Buying old versions of software

[Mosey]

I just bought a new printer (Lexmark) and it came with a software offer for cheap prices on good brand software via www.redeem-it.com. The catch is that it’s older versions. For example, Word Perfect 2000 (ver 2002 is out now) and Print Artist ver 12 (ver Gold 2003 is out now). The price is $10 total for 2 selections including shipping and handling. So, for $5 each I could get 2 year old good brand software. Has anyone bought anything like this? Are there any concerns about it running on Windows XP? I’m a little concerned about where it says “Software titles are subject to availability and may be substituted for items equal or greater value”. I realize it’s only $10, but I don’t want to end up with something I don’t need or want. Otherwise I’m sure 2 year old software will be plenty current enough for my uses.

 

[gws]

I would say skip it. Word perfect is history. If you want a nice "office" package, download Open office http://http://www.openoffice.org/

This is an microsoft compatible office program for free. If you want a commercial version with suppport, star office is available for a fraction of the cost of ms office.

As for Print Artist, its a pretty simple program. If you need it, it might be worth the $10.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Danny,

Two year old software is no big deal at all. I've been able to upgrade more than a few pieces of my software very inexpensively (possibly the ONLY advantage to having kids in college) and found that the differences are usually minimal at best and almost always not involving anything I do anyhow. In a couple of instances, I preferred the older versions and went back to the older version.

I think you'll be very happy with your software. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[gws]

Two year old software was once no big deal, Now! if your running XP it can be.

 

[Wingnut]

Hey, Gary, trying to start a holy war?
I still use that "History" package and can match it feature for feature against anything else.
I have to use Micro$oft Office in the office ... but I use WP for all my critical documentation and then just export the Word version when it's necessary. WP is still the best package going for professional (college, medical, legal) output like reports, theses, etc. JMHO

As far as old programs, it depends. As Gary mentioned, it may or may not work with XP. If it was written for Win 98 or newer, it should work just fine. Is it worth it as a program? Well, only you can decide that ... but you'll find that -outside of pure graphics programs - many upgrades are for one main reason - to generate revenue fo rthe software company. Many of us now happily coexist with softeare that is at least one or two generations old since there's no real reason to pay the high costs of upgrading. If the software has the features you want, go for it.
Most of these offers are for "illegal" software. It comes packaged as "to be sold with a new system only" ... meaning that someone got a huge break to bundle that software with a computer. It hasn't been registered yet so you should never have a problem with it ... but it (usually) is not the "full retail" version. And you must like on-line help since the common practice is you get the CD only.

pete

 

[jsnitz]

Have heard that if you want new software, it is cheaper to buy old software and then just pay for the upgrade.

 

[Mrwurm]

There are places like www.bardwareonline.com that will sell you last years versions of products like Norton Antivirus. Norton will update your software with all the current definitions when you register your product online. For example; Norton Antivirus 2001 ............$14.95