OldVersion.com
 | |
Type of site | Freeware/shareware archive of old software versions |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Created by | Alex Levine, Igor Dolgalev |
| Registration | Optional (to post on forum). |
| Launched | May 31, 2001[1] |
| Current status | Defunct |
OldVersion.com is an archive website that stores and distributes older versions of primarily Internet-related PC and 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]
PC World has labeled the site "a treasure trove ... of older-but-better software";[7] the National Review calls OldVersion.com a "champion" for "software conservatives".[8]
According to Alexander Levine's own words, he has apparently received threats from proprietary software developers for running an archive of obsolete internet browsers with known critical security flaws.
See also
References
- ^ a b c Andrew Lavallee (2006-03-07). "Unhappy Upgrades: Software Users Seek Help 'Downgrading' Their PCs". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ a b Pamela LiCalzi O'Connell (2001-11-08). "Online Diary - Oldies but Goodies". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
- ^ Andy Rathbone (2005-12-23). PCs: The Missing Manual. Pogue Press. p. 536. ISBN 0-596-10093-0. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
- ^ "Oldversion.com as of 2007-08-28". oldversion.com. Archived from the original on 2007-08-28. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
- ^ Jennifer L. DeLeo (2008-10-20). "Old Software Versions We Want Back". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
- ^ Mac.OldVersion.com website mac.oldversion.com. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
- ^ Preston Gralla (2007-09-30). "Before They Spoiled the Software". PC World. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Rami Genauer (2005-03-28). "Older Is Better: Software conservatives have a home in Oldversion.com". National Review. Retrieved 2008-01-31.