updates can mess with your computer in unpredictable ways.
Microsoft update tends to consume CPU cycles even when not connected to the internet. In fact, so do Dell/HP/etc. updates.
I have 2 laptops dedicated to being the tone generators of my MIDI controllers. 1 is for performance and practice and 1 is for backup. If I find myself in a break longer than just a few weeks between gigs, I may update my backup to see if it causes problems. If not, I will update my performance laptop to same level. Once updated, I disable all updates on both computers again until I get to the next break. Both laptops are dedicated and rarely connected to the internet and certainly not used for browsing. So, I feel pretty safe.
Like @dhj , I donāt see any reason to update a machine that is performing properly. I think I have all the VSTs I need. So I just avoid changes. Iām not even upgrading GP until I get to another really long break. I donāt need the headaches and downtime updates can create.
I try not to do OS updates (Win 11) unless I have several waiting and have some down time incase issues arise, though Windows does sneak them in occasionally (I have updates suspended for five weeks - max setting, in Win updates section).
I try to keep my VSTās updated regularly as well. So it does go online a couple times a month.
A few weeks ago I had an update for the IK B3 VSTi that stopped it from working completely (no sound at all). I was able to reinstall a previous version which fixed it. Holding off on updating it till next update release.
I usually de-register GP and know a couple VSTās that have given problems in the past, before installing OS updates (DiscoDSP).
I do find it interesting that when users having issues arise with GP, having the latest GP version is often mentioned as something they should have. I get it, bugs fixed and working with the latest program, but still find it notable.
Short answer, I update OS several times a year, VSTās more often.
Isnāt it the regular story though? Every vendor wants you to have the latest version of their software and never update anything else (until they tell you to).
Apple support refuses to troubleshoot some issues with their products sometimes unless you update to the latest OS version.
When it makes sense (especially in the ticket system), I tell Gig Performer 4 users to try Gig Performer 5 trial to see whether the behavior is present in v5.
We donāt tell people that they should have the latest version ā if something works for you - it works for you. There are still Gig Performer 3 customers around at it works for their needs.
(I only want to investigate does an issue manifest in the latest version. You can run v4 and v5 in parallel)
My comment was not about the major version upgrades (GP 3 to GP 4 to GP5). Was more about the smaller (between major version updates), and just noticing recommendations to have the latest update of those versions if you have an issue.
I know, itās basic troubleshooting. Iām not complaining about it, just noticing that on the surface it goes a little contrary to the overall message of not keeping your system updated if itās running fine. But I guess if you are contacting about an issue, then your system is not running fine (updating possibly could make troubleshooting harder if another issue gets introduced).
Most software updates commonly mention they have minor bug fixes and program optimizations. I update my software fairly often for those perks, and any added abilities updates can offer.
Thatās another reason why I run a computer based system. Very rarely will a hardware synth manufacturer release updates to their hardware that make appreciable differences. It happens, but is not near as common as software based synths (which many hardware synths are exactly that).
Because the Gig Performer world is the Gig Performer world. Different views
For example, although switch from 4.5 to 4.7 seemed small in terms of numbers, it was HUGE in terms of included features!
In the Gig Performer world, lots of hardenings and possibly complete overhauls are happening behind the scenes.
Sure. If you donāt need new features and it works for you, donāt update.
