Upgrades that are not (upgrades, that is)

Webware has a post on 6 upgrades that are downgrades, meaning that the newer version is (in the poster’s opinion) worse than a previous version.

Interesting to note that the #1 item is Windows Vista.  The author describes it as “Vista is the new shiny operating system Microsoft released to replace Windows XP. Except it hasn’t, because it’s a poor upgrade. It’s slower, bigger, and buggier.”

Quicken is another complaint: “Intuit apparently believes that new users won’t buy a personal accounting product if it’s last year’s model, and it also wants to upgrade its current users each year. So it “sunsets” older versions after three years: it turns off online access to bank updates and eliminates support. Sadly, some older versions of Quicken are faster and more stable than the new versions.”

One of the Linksys wireless routers comes in for a blast, as do Zune and iPod and cameras.

See the post for further examples.

Google financial services

Google Finance ( http://finance.google.com/finance ) offers a range of services. Login required for complete use.

Financial freeware

Expenses Tracker ( http://expensestrackr.com/ ) free program. Can have multiple users, which is handy for couples or groups with one checkbook or fund.

Added 3/10/08:

Free accounting software called GnuCash is “Designed to be easy to use, yet powerful and flexible, GnuCash allows you to track bank accounts, stocks, income and expenses. As quick and intuitive to use as a checkbook register, it is based on professional accounting principles to ensure balanced books and accurate reports.”