OldVersion.com
 | |
Type of site | Freeware/shareware archive of old software versions |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Created by | Alex Levine, Igor Dolgalev |
| URL | www |
| Registration | Optional (to post on forum). |
| Launched | May 31, 2001[1] |
| Current status | Up |
OldVersion.com is an archive website that stores and distributes older versions of primarily Internet-related IBM PC compatible and Apple Macintosh freeware and shareware application software. Alex Levine and Igor Dolgalev[2] founded the site in 2001.[1]
Levine created the site because "Companies make a lot of new versions. They're not always better for the consumer." As reported in The Wall Street Journal, 'Users often try to downgrade when they find confusing changes in a new version or encounter software bugs, or just decide they want to go back to a more familiar version,' said David Smith, an analyst at research firm Gartner. 'Often, they discover that the downgrade process is complicated, if not impossible.'[1]
When OldVersion.com was launched it offered 80 versions of 14 programs.[2]
By 2005, over 500 versions were posted.[3]
By 28 August 2007, this had grown to 2388 versions of 179 programs, in categories such as "graphics", "file-sharing", "security" and "enterprise".[4][5] The site also carries 600+ versions of 35 Macintosh programs.[6]
In 2007, PC World labeled the site "a treasure trove ... of older-but-better software";[7]
In 2005, National Review called OldVersion.com a "champion" for "software conservatives".[8]
According to Alexander Levine's own words, he has received threats from proprietary software developers for distributing obsolete internet browsers, in particular, Internet Explorer which is difficult to support.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Andrew Lavallee (2006-03-07). "Unhappy Upgrades: Software Users Seek Help 'Downgrading' Their PCs". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b O'Connell, Pamela LiCalzi (November 8, 2001). "Online Diary - Oldies but Goodies". The New York Times.
- ^ Andy Rathbone (2005-12-23). PCs: The Missing Manual. Pogue Press. p. 536. ISBN 0-596-10093-0.
- ^ "Oldversion.com as of 2007-08-28". oldversion.com. Archived from the original on 2007-08-28.
- ^ DeLeo, Jennifer L. (October 20, 2008). "Old Software Versions We Want Back". PC Magazine.
- ^ Mac.OldVersion.com website mac.oldversion.com. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
- ^ Gralla, Preston (September 30, 2007). "Before They Spoiled the Software". PC World.
- ^ Genauer, Rami (March 28, 2005). "Older Is Better: Software conservatives have a home in Oldversion.com". National Review.
- ^ Levine, Alexander (January 15, 2012). "Why I'm willing to go to jail for running OldVersion.com". OldVersion. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
