Websites To Download Older Versions Of Software
The fact that old always gives way to the new is true. Even in software’s also it’s true. The version changes before you say, what a great piece of software. To uninstall the older versions Of Software just click on it and download the spanking newer variant. Older software’s memory gets left behind as a just a registry trace somewhere.
This has a word of its own Abandonware. It also covers older version software though it meant for old and discarded games.
The speed of change is so rapid that we don’t really miss the older versions when it comes to technology. Perhaps with applications such as operating systems and Office suites. We do fall into habits that sometimes are difficult to give up. On concord, the changeover to the newer version of the tools is just a matter of time.
Just sometimes the older version software comes back into the scheme of things.
Just as when one of our readers asked an apt question. His query in MUO Answers touches upon his need to get a trial copy of Access 2003. So that he can study for an exam.
On concord, while I was searching for that elusive software, I came across a few websites that keep copies of older software versions. Call it a “timely” need or call it nostalgia. It’s important to know a few sources to get the oldies from.
OldVersion (Windows & Mac)
Start off from the categories under which all the old software are arranged. Or else there’s the search field on top. The site has a forum of its own where you can post a question or help someone out with theirs as the forum seems to be down temporarily.
Since 2001, the site has been there. So expect to get some of the real oldies. The site lists 2,869 versions of 192 programs for both Mac and Windows. Mac users can choose from 601 versions of 35 programs.
OldApps (Windows & Mac)
OldApps.com lists both Mac and Windows software. You have older messengers, file sharing apps, browsers, and more. Mac users can choose from 550 old versions of 40 programs. You have 2,843 old versions of 194 programs for Windows.
You can quickly glance through the Most Popular and Newly Added older version software sections on the side column. That site also has a community discussion board. You can also send in any old software that you might have lying around.
[NO LONGER WORKS] Version Download
When I was searching for an older less bloated version of iTunes which I stumbled on. This site looks like one of the newest and neat, going by its first blog entry dated March 2009.
The software page lists out all the chronological version number changes and you can download them with a single tap.
Oldware
The site lists 2,453 old software. You can make out with a glance the alphabetical list of the software on the homepage. The number of versions available, the version that was last added, and when it has been updated.
This is a well-organized site for old Windows software versions. Most of the software available on this site has been verified and installed by the site author.
Old-Versions
With all software listed, the site presents a very simple interface. There are a few older versions of enterprise level software such as 3Com Daemon, SolarWinds TFTP, and Cisco TFTP etc apart from the usual categories.
Old-Versions.net
Almost this website is a namesake of the previous one and does not differ by much in the way. It has organized the old software collection. Use the Quick Jump drop-down or through the categories on the homepage, you can drill down. You get a simple download link for some of the software while others come with a brief description. The versions available listed out for download.
Last Freeware Version
This site can be a very good resource because it lists out the last freeware version of many popular programs that have become paid now. It’s perfect for downloading software that is less system critical.
For instance, take a calculator app such as Showcalc. V5.1 is the latest version and it retails for $17.50. If I can make do with the functionality of its last available freeware version (v3.01). It’s well worth a download for me from this website.
Download Old Version
This site has a selective list of older version software. The software listed are all free on concord not current. You can browse through the categories such as Multimedia, File Sharing, Chat, the Internet, Utilities, and Graphic Apps. The search box is that this site lacks. So you just have to go through the categories. The specific software page lists the descriptions and change logs of the available versions.
Old-Software
In 1,335 versions, 186 programs are available and is a good enough resource. The website is available in three more languages. You have categories for old drivers and rather uniquely a section on older mobile software.
Jaghouse’s Links Page For Classic Macs (Mac Only)
Mac users can try out this page which lists out a lot of really old Mac software and points to lots of other pages where you can find more old Mac software to run on an older Macintosh. Random browsing revealed that some pages have become non-existent, while some have moved. But it is still browse-worthy because of the number of FTP links that you follow through for some needed download. The page doesn’t seem to be updated.
This page can be tried by the Mac users which lists out a lot of really old Mac software and points to lots of other pages where you can find more old Mac software to run on an older Macintosh. Some pages have become non-existent are revealed by random browsing while some have moved. On concord, it is still browse-worthy because of the number of FTP.
Using old software versions is not only about nostalgia or a one-off use. Some low-end machines are not capable of meeting the hardware requirements of the updated software while one direct practical use. They can be made useful with the older, less system intensive versions instead of throwing away an entire computer. The young students who cannot afford the latest software or the latest machines.
Installing old software is certainly not recommended for firewall functions and anti-virus. On concord, for tasks which are less system critical and their use in special situations can be considered.
You May Also Like: 10 Websites to Make You a Photoshop Ninja
