I've been doing some reading on photography forums

And it seems that with the exception of hard core professional photogs that use a lot of tools that come in Photoshop, the main reason people keep subscribing/renting it is because of Adobe Camera Raw, which Adobe makes sure will only work up to a certain version of Photoshop (ie 6.7 with CS5, 9.1 with CS6. IMO, Adobe *could* have but didn't make ACR usable with other versions, and not for the reasons they claimed.)

There are ways around getting stuck with renting Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and to keep using your older version of Photoshop.

1: Don't fall for the often misunderstood phrase "No Longer Supported" if you update your computer's OS.  All that means is you will have to make GOOGLE search your friend if you  have a problem using CS5 with Windows 10. Or ask a tech savvy friend. If that tech savvy friend says "Subscribe to Abobe" they aren't as tech savvy as they claim.

2:  Use the Adobe DNG converter. This will take your proprietary raw files and turn them into 'open source' digital negatives. I've done this when I had CS5 and got new camera.  Guess what? Exact same result editing the DNG in CS5 as I got when I edited Canon's proprietary CR2 and Olympus' ORF file in CS6.

3: Find a different program to use as your camera raw editor. Yes, people keep chanting "Adobe is the industry standard", not realizing or caring that it was Adobe company itself that branded itself the industry standard.  There are many other camera raw editors you can use, and then 'punt' the resulting JPG into whatever 'old' version of Photoshop you have. I do suggest, do you due diligence when looking for raw editor.  There are many that are way over priced for what they do.  A few are so slow and clunky.

My PERSONAL experiences are thus so far, in no particular order:

1: CaptureOne - no denying it is a great photo editor, but for the average hobbyist, or learning photographer, it's way over loaded in features. It is also THE most expensive editing program out there.  Their 2020 version runs at $515.00 AUD for a single user license, or $35AUD to 'rent' it.

2: DxO Labs - Their latest version is fantastic. I have nothing negative to say about it. It has the best lens correction catalog, and if your particular camera/lens combo isn't on your hard drive, DxO will search and have it available for download if possible.  It has not only adjustment brushes/gradients, but it also incorporates the U-Point tech of Nik. DxO has solved issues with certain photos for me. Definitely not overpriced for everything you get. Currently, you can get it for $ 189, no subscription.

3:On1PhotoRaw - Camera raw editor on steroids is how I described it to a friend. Not only do you get everything that is in the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw, it comes with tools found in Photoshop, too.  You can use On1 as a standalone editor, not just as RAW editor, or as a plug in for Photoshop (caveat being if you can open the raw image in Photoshop). Pricing varies to $99 to buy it, or an extra $50 to subscribe to On1Plus. On1Plus isn't software, it's priority support, webinars, workshops, and other goodies thrown into the mix. It does have a few shortfalls (they removed Focal Point (creating a focus region bokeh effect), which is what keeps me running Windows 7 on another hdd (dual boot system) because I have their older software on that computer, which does have Focal Point.

4: Exposure X5 (the software previously known as Alienskin Exposure) - This is a great all-in-one camera raw editor.  And if it  had come out with this prior to my deciding to use On1, it would have given On1 a run for my money.  It has many of the same tools, features and functions as On1, but it also has some that are no longer available in On1 (creating a focal point/region focus). I've also found it less of a system resource hog than On1. I have been getting reacquainted with how to use Exposure.  Yeah, it's that good.  Pricing varies (I suggest if you can, get the bundle. Well worth the $149)

There are others, Affinity (great software for it's pricing). I've imported finished JPGs into Affinity to use some of the features and tools they have, that none of the others do.

Skylum Luminar, Windows version: earlier versions work better than their latest release.  If you have 2018, stick with it. I swear it was as if they released buggy beta versions on the general public. I typically use it only as a plug in for Photoshop because of this.

So, there it is. And remember, this is just my opinion and experiences. Depending on your computer, your experiences may be different.

It was inevitable, I guess

Plodding through the last of the Windows 7 Cumulative updates. Started with 18 of them, been working my way through the list in chronological order.  I read people raving about Windows 10, how great it is, but I read even more people ranting about it, especially since many tried and true pieces of software are blocked from being used (unless you know how to get to the PowerShell or othersuch things to work your way around it)  

I threw in the towel for when it came to the Windows 7 updates.  Total Media Center was a helluva lot better than anything else out on the market now.  BUT the idiot company 'forgot' to pay Dolby their royalties, and further development came to a halt. That media center is what kept me from installing the Quarterly Roll Ups, because it would disable TMT.  But alas, all good things must come to an end, whether you like it or not.  I've had a few hiccups and glitches after updating Win 7 (my Hotkey program isn't loading at start up, but I can start it afterward. Might just need reinstalling to fix whatever the updating has screwed up)

Once I get Win 7 set to rights, then comes the fun part. Finding a way to get %#$#$$% Windows 10 to update like it's supposed to WITHOUT having to 'refresh', as some software I have is charged per installation, not per machine. And let me tell you, that really sucks.  And when I get fed up with the nagging nannyware of Windows 10, I will hie on back to Windows 7.

Hurray, for the dual boot system.

I got them Software Update Blues

So does my son.  I'm currently using older versions of Firefox/Cyberfox because the newest releases not only disable all my tried and true plugins/addons without any replacements for them, the new formats are freaking UGLY!  My son is getting the "We will be disabling this version of Skype, so update now!"  Problem is the version he's using now works better than the "new and improved" version.

I get fed up with all the excuses/reasons "To ensure your security" or safety. Bollix! It's up to ME to take care of that, not Microsoft, not Mozilla. That is what 3rd party security software is for.

So, until Microsoft releases a better version of Skype, one that doesn't have that gawd awful Facebook Messenger layout, or gives one with a customizable layout, and until there are updates, or REAL replacements for current browser extensions, I will stick with the 'old and lousy' over the 'new and improved.

Since I won't be installing those "Windows 7 Rollups"

I have reinstalled CryptoPrevent.  Between that, and MalwareBytes, I probably have better security on my system than if I installed those program disabling Windows 7 Security/Maintenance Rollups.  Especially when I have read what those rollups are 'fixing',  have nothing to do with my computer.

The only annoyance I will have, is that if I need support from MalwareBytes, they will try to tell me to uninstall CryptoPrevent. I will flat out tell them did that, and it didn't solve the problem.

When will I ever learn?

I stupidly updated Firefox so I could update one of my much used addons (blurb on page said it wouldn't work with anything older than v56.) I made a backup archive of my version of firefox, downloaded and installed the new version.

Not only was the new version of Firefox FUGLY, not only did it disable my tried and true addons, THIS version no longer allows you to re-enable those plugins with Nightly Testing Tools. I prefer my drop down menu for search engines, not that hard to read box of itty bitty icons. Can't change it with customize.

*grump*

Ok, I will just restore the archived early version. Uhh, where did the archive go? It seems the update deleted it. Grrrr. So, I just downloaded the version that worked, installed it. That worked. Sort of.

All boomarks were gone. I tried to restore them. "Unable to process backup file". Fine, tried to download them from Xmarks.. nope, errors. Did a little digging, deleted the places.sqlite, restarted and tada!

I think I will keep the latest version of firefox on my VM, and then use that to download newer versions of my addons, export them with FEBE, and then import them into my desktop browser.

If it ain't broken, I am NOT going to fix it.

I gave up on the Great Alternate BluRay player.

I read up on what the Windows 7 Security Rollup entailed, and everything it 'fixed' or patched had nothing to do with my computer.

So, I uninstalled that Rollup that disable ArcSoft TotalMediaPlayer.  I will keep using it until there is another viable alternative.

Security?  I have security software that will protect me from Malware, RootKits, hijackers etc etc.  I prefer to have my computer and the software I bought to work properly.

Ok, I give up

I tried installing TotalMediaCenter on my Windows 7 VM, XP VM and 8 VM.

It installed ok on Win 8 vm, but would crash when I tried to load any sort of video.

Installed on Win 7 VM, but like with Win 7 desktop, it would launch, then shut down in a few seconds.

It wouldn't installed properly on XP, and wouldn't uninstall, so had to restore from a VM snapshot.

*sigh* So, my choices are keep my computer safe and find another alternative to TMT, or don't install the Windows Rollup, which will allow TMT to access the kernel.  

So long, ArcSoft TotalMediaTheater. Was nice knowing ya.

Oh well

Another Windows update, and it again disabled TotalMediaTheater.  And since ArcSoft is no longer supporting or updating it, there is no solution from that avenue.

I have one option left to keep using is. Try installing it on one of my VMs.  Yes, I have Cyberlink PowerDVD17 but it's bloated, and sometimes, even with AnyDVD and Passkey, certain BluRays and DVDs won't play in it, so need another. TotalMediaTheater was the best. Didn't hog system resources, stable, never a problem, and fully integrated in Windows Media Center.

WinDVDPro by Corel is integrated in WMC, but it has issues that Corel support can't seem to figure out.  Leawo.. hmm, yeah, it works but is a bit touchy. DvdFab 5 player, also works but has a few problems.

Who knows, maybe someone will figure out how to hack/patch TMT, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Microsoft did it again

Latest "monthly rollup" (KB4074598) prevented some tried and true programs from starting. As much as I would prefer to have the updates, I am tired of Microsoft updates disabling programs that I use.

Yes, I know the programs aren't sold/updated/supported by their original company, but I use them, and don't care if there are more updates for them.

Currently uninstalling the damned ‘rollup’.

When am I ever going to learn

When your browser works, all addons functioning properly... do NOT update the browser if you aren't having any issues.

The "OH NOES! SECURITY PROBLEMS!" Bullshit, that is what some of the security addons are for.  Having the latest version of Firefox disable what it deems is 'not compatible' is bullshit, too, because with the installation of another addon, you can load them up.  Even worse is when the updated addon doesn’t work but the older one does!

Gawd, I am so thankful that I made a full back up of the addons I had, because if I hadn't I wouldn't have been able to reinstall them after rolling back one version.

Dear Microsoft

You knew your "Meltdown Patch" was buggy, for Windows v7, 8, 10, but you released it. Not only that, you send out NOTHING to tell people to remove this patch!

I used two DVD/Blu-Ray play back programs (there are always discs that won't play in one program, but will in the other) TotalMedia Theater 6, and PowerDVD17. I had a problem with play back being too dark in PowerDVD about 10 days ago. So, I started TMT6... and it wouldn't start. I checked TaskManager, and noticed it started up, but then just stopped/disappeared.

A few minutes of searching on AV/Tech forums I found out that the patch is what caused it.

• Win10 1709 KB 4056892 Build 16299.192
• Win10 1709 for ARM KB 4056892 the mysterious patch listed in the Update Catalog
• Win10 1703 KB 4056891 Build 15063.850
• Win10 1607 and Server 2016 KB 4056890 Build 14393.2007
• Win10 1511 KB 4056888 Build 10586.1356, the patch that’s only available on Enterprise and Education editions
• Win10 1507 LTSC KB 4056893, Build 10240.17738
• Win8.1 and Server 2012 R2 KB 4056895 2018-01 Monthly Rollup
• Win8.1 and Server 2012 R2 KB 4056898 2018-01 security-only patch
• Win7 and Server 2008 R2 KB 4056894 2018-01 Monthly Rollup
• Win7 and Server 2008 R2  KB 4056897 2018-01 security-only patch

So, if you're having an issue with tried and true programs suddenly just not started, check to see if your most recent update is listed here, and remove it.

I should have been a bit more careful with Adobe Update

My own fault, I should have double, triple checked, but I didn't expect the old style adobe application manager to update my Adobe Acrobat Pro X to AcrobatDC aka Crappy Cloud .  I know they're out to make money off of renting their software, but this is rather underhanded.

Of course NOW ProX won't even launch, and I have already run the entire trouble shooting gamut.

I really do NOT want to have to uninstall the entire Creative Suite Master collection to fix this, but I have a sinking feeling that might be exactly what I will end up having to do.

You would think smartphones would be smart

I connected my phone with my desktop to transfer some photos from the micro SD card. I was rather shocked to find that I had hardly any memory on the device. Shocked because I have moved all movable applications to the micro SD card.

So, I disconnect the phone and opened AppManager and said Whohuhwha?  All programs that had been on the SD card were once again on the device instead.

This is where "you'd think smartphones would be smart"... I had updated the apps on the device, and instead of installing them where they were, the updater deleted them from the micro SD card, and wrote them to device memory instead. I just spent about an hour moving them all back to the SD card. Oy.

After a few hours of trial and error, and a wee bit of swearing...

I got OnOne Perfect PhotoSuite 9 for Photoshop installed and running.  The problem I had after that was getting odd errors. Clicked on "Browse in Bridge" and I would get Javascript error.  I couldn't load multiple images into layers to, and attempting to photomerge would result in the same Javascipt error.

You can't pick what installation of Photoshop to install OnOne 9 into.  Yes, I still have CS5 running, with OnOne 8 because I have certain tools that just do not work in CS6 (astronomy based actions/plugins/addons). I tried uninstalling and reinstalling v8. Still kept getting the errors.  I had no way to install or keep it in just CS5 during the install. I also couldn't pick which version of Photoshop I wanted to uninstall OnOne Suite from.  ARGH!

Solution: Installed OnOne 9 leaving OnOne 8 fulling installed.  Then, what I did was go into CS6 and moved the plugin folders out of the CS6, launched, and TaDa! Javascript/PhotoMerge/Browse From Bridge works and I still have v8 installed for CS5.

Then another problem: after the installation, different OnOne tools that I use in conjunction because some of the features and options aren't in the PhotoSuite, stopped working.  It took about 4 hours to get that fixed, as both PhotoTune/PhotoProfessional tools had to be reinstalled, and my 'work arounds' applied.

I'm quite tired now.

Not overly happy..more like annoyed

I was forced to upgrade to newer version of Firefox. I haven't had any security issues, nor was it working improperly, but because certain websites have changed their coding, and Firefox doesn't quite function correctly (example: pulldown menus not pulling down)

Of course, the latest version GUI/Look is a gagger, so I had to fix that. (If I wanted to use something that looked like Chrome, I would use Chrome, thankyouverymuch).  Then worked on the addons (Thank you Nightly Tester for making that somewhat easier) and then customizations.  

(looks at Firefox) Well, close enough for government business.