INSTALL: E-Prime Check for Updates Version Information and FAQs [17835]

This article applies to:
E-Prime 3.0
E-Prime 2.0
E-Prime 1.2

 

Detail

NOTE: This article is the same as 27785.

The version of E-Prime on a machine can be updated to a more current version when it is available. E-Prime has the ability to check the web (pstnet.com) for software updates. When a new version of E-Prime is detected, E-Prime Check for Updates prompts that an update is available that may be downloaded from the Support site. 

Depending on which version installed, Check for Updates has different functionality from a user's perspective. Please refer to the section of this article that corresponds with the version of E-Prime installed.

E-Prime 3.0 Update 3 (3.0.3.214) and later

E-Prime 3.0 Update 3 changed the way in which Check for Updates occurs. E-Prime will still automatically check the web for updates to E-Prime. However, options are no longer present for users. E-Studio no longer provides a Check for Updates option in the Tools > Options menu. Additionally, upon initial open of E-Studio (before the splash screen but after Registration), a check for updates dialog is no longer presented.

Despite no options being present, E-Prime now automatically informs users when updates are available. When an update is E-Prime is available, a notification appears in the Workspace of E-Studio. Users who wish to update can follow the link and download the new version of E-Prime.

When Check for Updates occurs, only basic details are sent to PST. Please check the EULA or the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more information on details sent to PST.

E-Prime 3.0 Update 2 (3.0.3.80) and earlier

Upon first launch of E-Studio after E-Prime is installed, a prompt to turn on/off E-Prime Check for Updates appears.

Two options are presented on the dialog: enable or disable Check for Updates. 

Enabling Check for Updates

Enabling Check for Updates permits E-Prime to check with PST to see if a new version of E-Prime is available. When this option is selected, users specify how often to check for updates using the dropdown menu. The dropdown arrow can be clicked to set the number of days E-Prime waits to check for a new update.

Additionally, users select the amount of computer details to provide to PST when checking for updates (discussed below in the FAQ).

Disabling Check for Updates

When Check for Updates is disabled, E-Prime does not automatically check to determine if a new version of E-Prime is available. However, this does not stop users from manually downloading updates from the PST Support page.

Changing the Check for Updates Setting

The Check for Updates settings may be changed at any time from the Tools > Options menu in E-Studio. The Update tab in the Options menu contains the Check for Updates settings.

On the Updates tab, users can turn Check for Updates on or off, configure the number of days between checking for updates, and select the level of machine detail provided to PST. Additionally, the dialog indicates the next date that E-Prime Check for Update checks the web. A button is provided to schedule a check for updates the next time E-Studio is opened.

Available Updates

When an update is available, the following notification will appear when E-Studio is opened:

Please click the link to access the download for the E-Prime Update.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is E-Prime Check for Updates?
E-Prime Check for Updates introduces the ability for E-Studio to check the web (www.pstnet.com) for updates to the E-Prime software. When E-Prime Check for Updates checks the web for updates, it requires that certain information is sent to PST including details about the machine and E-Prime software. This is to determine if an update to the E-Prime system is necessary.

Why is the information necessary to be sent to E-Prime Check for Updates?
The primary reason to send this information is to provide the most personalized results of the machine running E-Prime. For example, if an update is not deemed necessary for the operating system, then a prompt would not occur to obtain the update.
 
Additionally, the version of the currently installed E-Prime system is sent so the check determines if the most recent version of E-Prime is on the machine. A prompt would not occur if the most recent version is already on the machine. If something specific to your machine configuration is found, it is most beneficial to update the machine(s) in which the updates are necessary.

How is the information sent to E-Prime Check for Updates? Is E-Prime Check for Updates secure?
Currently, E-Prime Check for Updates uses the HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to send the information to the Check for Updates web services.

Is any personal information about me or my machine being sent to E-Prime Check for Updates?

In no way does E-Prime Check for Updates purposely search for items such as bank information, credit card numbers, or email addresses. When sending the machine configuration details, the PST-specific branches of the registry are sent and include the name/institution used when E-Prime was installed. Please see the sections below on the information that is collected and how it possibly could contain personal information.

What information is sent when the "Send basic details when Checking for Updates" is checked?

NOTE: This option is available in E-Prime 3.0 Update 2 (3.0.3.80) and earlier. This option is selected by default in E-Prime 3.0 Update 3 (3.0.3.214) and later and is not configurable.

What information is sent when the "Send machine configuration details when Checking for Updates" is checked?

NOTE: This option is only available in E-Prime 3.0 Update 2 (3.0.3.80) and earlier.

I am unable to change the settings to E-Prime Check for Updates.

NOTE: This FAQ only applies E-Prime 3.0 Update 2 (3.0.3.80) and earlier.

If the options to E-Prime Check for Updates are disabled or greyed out, then consult your network administrator about enabling/disabling E-Prime Check for Updates. Please contact E-Prime Technical Support or your network administrator if this is not reflective of your network policies.

In some instances, outside of the standard installation of E-Prime, your license agreement indicates that certain portions of E-Prime Check for Updates are required.

I don't want any information sent, how can I disable E-Prime Check for Updates?

NOTE: This FAQ only applies E-Prime 3.0 Update 2 (3.0.3.80) and earlier.

1. Open E-Studio.
2. Navigate to the Tools...Options menu.
3. Navigate to the Updates tab.
4. Uncheck the "Routinely check for updates to E-Prime on the web and prompt when they become available" option.

Additionally, upon first run of E-Studio after E-Prime is installed a prompt to turn on/off E-Prime Check for Updates appears. E-Prime Check for Updates can be disabled at that time. 

What if I am an IT Administrator?
E-Prime Check for Updates settings are configured in the Windows Registry and are specific to the user logged into the system. Check for Updates can be configured so that the settings modified affect every user who logs into the machine. Additionally, they can be configured so that users cannot edit the Check for Updates settings. Please contact PST Technical Support for more information on configuring E-Prime Check for Updates for global machine access instead of per-user configuration.

 
See Also:
INSTALL: Upgrading and Updating from a Previous Version of E-Prime [22673]