Most popular free software gets
updated on a regular basis. Some programs update themselves automatically,
while others provide an Update button, and some require you to go to their
originating websites and look for new versions yourself.
To save yourself all
this effort, install FileHippo.com Update Checker (www.filehippo.com/updatechecker). This
looks for outdated software on your system and let you download the latest
versions.
You could also try Secunia PSI
(secunia.com), which scans your PC to find programs that need updating. You can
either set Secunia to work automatically, or run the software manually.