Software: The choice to Update or Not

In the wonderful World of modern technology almost everyone has electronic equipment that is comprised of a selection of 'off the shelf' modules, sub-assemblies and other hardware that works together to perform specific tasks. Many of these devices are often reliant on Software to make the hardware operate the way we want it to.

Software Updates or Upgrades usually fix bugs and improve the way a device operates, often adding new features or functions improving the end users experience and enjoyment of the device.

Having the latest release or most up to date version is usually a good thing, but not always.

There are occasions when a certain software version does everything we need it to and works very well. Then an update appears that seems to be a step backwards. Changing the way the device works making it more awkward to use. Removing useful features that worked perfectly well. Making the device slower or unstable due to additional fancy graphics increasing processor load (wasting energy on battery powered devices) or bloating the software and wasting memory with functions we do not actually need or use. I believe that functionality and efficiency are far more important than making things look pretty. 

Most of the time if we do not like the latest version we can go back to using the older version, But not always...

Sometimes we are forced to update or upgrade with no choice to keep the older version that worked for us. Fortunately most of the time it is up to the end user when/if they want to upgrade/update to the latest version.  I personally tend to look at new versions of software (and firmware) read release notes and information presented by the programmers or producer of the software and wait until I see or hear feedback from other users before deciding whether I want to try the newer version myself.

It is always nice to have the choice to upgrade or Not.
Giving end users the option to wait until most of the bugs are ironed out and any new features or functions are proved to work properly and actually be useful is a good thing. Especially when the software producer/programmer only provides the latest version with no option to roll-back to the older version if You do not like the new one!

Android

I also use Android based devices (both home based and portable/mobile Network Radio equipment) and had issues in the past with the Google Play-Store automatically updating applications that turned out to be much worse than the older version I had been using.
I have turned OFF auto-update in the Play-Store and only update after doing a bit of research to find out what changes have been made, reading other users reports of the new versions behaviour and when possible speaking to others who are using the latest version before deciding whether to try it or not. This has saved me a lot of trouble when a supposed update or upgrade turned out to be a downgrade with more problems than the version it replaced.

There are a few key apps I use daily that could be thought of as 'out of date'. The newer versions have changed a lot, added fancier graphics, incresed latency, become less stable and removed specific functions I require for correct operation of some devices. Fortunately I have been able to re-install the older version that works properly with all the functions and features I need.

 With Android Apps it is a good idea to keep a backup copy of the .apk file for an app before trying the latest updated version. This makes it much easier to go back to the version that worked before.

To Update or Not ?   As an end user the choice should be Yours.

73 de Hairy Paul.