When should you upgrade?

Truth to be told, if you bought software every time it came out, you'd be bankrupt! Okay, I'm kidding... well, a little...

New versions come out all the time, some with major improvements, and some with very little improvement. Often the improvement is mostly new graphics. Considering the price of software is, well, pricey.... you might want to rethink that purchase.

The smart move? Upgrade when you can no longer function with your current version. With many programs, this could be anywhere from 3 years on up. Some situations when you need to upgrade include:

• You have an accounting program and your accountant requires that you upgrade to the version he or she is using.
• You don't have the capabilities that you've heard the newer version has... and you really need it.
• You're about to upgrade your operating system and your program is too old to be compatible with it.
• You've learned through a security bulletin or the program's website that there are security issues with the program that are not fixable with a downloadable patch -- and are only available on the new software.
• You've learned through the program's website that the software you're using has reached its "end of life" support (they won't be helping you any more!).

Not sure if the new version will really be an improvement? Try checking the manufacturer's website for a Trial version. They will typically give you anywhere from 15 days to a month to try the new version. That way if you don't like it, you haven't shelled out big bucks for it... and you can uninstall it.