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Software Updates, Upgrades And Effects             Published Monthly
Lesson 038...                                                                                                            2018 12 01

Defining The Problem...
Somewhere along the line people were led to believe that "newer" meant a superior product.
Catch-phrases like "New and Improved" or "Better" helped us adopt that theory with relative ease.

Elders may be more susceptible to advertising because at one time "Newer" actually was "Better"!
Before the days of "demographics" and "pie charts" products relied on performance and cost!

So here we are now, mentally wanting the best we can have for the lowest price!
Somewhat unreasonable to say the least, but that's human nature.

Additionally, there may be technical reasons as well.
Software advancements are also tied to hardware and internet changes!
There may be little or no control over any of these changes or even when it is they happen!

Finally, there may actually be some added features or product improvements we find desireable.
Aforehand knowledge that the changes noted above eventually happen influences many.
Pre-mature installation of Updates/Upgrades against sudden unavailablity happens.


How Did That Happen?...
As populations grow (Local or otherwise), the battle for their finances and loyalty is everpresent.
It can be driven by a desire to improve, competition, finances and possibly even greed.
The result is a pre-mature distribution of software in order to gain interest.

Sometimes the method is subtle and uses only word changes.
Other lures like box colors, video snipits, graphics and audio enhance excitement.
Finally, images perceived as persons happy with the item lends a positive feeling about a purchase.

Competition becomes a "day-to-day-norm" within each industry, with stocks (Not trophy's) at stake!
Methods are not always honorable, and may not even be related to the item at all!
The "Demographics Industry" can be hired to market any product.

Settling for an item that does not meet our needs can lock us into a longterm negative expierience.
The "for now" attitude is yet another subtle/non-confrontational way we loose information.
Realistically we become more locked into our software with each passing day.


What's Being Done To Fix This?...
A learning process is happening to each one of us every day.
Both intentionally and un-intentionally (AKA: Directly and In-directly).

Eventually, we come to realize that some products are better than others.
Sadly, these epiphanies are not always based on fact, but rather on personal preference.
There is no way to improve on poor decision making habits when based on something other than fact.

But for those sincerely interested in the improvement of a given item-There is!
Fortunately because we're involved in genealogy, research is our forte!!
We simply adapt our methods toward the desired information!

As researchers, we understand that the truth is the most important objective.
It should be a natural to carry this act into other aspects of our lives.
Somtimes however, we tend to "cut corners" in other areas.

Try to define what it is you need a software to do.
Then use that as a "to-do-list" before any updates or upgrades are installed.
Simply put, finish performing a given task before attempting any software changes, or risk disaster!


How Can We Know When To Update Or Upgrade?...
Choosing your time is the single most helpful general criteria you can cling to.
Just be sure to have certain rules included in order to meet the objective.
When the guidelines set by you can be met, the time may be right.

Guidelines should be defined as a minimum set of standards you are willing to accept.
Nothing prevents you from "raising the bar" to higher-yet reasonable-standards.
The minimum should be whatever can be reasonably attained by you.

The most important minimums should be addressed first, then add others if you like.
Simplicity and basics are still the rule, and their importance should not be ignored.
Perform all backups, and be certain you have previous software versions saved.

Beyond these it's advisable to add other criteria that will help prevent many mishaps.
All individual tasks should be worked to their completion before changes.
Set a new restore point in the operating system to go back to.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Newer doesn't always mean better.
Your loyalty is what any product needs to continue.

Updates or upgrades arent always needed, sometimes we just want them.
Sometimes we do things "Just because we can". Illogical, but it makes us feel good.
While securing updates/upgrades is usually advisable, there's more to it than just a mouseclick!

We can pick a time to install software changes to suit our own needs most times (Within some limits).
Keeping aging hardware or software up-to-date is critical before downloads become unavailable.
Be aware that this can happen suddenly and without warning to any computer item!

The criteria that we set will define when proper time is for any maintenance, upgrades and updates.
We must have a baseline that prevents any irreversible damage to the family tree software.
Optimally, a family tree backup, previous version software and OS restore point.

Do the important safety features like backups, previous software versons and an OS restore point.
When all else fails, they will bring you back to the point just before the mishap occured.
These are most effective when you check the new version for errors ASAP.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Make certain all tasks are done to completion before considering any updates or upgrades.
Finish current objectives before updating/upgrading to prevent needless mishaps.

Second...
Be sure to backup a copy of your latest work before downloading any new upgrades or updates.
If your operating system has a restore feature, set a restore point prior to downloading.

Third...
Be certain whether the action is reversible! Keep a copy of the last software version in case it's not!
Check the new software product thoroughly and compare all functions and enhancements.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

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