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's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. 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.