Generally speaking when software gets updated it's something we get excited about. But every once in a while an app goes rogue and pushes out a bad update that either breaks functionality or just makes the experience bad. Verge Editor-in-chief Joshua Topolsky's solution? Grab an older version from your backup.
We're big advocates of a backup system, and we like Crashplan because it's easy to use and stores everything both online and locally. The other benefit, as Topolosky points out, is that Crashplan (and other online backup solutions) also store multiple versions of your software. This means when an app pushes out an automatic update that destroys the functionality you can easily restore to the old version even if it's not available online anymore.
With Crashplan, the process is pretty easy:
Hop into your Crashplan and click the restore tab.
Change the date at the bottom of the panel to a time before the app updated.
Search the backup for the application you want to restore.
Check the box to the left, and click restore. Crashplan can then overwrite the new app, or you can save it in a new place.
Most other backup services should be able to do the same. If you've ever automatically downloaded an update that ruined your favorite app, this is a lifesaver.
12
What do you think so far?
Joshua Topolsky | Twitter via @adampash
