Downgrade

Downgrade (English downgrade downgrade = ) is the opposite process to upgrade. In art, the term refers to the withdrawal of already implemented technical improvements. Very common this process in the context of computer software. In connection with the economic development of the early 21st century, the term was also commonly used in the German language for the declassification of borrowers by rating agencies.

Technical purpose

Itself represents a technical improvement is not useful in the application as a (still) out of the way of the downgrades can be selected. This uselessness despite improvement may have different reasons, for example:

  • Lack of sophistication, outweigh its disadvantages, the advantages of improving
  • Lack of user acceptance
  • Legal problems

Often the state reached after the downgrade is only temporary until the reasons for the downgrade are repealed.

Software

In the context of computer software, one speaks of a downgrade if an already installed version of the software will be replaced with an older version of the same software. Reasons for this may include:

  • Compatibility issues with the new software version used other programs
  • You need more lead time to modify processes to the new version, as expected
  • The new software version is considered not tested yet as mature or insufficient
  • The older version uses less system resources. This can (eg netbooks or older computers ) can be a motive especially on low end computers.

Downgrade of commercial software licenses

With the release of an updated version of a software, many manufacturers offer the previous versions of the software no longer. However, there may be the need for some customers, at least temporarily, to acquire any new licenses for the previous version, for example, in connection with the purchase of new computers. The manufacturer offers the customer then, if necessary, although the new version of the software, but allows him at the same time, the installation of the previous version. The customer can then change at a later date that may do it without re-licensing to the newer software version.

The downgrade rights is not generally given, it must (EULA ) must be included explicitly in the software, the license terms. In addition, only one of the versions of the software may be used per single license to continue - so this law is no multiplication of the license volume dar.

A downgrade rights is more widespread than in software for private customers in software for business customers. Thus, for example, allows Microsoft in the Business version of Windows Vista downgrade to Windows XP Professional.

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