How I'm Backing Up MDS: Part 3 Downloading Everything

In case you have missed this series thus far here is a recap:

Part 1- Includes a Digital Downloads Catalog. The steps in this post involve figuring out what content you have and selecting the downloads you still want to purchase before they are discontinued May 31st.
Part 2- A video to show you where your downloads manager is located.

Once you have completed these steps you are ready to Download Everything :)

Step 1:
You should at the very least download each piece of content twice- once for the platform you are on (Mac vs. Windows) and then again for the Other Applications option. The reason for the later is this: although MDS will continue to work for the time being, eventually you are going to want to update your operating system. Since there will be no program support at this time they will not be any updates that make it compatible with new operating systems, and so the program is likely to stop working at that point. However, if you have the download that allows you to use the content for other applications you will still be able to access it outside the program- that way your investment in images remains safe :)

Now, that said, I am personally going to download all three versions of each. That way if I ever switch to a different computer I will still have everything I need. At the moment I can't ever imagine myself leaving my Mac... but stranger things have happened and you never know.

Step 2:
Once you download each file you can tell the difference by looking at the extension type. Anything with a .dmg is a Mac installer, a .exe is a Windows installer, and a .zip file is for other applications. I'm separating them into respective folders, but you can organize in whatever manner you wish :)

Step 3:
Download the most up-to-date program upgrades. You can find them HERE.

Here is why you need this file: Imagine in the near future that your computer crashes and you have to reinstall programs. You would be able to reinstall MDS via your CD (or download if you bought it digitally- and backed it up in Step 2 above). However, this would give you the original version of the program. There have been A LOT of additions and improvements made since then, and you would be missing them all. However, with this file you can install the update and you will be right back to the final version of the software. So make sure you grab the one for your operating system... or both operating systems like me ;)

Here is a video that walks you through everything I have discussed today. Hope it helps you out!

Flutterby again soon.

Update:
I just learned of some additional software updates you will want if you had the original MDS program. You can grab them HERE. There is a software update (that you will install after the original software and before MDS2) and then some freebie cardstock Stampin' Up! had provided. Make sure to grab it before the 9th when the site is taken down!