Uninstall/Install over or Install new versions separately?

[MindF]

This is a newb question but i just want some reassurance on how best to keep my programs up to date.
I have freeware programs such as Imgburn and DVD Flick that have new versions every so often and would like to know which method is best/safer(?)/most common?

[redwudz]

That would depend on how each individual program handles updates. Most times they will tell you if you need to uninstall the old version before installing a new one. The advantage of doing just a update to the existing program is that most times you can keep any custom settings you have applied to the program. If you uninstall, you may lose them.

Generally if a program has frequent updates, it's set up to do the updates without uninstalls.

[bendixG15]

On the other hand......

I delete and remove the old programs before I install the new one ..
unless it specifically tells me that its an update to the existing.