac’s software up-to-date. Until recently, your only options were Software Update and following software sites like MacUpdate. The newly created App Store has certainly made this easier but, like with Software Update, you’re limited to software available in the App Store or written by Apple.

About a year ago, I found an application called AppFresh that allows you to update any application installed on your Mac. After using AppFresh for the last year, I don’t know how I ever lived without it. AppFresh is still in development preview release, but don’t let that hold you back. I have yet to experience any bugs in my year of using the app.

AppFresh helps you to keep all applications, widgets, preference panes, and application plugins installed on your Mac up to date, all from one place, easy to use, and fully integrated into Mac OS X. AppFresh works by checking the excellent iusethis.com for new versions and lets you download and install available updates easily.

Setup is fairly simple. Once you have installed AppFresh, it will scan for available updates using iusethis.com. After the scan is complete, you will see a list of available updates. Highlight the ones you want and select “Install” from the drop down menu. Most updates are automatically installed, however, some require that you run the installer once it has downloaded.

A nice feature built into this application is the ability to customize what is updated. This includes options for always ignoring certain applications from updating, only free updates or to skip a version.

If you’re someone who likes to have all the latest updates and wants save time searching for them, then AppFresh is for you.

OWC has no affiliation with this software and receives no benefit related to this support (other than a benefit we all share in the continued support of these applications). If you appreciate the function or functionality this software offers, we encourage you to support the authors.