jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I know the difference between "update" and "upgrade," so why don't software makers know? I keep getting notices to update certain software, but then it turns out to be an upgrade, instead - something that would cost me money - and I have to delete it. I don't recall the names of the programs that keep giving me these messages, but I've stopped responding to requests to update.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I second your complaint Jerry. I'd like to add one more caveat to the deception. And that is an "upgrade" to causes another piece of software, or worse yet, a piece of hardware (like printer or scanner) to become useless.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

My laptop keeps wanting to update. Then when I do nothing works the same.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

Wesso, I rest my case. I'm not alone who will not update or upgrade my computer. Even though it is an iMac, I will will not do either. I subscribe to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

That is called planned obsolescence. And they do know what they are doing and figure you will fall for it.

mleuck

Capitalism! Marketing tool. Once you are into the process, the hope is you will pay. Software companies know the difference! Do we?

anotherview Loc: California

To me, an upgrade adds more features or functions to software, to expand capability.

An update improves an existing software feature or function, usually to address known bugs or performance problems.

shadows creation Loc: san antonio

I just turned off the automatic updates on my unit. Havevgad no problems

shadows creation Loc: san antonio

Have had

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

retiredsgt Loc: Red Lion Pa.

shadows creation, Was that Update with your Keyboard ? (Had to ask)

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Not so simple but all right.
First let’s dispense with upgrade. Generally a new ‘operating system’ or new release of software. OS for PC usually cost more. OSX for Mac upgrades do not. Software upgrades generally work the same as OS for PC.
Updates to operating systems and software generally fall into three categories: feature enhancements, bug fixes,, and security updates. You really need to decide what is important to you and update accordingly. Security updates to OS are important. Bug fixes only if you are bugged by the issue. Feature enhancements...your call.
And whether you run PC or Mac is important. As a Mac user, I will run the latest OSX on my newer machines as I have enough RAM so there can be no degradation of performance. All updates are done a well. My older Macs will retain the latest OSX that will leave my performance maxed out. Apple’s methodology is seamless and non-destructional.
Windows is a whole other story. While Apple completely replaces the OS with new code, Windows (before 10?) heaps on new code onto the existing. This takes up more ‘room’ on every part of the computer. This is one of the reasons why PC’s performance can degrade with all of these upgrades. This is the primary reason why I leave auto update off for all changes to my windows 7 run in Boot Camp for two MB Air laptops. If it ain’t broke don’t fix is my mantra with Window’s OS.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Just curious. Do you still have a TV with rabbit ears?
Mark

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

For those who have turned off the Windows updates, if you surf the net and/or don’t have rock solid self discipline, I predict it’s just a matter of time until you mutter a not so quiet, “WTF is going on!”