Guide to Installing Third-Party Software

[geekdom]

Guide to Installing Third-Party Software

June 23, 2020

This general guide is designed as a cautionary approach to installing third-party software. Many entities offer software designed to fix everything. Wait. Hold. The software may not be all it’s designed to be even if it’s from a reliable source. Here are some guidelines to determine if software is right for you and will actually do the tasks it is intended to perform.

What is offered here are suggestions only and your mileage may vary.

This information has been broken up by tasks. Each post will include simple, useful suggestions. No special tools required, although heavy use of search is required for your particular brand of desired software. Personal research is required for you to obtain your necessary software.

1. Determine what software you need and tasks it will perform
2. Check software reviews
3. Software cost
4. Software license
5. Determine if software is bundled with other product
6. Will software install and uninstall nicely?
7. Obtain software from a reliable source
8. Software changes. Should you change the software you are using?

If you think this topic worthwhile, I will pursue it with additional information for each point.

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5 users thanked author for this post.

doriel, Kathy Stevens, Sueska, Elly, Microfix

[Elly]

At this point I’m content with the software that I use daily. But I was recently in a position of trying to problem solve internet problems… and suddenly it appeared I might need software to help me. I really could have used a guide about evaluating and choosing it… and checking it with antivirus, just in case? I’d really appreciate it if you filled this out more… I’m sure it will be useful in the future.

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

[Alex5723]

On Windows OS try to NOT install software. Go for Portable versions. If there are none search for Alternative Installing is the last resort if you can’t find Portable versions.

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wavy, Sueska

[anonymous]

I like the Portable utils but Bitdefender will really tear them up sometimes! Portable platform looked to be a very useful tool but BD scrambled my settings and some files in the downloads folder too. BD support played dumb. Been leery of Portables ever since. I really feel comfy with BD. Conundrum.

[wavy]

anonymous wrote:

I like the Portable utils but Bitdefender will really tear them up sometimes! Portable platform looked to be a very useful tool but BD scrambled my settings and some files in the downloads folder too. BD support played dumb. Been leery of Portables ever since. I really feel comfy with BD. Conundrum.

I would be VERY leary of Bitdefender, well actually if I was convinced of the truth of what you said I would run!!

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

[anonymous]

Point 6 is absolutely worthwhile to cover. I’ve had numerous nightmarish experiences trying to uninstall badly-made programs that leave countless little traces in a million places all over the computer that take forever to clean out. Even big, reputable companies like Adobe tend to have some of the worst uninstall experiences in the software world. The current trend is “easy to install, easy to uninstall,” but not all programs play by this rule.

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Sueska

[Ascaris]

That’s one thing I was always careful of when I used Windows.  Paranoid, maybe.  Some software companies have uninstaller programs that will scan for any such leftover bits and remove them… Acronis is one of those, as True Image is notorious for leaving UpperFilter and LowerFilter bits of itself left behind after a removal.  There are also manual uninstallation guides for some things that tell where the bits are that a given program orphans.

After trying out a bunch of programs and uninstalling most or all of them, I would often restore a backup rather than worry about the debris left behind (Jo: “We have debris!” Bill: “DEBRIS??!”).  I was always looking at the hidden devices in the Device Manager and at the loaded drivers to see if there was anything in there that shouldn’t be.

I think the accumulation of such cruft is probably part of what makes Windows installations perform worse and worse over time for a lot of people.  Malware, misconfigurations or errors stacking on top of misconfigurations, etc., certainly also play a role. By the time some of them got to me for repair, they were nearly unusable, but their owners just soldiered on, putting up with insanely long load times, messed up UI elements, instability, things not working… I can’t even imagine how they tolerated that.

Some people even now periodically reinstall Windows as a form of maintenance.  The last time I did that was in the 1990s with Windows 9x… I used 95, 95 OSR 2, 98 SE, and ME (and I didn’t hate ME, go figure), so it could have been any of them.  I certainly did it the most with the two 95 variants.

From XP on, it was one and done with a Windows installation.  I would reinstall it if I had to, but just for maintenance, no.  I had the same Windows XP installation on my Asus laptop (Core 2 duo) from when I bought it in 2008 until after XP finally went EOL and I moved to 7 on that PC.  It was still responsive and stable after all that time.

Group "L" (KDE Neon User Edition 5.19.2).

[Sueska]

@geekdom, all of the points mentioned have merit and I would look forward to reading both your posts and the comments to your posts. Recently started using portable software because of information found in an askwoody post. Point #6 could turn out to be 2 parts as it could encompass researching (searching), using custom installs to only install necessary components, and preventative measures like making a restore point or using a 3rd party software to monitor installs and help with uninstalls. With the current environment of people being home and needing to work from home, more and more people will be reliant on using their computers and that will likely include installing 3rd party software. Thanking you for your efforts in advance.

2 users thanked author for this post.

geekdom, Elly

[geekdom]

Two parts, it is, although I’ve always found installing easier than uninstalling.

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[Kathy Stevens]

BE WARNED!

I recently went onto the OlderGreeks’ website and downloaded, installed, and used Spydish, a third-party utility recommended by Deanna McElveen in a recent Ask Woody newsletter.

I tried the utility and learned that it goes beyond just changing Windows 10’s privacy settings. And, if used incorrectly it will permanently disable (remove) and make it impossible to recover applications like sticky notes and HP’s Windows Support Assistant.  And who knows what else?

After spending hours trying to recover my Windows 10 Pro, Version 1903 system including using System Restore and trying to reinstall the lost items, I had to use Acronis to recover the last full backup of my system.

I spent hours trying to recover from the damage caused by the third-party utility Spydish. And I still have not been able to get Outlook to work the way it did before the Spydish attack.

In short, think twice before changing or adding to the software you are using.  Ask your self do I want it and do I need it. If the answer to both questions is yes create a restore point and then proceed with the installation of third-party software with caution.

[rc primak]

I stick with O&O ShutUp10 for the privacy setup for my Windows 10. It hasn’t caused this sort of issue.

It is necessary to test new software which makes system-level changes with a recent backup on hand. You never know how safe third-party software for changing Windows settings is, or isn’t. Even “cleaning” or “registry cleaning” can make undesirable changes which may need a recovery to a previous system state to repair.

If you haven’t used a piece of software and are in any way unsure about reviews of that software, make sure you will be able to restore any changes the software may make.

-- rc primak

1 user thanked author for this post.

Microfix

[rc primak]

Regarding the Outlook issues — Have you by any chance applied the June Microsoft Updates? There’s a known issue for some folks in those updates which causes issues when opening Outlook.

See:  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/something-is-wrong-with-one-of-your-data-files-and-outlook-needs-to-close-a3b59934-2446-4f2a-bd25-58f88188b9b2?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US&mc_cid=083c886275&mc_eid=fc278575d8

 

-- rc primak

[alphacharlie]

Ascaris wrote:

I had the same Windows XP installation on my Asus laptop (Core 2 duo) from when I bought it in 2008 until after XP finally went EOL and I moved to 7 on that PC.  It was still responsive and stable after all that time.

and that was exactly my experience with a 2008 Lenovo Thinkpad.
(By the way, that same laptop is running Win 10 1909 today.)

[geekdom]

Part 1: Determine what software you need and tasks it will perform

• What generic type of software do you require? Put a name to it: PDF, office, file organization, photograph, mail client, anti-virus. You will need to be able to search on this general software type later.

• What are the specific tasks required of this software? The information will be included as part of your search.

• Will your data be in the cloud or on your computer?

• Will the software run disconnected from Internet or will it access Internet and web sites?

• What is your operating system?

• What is your memory and storage drive capacity?

• What are your peripherals?

• What is your price range?

• What is your tolerance for bloatware and advertisements?

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[Kathy Stevens]

And.

• What is the reputation of the the software’s developer?
• Does the software have positive reviews by a number of reputable websites?

[Bluetrix]

I create a restore point before installing any software from anywhere. So much easier to revert to a previous known good state than the hassle of hunting down remnants of a bad software install.

As Ascaris previously mentioned, having up to date backups, is always smart.

[Kathy Stevens]

And

• Make sure that the individual making the recommendation to download, install, and  use the software does not host and/or have an economic interest in the website offering the Third-Party Software.

[geekdom]

Part 2: Check Software Reviews

Formal Review

• Many Internet sources carry software reviews: web computer magazines, blogs, and technical web sites. These reviews usually come in list form with “best” and “date” in the title. What you want are recent reviews: software changes over time.

• To get these lists:
a. Open your browser.
b. In the search space, type in the generic term (and the specific term) for the software.
c. Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.
d. I have included an example for your reading edification. Please note that I am not personally endorsing the search engine nor any site that shows in the list. This is for example purposes only.

• In a software review you will usually see software name, the software link which links to the software publisher (hover over the link with your mouse to verify it), a two-paragraph evaluation with plus and minus points, and a price.

• What these reviews don’t carry are technical difficulties in installing, running, and uninstalling the software. For that information, you need a second type of review.

Informal Review

• Many help sites contain information for specific software technical difficulties. These tend to be forums where those who use the software ask questions and others answer the questions. Usually, a help forum addresses a specific problem such as installing or uninstalling software, software usage, software capabilities, or software bugs.

• Some help forums are run by the software authors or publishers. Other help sites are independent of author or publisher.

• To get support information:
a. Open your browser,
b. In the search space, type in software name and specific problem.
c. Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.

• As a final note, you usually land in a support forum after installing software. Experience is a hard teacher.

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Elly

[geekdom]

Part 3: Software cost

Software costs range from free to paid and much between free and paid. The publisher’s or author’s site will have information regarding charges and terms. Read it. There are many variations.

I’ve found nagware, reminders to upgrade or register, in both free and paid software. And while I’ve seen bundled, offers of third-party packages with option to opt out, in free software, I suspect it may occur in paid software as well.

Free Types

• No charge.

• No charge, if you are non-commercial. The noncommercial definition varies from site to site.

• No charge, if you use the software a limited number of times. The number of times the software can be used varies from site to site.

• No charge, if you get the limited featured package. Limitations vary from site to site. (Freemium)

• No charge, if you register within a time frame.

• No charge, if you opt for trial with option to buy. (Trial)

Wikipedia provides additional free types under the label shareware. Please remember the terminology keeps changing:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareware

Paid Types

Payment provides a product key, software, maybe an installation disk, maybe an instruction booklet, maybe some support. While software sites would like you to register, it may not be mandatory.

• Annual or monthly fee.

• One time charge with limited or no patches.

• Lower charge if you purchase the upgrade.

 

Part 4: Software Licenses

The publisher’s or author’s site will generally have a license posted, along with pricing information. The license will also be available if you obtain the software. Read it. There are many variations. These licenses stipulate distribution, source content, author or publisher rights.

Even if you obtain the free version, the license is geared to the paid version. For the software free version, you will need to view the author’s or publisher’s site for free usage as it is generally is not stated in the license.

You may have the software free version, but the license will still hold.

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Elly

[wavy]

I would always use an uninstaller to install new software. I use Revo Uninstaler pro, there are free versions of this software, I like the portable version of soft ware to kep the clutter down.

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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geekdom

[geekdom]

Part 5: Bundling in Software Installation Packages

Software installation packages may include additional and likely unwanted software. The practice of including additional packages in the installation software is called bundling. Bundling allows optional software to be installed on your system.

Packages from freeware software sites, sites that have entire freeware catalogs, are likely to give you bundleware or advertising. A free software site might inform if the software package is bundled; it’s much more likely that you are on your own to determine any pitfalls. Lowell Heddings of How-to Geek provided an illuminating and very recent article here:
https://www.howtogeek.com/207692/yes-every-freeware-download-site-is-serving-crapware-heres-the-proof/

It’s a better and safer practice to obtain software packages from author or publisher sites, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t get bundled. Read the fine print. The author or publisher site may tell you it bundles.

Be aware that any software package may contain bundleware.

Use caution when downloading any software package. If your anti-virus squawks when you download a package, stop downloading it. If your anti-virus squawks when after downloading the package and the package is scanned, delete the package.

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[Elly]

I find it best to do custom or advanced installation routinely, as often, the bundled stuff can be unchecked and not installed, avoiding it completely.

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

2 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Microfix

[Microfix]

Agree 100% Elly, custom or advanced installs are my goto every time.
Small tickboxes, confusiing phrases and wording, opt ins/outs, agreements et al
Being astute and focused on ANY software installation prevents grief later.
Remember, there is no hurry, read supplied documentation (readme files) take your time.

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SueW, Elly

[geekdom]

The sequence at the top of the page is:

6. Will software install and uninstall nicely?
7. Obtain software from a reliable source
8. Software changes. Should you change the software you are using?

I’m rearranging the real estate slightly so that steps follow sequentially. Here is the new sequence for the remaining steps:

6. Find a reliable website: obtain, download, and verify software
7. Install software
8. Uninstall software
9. When software changes, should you change the software you are using?

Are there any questions regarding the new sequence?

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[doriel]

I d like to war people about Solvusoft!
Their webpage adverties, that their repair tool can repair every issue you are serching for!
1. They snoop your google query (MS Office 2010 error 0x080040e3).
2. On their wesite, they create download link that states:
“Looking for repair “+your google query+”? Download our tool to fix this problem!”

Their web is just full of generated clickbaites. This is so common these days, so dont believe 100% websites of such fraud informations. Also their programs keep returning after uninstallation!
So they break rule nr. 6 by Mr. @geekdom

Dell Latitude E6530, Intel Core i5 @ 2.6 GHz, 4GB RAM, WX 1809 Enterprise

HAL3000, AMD Athlon 200GE @ 3,4 GHz, 8GB RAM, Fedora 29

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SueW

[geekdom]

Part 6: Reliable site: obtain, download, verify software

It’s been discussed locating a reliable site. Recommended is the author or publisher site making sure you have the correct address and not a clone site. Approach with extreme caution freeware software sites as they may contain optional bundled software which if installed could prove problematic. As explanation, bundled software comes with the option to install checked. To prevent it from installing (during package installation), you must uncheck it.
✓ Bundle package checked (Install)
□ Bundle package unchecked (Don’t Install)

• Obtain the software. If you are purchasing from the author or publisher, you must make payment and possibly register. You will receive a product key. If you are obtaining free software, find the download page.

• Download the package. If your anti-virus squawks when you download a package, stop downloading it.

• Verify the package.
a. If your anti-virus squawks when after downloading the package and the package is scanned, delete the package.

b. Check the hash value of the downloaded software against the hash value, if there is one, of the author’s site. A comparison of the hash value will determine if the downloaded package is valid. The hash values should match. The site hash value takes precedence. If the values don’t match, delete the downloaded software, and download again.

This program – and there are many programs out there to calculate hash values – can be used to determine the hash value:
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/hash_my_files.html

For more information on hash value types, read here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Hash_Algorithms

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[WSslubo]

Part 6: Reliable site: obtain, download, verify software

It’s been discussed locating a reliable site. Recommended is the author or publisher site making sure you have the correct address and not a clone site….

How to make sure it is not a clone site?

Tx

[geekdom]

In an above statement I wrote: Select carefully from the list. Some sites can be dangerous; other sites can look like clones of the real thing.

What I refer to as clones are fake or scam sites designed to look like the real site. If you are scrolling down a list of sites, make sure to hover your mouse over the address. If the address shows unusual spelling deviations from the normally spelled site, don’t click on the link.

Here is further information on how to tell fake sites from real sites in people words, not techo-nerd, but ignore the advertisements. I have advertising suppressed in my browser. While I like this this article, I would avoid the recommendation “7. Use the website’s “Contact” page” as the article recommends possibly clicking on a site-in-question link and then contacting the site-in- question. No. Absolutely not.
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-if-a-Website-Is-Legitimate

If you find yourself inside a potential clone site, don’t click on anything and exit immediately. You may have to look or read long enough to determine it’s a clone site, but don’t click.

Usually, genuine reviews will carry the author or publisher site link. Hover over the link with your mouse to see the address. Hovering over any link with your mouse to check the address is always good practice. (Practice safer computing.)

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WSslubo, Elly

[geekdom]

Part 7: Installing Software

You have your installation software.

Perform These Tasks First

• Create a restore point.

• Consider a backup including full system image:
a. If you have a big hunka-hunka major install program with many working parts
b. If the new software makes major changes to file structures or file permissions.
c. Some software does not work and play well with other software. This fact is usually noted after installation.
d. Some software does not uninstall well. This fact is usually noted after installation.
e. Anything else you consider problematic.
f. Do it anyway.

• Keep your anti-virus software active, but shut down other programs. If things go peculiar, you don’t want to guess which program caused what problem.

Start Installation

• Go slow and read everything.

• Do not let the installation software default to automatic installation. Make sure you view everything the package will install, where the software is installed, and where the software is run. Make sure you have selected “let me choose what to install” or “custom” installation.

• Installation packages contain optional bundled software which if installed could prove problematic. As explanation, bundled software comes with the option to install selected as shown with a check mark. To prevent bundleware from installing, you must uncheck it.
✓ Bundle package checked (Install)
□ Bundle package unchecked (Don’t Install)

a. Several bundled software packages I’ve seen are browser packages, toolbars, and anti-virus packages.
b. Make sure you uncheck everything that you don’t want installed.
c. Bundled packages tend to show at the beginning of installation, but they can also show at the end of installation. Practice vigilance.
d. There may also be licenses associated with the bundled software. Read the license. If it’s bundleware, don’t agree to the license. (See Lowell Heddings of How-to Geek for some enlightening examples:
https://www.howtogeek.com/207692/yes-every-freeware-download-site-is-serving-crapware-heres-the-proof/)
e. There are multiple bundleware pitfalls.

Software Installation

• If you have a product key, you will be prompted to enter the product key.

• You will be prompted to agree to the license. Make sure the license is for your software package and not bundled software.

• During installation, you may be asked what subpackages you wish to install and where you wish to store them, along with your data files. Go slow. Some subpackages you just don’t need as they may be bloatware or unnecessary for your purposes.

• The installation package will inform you when it is finished with options to go to the website, launch, order more software. Uncheck everything. Make sure any lurking bundleware is unchecked. Head for the exit.

Check the Program and Your Computer

• Reboot.

• See if the program launches.

• See if there is there any unwanted bundleware.

 

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Elly

[EmiLee]

I’ve always done the custom installs to have more contol, but want more insurance that I can change my mind. What is your opinion of uninstaller software? Which would you recommend?  Does it monitor the installation of software to facilitate thorough removal?

[Paul T]

The only reason I see to use removal software is to clean up things that are deeply embedded in Windows, like AntiVirus (they have their own removers). Most software is just a bunch of files in the “Program Files” folder and a few registry entries so there is nothing much to clean up anyway.

cheers, Paul

[geekdom]

In a web search for uninstaller programs, I discovered there are many out there with different capabilities and features. In an earlier post, @wavy #2275547 mentioned using Revo Uninstaller Pro to monitor new software installation.

This article mentions a number of ways or products to uninstall software:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/6-easy-ways-to-uninstall-programs-in-windows-10
Please note that I am not endorsing any product or process in this article. As a matter of disclosure, I sometimes use free Revo Uninstaller.

The article also mentions reasons why uninstaller programs are useful.

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[geekdom]

Part 8: Uninstalling Software

Determine What Type of Software You Are Uninstalling

The type of software you are uninstalling may determine the uninstall tool. You may, of course use any approach to uninstalling the software, but these considerations may make uninstalling easier.

• Uninstalling small software packages
Small software packages are usually single-task programs.

• Uninstalling large packages with many moving parts
Large packages usually have multiple files in multiple places on your system.

• Uninstalling bloatware packages
If you installed a bloatware package, you probably have bloatware sprawl on your system.

• Uninstalling anti-virus packages
Anti-virus packages are tightly integrated with your system. There are little stickie bits in every corner and crevice and embedded in the registry. A poor uninstall of an anti-virus package usually means that the subsequent anti-virus package may not install well and the subsequent anti-virus package will not run well. Make sure you have your new anti-virus package downloaded and available prior to uninstalling the old one.

Determine What Kind of Uninstaller You Need

• Microsoft Baked-In Uninstaller
This installer appears under Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
Here is the Microsoft Uninstall view. Note that Repair is offered as an option. Repair is only available if the particular package repair was built-in as an option. (Right click a package to check for the repair option.) I tend to use this uninstaller for some Microsoft products and some third-party smaller packages.

• Third-Party Uninstaller
In Part 2: Check Software Reviews, #2275192, there were suggestions for locating software. There are many software uninstallers. Do a web search. I have included an example. Please note that I am not personally endorsing the search engine, nor any site that shows in the list, nor any uninstaller you may select. This is for example purposes only. Uninstallers come in flavors from free to cost and from simple to complicated. Some uninstallers will remove leftover files or registry entries after uninstalling the software. Use caution when selecting, downloading, and installing. I usually use a third-party uninstaller to uninstall medium to large programs.

• Anti-virus Uninstaller
These are usually located at the author or publisher website and geared to that specific anti-virus package. If it were my system, and I wished to uninstall an anti-virus-package, I would use the author or publisher anti-virus uninstaller.

Perform These Tasks First

• Create a restore point.

• Make a backup including full system image:

• If you’re not uninstalling an anti-virus program, leave your anti-virus software active, but shut down other programs.

• If you are uninstalling anti-virus package, you will need to follow specific instructions for uninstalling it. Anti-virus software is heckies to uninstall.

Start Uninstalling

• Go slow and read everything.

• You may be prompted to retain your data, preferences, default files on your system. These can sometimes be transferred to new software. It’s your choice to keep or delete, but make sure you don’t need it before you delete. You can dig it out of the backup, but who wants that?

• There may be a questionnaire at close. Ignore it.

• If you are using third-party uninstaller, read carefully any additional instructions.

• When you are finished, close everything.

• Reboot.

• See if there are files left on your system that pertain to the uninstalled software. Or leave well enough alone.

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online▸ Win10Pro 1909.18363.900 x64 i5-9400 RAM8GB HDD Firefox79.0b3 Windows{Image/Defender/Firewall}

• This reply was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by geekdom.
• This reply was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by geekdom.
• This reply was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by geekdom.
• This reply was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by geekdom.

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[geekdom]

Part 9: When software changes, should you change the software you are using?

Sometimes third-party software changes; these change require evaluation. Here are some example considerations and requirements. Your lists will differ.

Considerations

• Features you needed are no longer available.

• There are new and different features you don’t need.

• There’s new advertising or constant reminders to register.

• The terms of use changed.

• Payment terms changed.

• A new company owns the software and the new company philosophy is different.

• The software has bugs or crashes frequently; it is no longer reliable.

Additional Requirements

• You need features not offered in your current software.

• You require extended support.

• You require automatic updates.

New software requires a learning curve. Make your list; weigh choices for software; determine tasks for accommodating software; then explore and find software that meets your needs.

G{ot backup} TestBeta
offline▸ Win7Pro SP1 x64 Storage
online▸ Win10Pro 1909.18363.900 x64 i5-9400 RAM8GB HDD Firefox79.0b3 Windows{Image/Defender/Firewall}

• This reply was modified 15 hours, 38 minutes ago by geekdom.
• This reply was modified 15 hours, 28 minutes ago by geekdom.

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