Home
>
Software
>
Software Upgrades Arent Always the Best Move

Software Upgrades Arent Always the Best Move

When my daughter was getting into AOL instant messaging (AIM) and using all the cool add-ons, I looked for more as it's a great way to learn about extending applications. While doing research, I learned that if you wanted to use AIM themes, you don't want to upgrade to AIM 5.9. A post at MyThemes suggests sticking with or downgrading to 5.5. MyTheme shows what steps to take, should you prefer to stick with 5.9. The post also shows where to download 5.5 and how to downgrade back to it. Furthermore, 5.9 was bloated. Think it took a while for AIM to completely load in 5.5? 5.9 is worse.

Many people, Hubby included, didn't upgrade WinAmp past version 2.8 because he didn't like version 3.0's playlist and it kept crashing. Then, he got a pop up that an upgrade was available. He figured he'd try it as it couldn't hurt and he still had 2.81's install. He liked the new interface and themes on version 5.0, so he stuck with it. That's three versions later.

When I got my new computer, I stayed with Microsoft Office 2002 / OfficeXP. The new features weren't worth it and I'm happy with this version. As long as I have my word count, tracking, and comments -- the other stuff doesn't matter as much. New software products tend to have more bloat than usefulness. This does not apply to ALL new software, just a general statement that it's often the case.

I usually skip a version or two before considering an upgrade unless I see a feature that I think would prove valuable. When it comes to operating systems, I wait till the new one has been out for a long time before considering it.

When I finally got around to buying accounting software in 2003, I researched to see what would best meet my needs. Many users pointed to the older versions of QuickBooks. I currently use QuickBooks Pro 2000. Although, I miss some of the more modern features and functionality, it has all I need. In a quick search, I couldn't find the sites that talk about the versions and their advantages / disadvantages. I had to buy my copy from eBay.

If you find an upgrade awful and uninstalled the old version that you want back, just hop to OldVersion.com -- can't forget a name like that. But if it doesn't have your software, use Google and enter the software title along with the version number. It always works for me.

meryl k. evans is the Content Maven behind meryl k. evans, meryl k. evans. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

Mokena prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson urges you to use Apple’s App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how to smoothly transfer your data from an old laptop to a new one using cloud storage or external drives.

Kurt the CyberGuy offers tips to safeguard your personal information as scammers become more sophisticated with scam texts and other methods.

WeRide's unmanned electric delivery van, the Robovan W5, has 194 cubic feet of cargo space and can carry payloads up to about 2,205 pounds

Kurt the CyberGuy recommends deleting 16 browser extensions immediately in response to a report saying more than 3.2 million web users were affected by a security breach.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

A robotics firm in China claims a robot has performed the world's first humanoid robot front flip, which is significantly more difficult than a backflip.

A digital ID may be even more secure than a physical ID. Storing your driver's license in your Apple Wallet is an ideal solution for commuters.

A cybersecurity firm has shed some light on just how common tax scams have become. Kurt the CyberGuy offers his advice for how to protect your refund.

Lifesize Plans offers immersive walk-throughs that allow customers the opportunity to tour a home's design before construction actually begins.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

A man invested $4 million in bitcoin and lost it all with a single click when he was targeted by a vishing scam, which uses phone calls to trick people.

Expandable's Touchdown is a designer trailer that promises a luxury off-grid living experience and unfolds into a home in about 15 minutes.

Major employee screening company data breach affects 3.3 million people. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what happened and gives five ways to protect your data.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals mind-blowing tech that gives you sunlight on demand.

New malware "FrigidStealer" targets Mac computers. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from infostealer malware.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how lab-grown muscles power a biohybrid hand for scalable prosthetics and research.

Reports of task scams have significantly risen in the past four years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Kurt the CyberGuy offers some red flags.

iPhones have a hidden folder that eats up storage without you knowing it. Kurt the CyberGuy offers some tricks to free up storage on your device.

A recent ransomeware attack targeted Zacks, an American investment firm, and a cybercriminal claimed to have stolen records for millions of customers.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Researchers unveiled a new soft prosthetic hand that combines the natural coordination patterns of our fingers with the decoding of motoneuron activity in the spinal column.

Accidentally deleting a text message on your iPhone or iPad is not a problem if you still need the message. Apple has a built-in way to recover it.

Just two months into 2025 there have been numerous Mac malware threats targeting Apple laptops, ranging from infostealers to malicious software.

A self-driving electric bus powered by artificial intelligence has an electric powertrain for zero-emission operation and an automated drive system.