The excitement of acquiring a new computer often leads to a flurry of software installations to customize the device to your liking. Over time, you may continue to add more applications to your system. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when installing new software, especially beyond the initial setup period. Here's why.
Software developers often utilize Dynamic Linked Libraries (DLLs) when creating programs. These DLLs function like a toolbox, providing a variety of tools that programmers can select as needed. Even if a program only requires a few tools from a DLL, using them can save significant programming time, which is a costly resource. This practice is generally safe and efficient, as the code in the library is thoroughly tested and reliable.
Numerous software developers use the same libraries, meaning some DLLs are utilized in many programs. This results in less disk space usage on your system, as only one copy of the library is needed. Consequently, you pay less for the software, and it runs reliably. This practice extends to other shared procedures, such as common routines for connecting your system to the internet via a phone line.
Software companies typically use the latest version of a DLL, which includes updates and enhancements over previous versions. This principle applies to different versions of other software as well. For instance, the latest version of Internet Explorer contains changes and enhancements over its predecessor. Transitioning from the current version to the latest can be akin to installing an almost entirely new program.
When you install an upgrade or a new piece of software, any DLLs used will also be installed. Windows dictates the rules here: an older version of a DLL cannot overwrite a later one, but a newer one can overwrite an older one. This is where problems can arise.
Consider a scenario where you have three programs—SPLAT, SPRANG, and SPUNK—all using a DLL called STUFF. If you upgrade SPUNK, and the upgrade includes a new version of STUFF, SPLAT and SPRANG may suddenly stop functioning correctly. They are now forced to use a version of STUFF that the programmer hadn't planned for.
While it's likely that a new DLL will work fine with older programs, there's a chance it may not. If your older programs don't run satisfactorily, you may feel compelled to upgrade to later versions. However, this may not resolve the issue if the older DLL is still in use.
I personally avoid installing upgrades unless absolutely necessary. I also refrain from installing new software unless it's absolutely required. I once had a disastrous experience when I was forced to upgrade an earlier version of Internet Explorer.
I initially attempted to upgrade to version 5.5, but it wouldn't run. I then downgraded to version 5.1, which ran, but unpredictably. My system became unstable, with frequent memory collisions that crashed programs multiple times a day. Internet Explorer was particularly problematic and was the program most likely to crash. Other issues required me to restart the computer five to six times daily, significantly slowing down my productivity.
Additionally, several programs I regularly used, such as Eudora, started failing regularly, and two wouldn't run at all. My only option was to replace a perfectly good, less than two-year-old computer and install all the latest software simultaneously. This process involved discarding some software I liked and finding replacements, which was both time-consuming and tedious.
While I can't pinpoint the exact cause of this failure, the most probable culprit was overwriting one or more DLLs with later versions required by Internet Explorer that my other software couldn't handle. In other words, my other programs were designed to run on the previous versions, not the latest.
If you're a casual computer user who installs new software about once a month, you're unlikely to encounter the problem described above. The worst-case scenario is that as new software is added, older programs may not run in the same way.
However, if you're a serious computer user who relies on your device as a crucial part of your business, avoid upgrading or installing new software unless absolutely necessary. My story is not unique; many heavy users of modern PCs have had similar experiences, albeit perhaps not as severe.
If you need a program, install it and proceed. But be wary of the "I think I'll try this" mentality. Why take the risk?
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