Interesting day or so

I have just spent an interesting day or so rewriting a utility to back up my files correctly.  I have purchased back up software but this proved to be disappointing.  Whether it was me or the software I just don't know but I was certain that the software had backed up the files I wanted.   As a result of this I decided to update an old piece of software that had been running on several of my other computers for a number of years.   It was quite enjoyable to use a different part of my brain than that I use to make photographs.

However, as I was doing this work it struck me that the version of Visual Basic I use is 12 years old.  I know that there are much more modern versions out there but this does fine for me.  I find I know how to use the software to write those little utilities that no commercial software can achieve.  They are as much about your own peculiarities as anything else.  The three main utilities I have created are to do with Metadata generation, Image backup and the one I have just completed.   I really would be lost without them.

This got me thinking about how modern software is developed and actually how useful they are.  This is particularly relevant to Photoshop CS4 and other megaliths of the modern world, such as the office suites.  How much of these programs do we use?  I suspect the answer is not a great deal.  I for one have my own way of working in CS4 that doesn't vary that much.  It certainly doesn't involve 3D modeling etc yet this comes with the software.  I know these are jack of all trade software bundles but there is also a point where you have to ask why?   We all know why because if didn't buy the latest version of the software then very quickly companies like Adobe would be in trouble.  Of course it is not just Adobe who does this.   The great?? Microsoft are devils for this.  I still maintain that the best version of Word was version 2.  I am still using Word 2000 and this is more than adequate for my needs.

I know this is not earth shattering stuff and has been commented on by many other people but I am happy with my twelve year old programing language and would probably be happy with a cut down version of Photoshop CS4 - not elements which is neither here nor there in my view.  Anyway, that's got that off my chest!