How to Check Recently Installed Programs
In today’s digital age, installing new software on your computer is a common occurrence. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or productivity, it’s essential to keep track of the programs you’ve recently installed. This is especially important for security reasons, as some malicious software can be disguised as legitimate applications. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking recently installed programs on various operating systems.
Windows
On Windows, there are several methods to check recently installed programs:
1. Control Panel:
– Click on the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
– Go to “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
– This will display a list of all installed programs. You can sort the list by “Installed on” to see the most recent installations.
2. Task Manager:
– Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open Task Manager.
– Go to the “Startup” tab.
– This tab shows all the programs that start automatically when you boot your computer, including recently installed ones.
3. Search Function:
– Press “Windows + S” to open the search bar.
– Type “Apps & Features” and press Enter.
– This will open a list of all installed programs, sorted by date.
macOS
On macOS, you can check recently installed programs using the following methods:
1. Launchpad:
– Click on the “Launchpad” icon on the Dock.
– Scroll through the applications to find any new ones you’ve installed recently.
2. Finder:
– Open Finder and click on “Applications” in the sidebar.
– Sort the applications by date to see the most recent installations.
3. Spotlight Search:
– Press “Command + Space” to open Spotlight.
– Type “Applications” and press Enter.
– Sort the applications by date to find recently installed ones.
Linux
On Linux, you can check recently installed programs using the package manager:
1. Ubuntu/Debian:
– Open the Terminal (you can find it in the Applications menu).
– Type `dpkg -l | sort -r` and press Enter.
– This will display a list of all installed packages, sorted by date.
2. Fedora/CentOS:
– Open the Terminal.
– Type `rpm -qa | sort -r` and press Enter.
– This will display a list of all installed packages, sorted by date.
By following these methods, you can easily check recently installed programs on your computer. Remember to keep an eye on new software to ensure your system remains secure and efficient.
