RS just doesn't automatically update itself. You need to run schedule updates. I check mine for updates every few months. Its not free but I find it more user friendly and besides I have a ton of cash so it really doesn't bother that its only $125. I've used OR a few times and wasn't impressed with it. It has some limitations and who wants to be limited. Apogee offers several Peak of Flight articles that cover some cool things you can do with RS, I doubt OR offers anything similar although I could be wrong? Apogee also offers better service for the software and other products that they sell and online chat. So $125 isn't really that bad considering everything you do get. It's the same difference as paying $1.99 for some Wally World spray paint verses paying $6.99 for some high quality paint for that SV you've been working on. You basically get what you pay for. Anywhoo just wanted to add my two cents One other thing I would like to mention, when you purchase RS you also get some cool rocket design plans that are included that you can scratch build. Just print the parts list and go shopping. Cool stuff!