About Mountain Software

Retirement

Hi, thanks for visiting! I am Anthony Watson, the owner of Mountain Software.

When my wife retired in April 2023, I switched to part time, thinking I could still work when we weren't busy with other things. However, retirement turned out to be a lot more active than either of us imagined it would be. My business slowly became a low priority and I wasn't devoting much time to it anymore. I also faced the reality that we are getting older and I did not want to burden my wife with closing the business when I'm gone.

In February 2026, after 34 years in business, I finally made the decision to fully retire and close down Mountain Software. I am releasing all of my applications as freeware for anyone to enjoy free of charge. I will try to keep my web site online as long as possible.

The Hobby Years

I bought my first computer when I was in high school back in the late 1970's. It was an "Interact Model 1" and I learned to program on that computer in assembly code and BASIC. In the early 80's I bought an 8-bit Atari computer and started writing simple programs. I distributed these as shareware, mailing floppy discs to computer user groups and individual users. I still remember the thrill I got when someone sent me $10 for my first shareware program.

Our daughter was born in 1989 and my role switched from microwave repairman to a stay-at-home dad (commonly called Mr. Mom in those days). During those years I would often write computer programs while she took her naps.

In 1991 I wrote my first recipe program for the Atari 600XL computer and had it published as "The Antic Cookbook" in STart Magazine as a type-in application. I continued to develop the program and later distributed it as shareware under the name "The Atari Cookbook".

Mountain Software Begins

I founded Mountain Software in 1992 following the release of "The Recipe Box" for the Atari ST computers. In the years that followed, I also created recipe programs for the Commodore Amiga and Apple Macintosh. I released the first version of my Home Cookin recipe software in 1996. By the end of 1997 I had sold my Atari and Amiga computers and focused exclusively on Windows applications.

Home Cookin was always the main focus of my business, but I did release several other programs over the years including the Milestones Calendar, Home Suite Information Manager, Disk Maid drive manager, Life Watch health application, and the Photo Copy image utility. I discontinued Disk Maid after better applications appeared on the market, and most features of Life Watch were merged into my Milestones calendar. Photo Copy had limited interest though we still use it today.

I always aimed for easy to use applications, usually taking a DIY approach of reinventing the wheel. Some folks loved it, other's really disliked the non-standard appearance, but I enjoyed the challenge of learning new things.

Back to a Hobby

While I am shutting down the financial side of the business, I'm sure I will continue programming as a hobby. We still use my programs daily, so there will always be new ideas and bugs to fix. I plan to do a little traveling, try out different hobbies, work on projects around the house, and generally just enjoy the golden years with my beautiful wife and best friend Peggy.

I truly appreciate all the support users have shown me over the last 34 years. Thank you for all the bug reports, new ideas, and kind words. It has really meant a lot to me. I still can't believe my little programs have actually been enjoyed by users around the world.

As always, feel free to contact me any time if you find a problem in my programs, or even just to chat about something. I would love to hear from you.

Take care, God bless, and Thank You for your support!

Anthony Watson
Contact Me

Virtual Retirement Card

I am still using your cooking software and it's the best and easiest to use of this type of software. Wanted you know I've enjoyed using it for many years. I hope when you enjoy your retirement when you decide to do that. - M. Agloro

I just saw you are closing your business. I have used your Home Cookin program with great success and enjoyment for years. Thank you for such a great product. I have collected and developed hundreds of recipes over the years and rely on this program almost daily. Thank you and wish you all the best in your retirement. - K. Ryan

I knew this day would come, but I'm sorry and glad for you at the same time. We have been with each other many years, I think maybe since the 1990's. Drop us a line from time to time. Be well my friend have a good retirement. - B. Lee

Totally understand [your retirement] but I will miss the updates. I have had the program for so long (I will continue to use it) but everything always comes to the end. Glad to hear you will look at the program every once in a while. Best to you and your family in retirement. - C. Somraty

Thank you for creating Home Cookin. I had used a number of recipe programs, then I found yours and looked no further. No Need. Home Cookin did everything I needed. In case it isn't obvious I never want to be without your program! Enjoy your retirement. I'm in the retired group, so I understand, but I hate to see you go. - P. Szmania

Thank you so very much Anthony for all of the work you have done over the years but I know that it was time for you to step back and enjoy life to the fullest. I hope that we can still keep in touch to hear about your adventures and what you get up to down the road. I hope that you and your family are doing well and ready to enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you again so very much for all that you have done over the years with Home Cookin as I know for myself you have made my life a little more fun as I add more recipes to my recipe collection. - D. Andrews

Thank you so much for your help over the years and for this great product. I hope you have a beautiful retirement! - J. Wilson

I just logged in and saw your announcement that you are officially retiring. Best wishes to you! I wanted to take a moment to thank you for Home Cookin! It is a great program that I have enjoyed for many years. There are quite a few features that make it a standout program. Hopefully you felt it was worth the time you put into it. Once again I wish you all the best on your retirement. Enjoy all your hobbies! - J. Stevenson

It makes me sad that you are retiring. There is no one who would answer questions as quickly as you do. Thank you for a great program. Congratulations on your retirement and I hope you accomplish more than I have since I retired. I don't know how I found time to go to work! Both of you enjoy retirement. - R. Smith

I've enjoyed your Home Cookin program for many years. Recently, I was thinking about finding something new, but I could never find one that I liked better. Your recent free downloads have truly been a gift. Thank you very much and enjoy your retirement! - B. Critchfield

Been with you for years! Sorry to see you go - but really happy it is time to relax! I am retired too, but that only lasted a month about 4 years ago/LOL. Thank you for all your hard work! - P. Shongo

I've been using this software almost since the beginning. My brother, Sheldon, found it and raved about it, way way way back. He even had helped you fix a software bug you couldn't figure out. I can't believe how long I've been using this. I wish you luck. There is NO other recipe software like this. This is absolutely the cream of the crop. - D. Schwartz

I’ve been a longtime user of the Home Cookin' software, and I’ve enjoyed every moment with it. Thank you for creating such a reliable, accessible product that has been part of my daily routine for so many years. Each time I reached out with a question, you responded quickly and with guidance that always helped me move forward. I truly appreciate your support over the years. Wishing you a retirement filled with joy, rest, and all the good things you deserve. - J. Snowball

It was with mixed emotions that I read about your retirement. I have been a HC user for years and have loved the program, newsletters, and of course, your outstanding customer support. Truth be told, I am excited for you as you fully retire and enjoy all that life will be bringing your way. I am thankful for HC over the years, which has made my life much easier and for all the support and questions you have helped me with. Wishing you the very best for you and Peggy. May God's richest blessings follow where ever you go. - C. Manchon

Sad to see you go but I understand your need for a little less obligation and a lot more fun in retirement. I've had your software for over 12 years now and have absolutely loved it all these years. Be happy and enjoy each day! Thank you for your support, quick responses and a wonderful product. - P. Huntington

Thank you for the detailed letter, giving us continued access, and above all congratulations on your retirement! I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed using Home Cookin. - N. Leaman

It feels like I have had Home Cookin forever. You created a wonderful product that I use all the time and it travels with me everywhere on my laptop. I will continue to use it until the program (or me) finally gives up. Wishing you and Peggy a great retirement and that you get to continue your travels. Your creativity made my life easier. - H. Geminden

Thank you for allowing us cooks to have a quick and easy format in which to store and look up our recipes. I have been a member for years and I thank you again for this program. Good luck in retirement. If you are like me I work longer and harder hours than when I had a paying job, and loving every minute. - J. Adams

Thank you for all the years you devoted to the Home Cooking program. We have used it for many years and have a treasure trove of recipes to enjoy. From family recipes now completely saved for the future to downloaded interesting recipes from the internet. All the best in your retirement. - G. Hill

Thank you Anthony for years of a great app. I think I joined when you were pretty new and have really enjoyed it since. Good luck on your retirement. You deserve it. - J. Cowan

Congratulations Anthony on your retirement, you're going to LOVE IT! I have truly LOVED your recipe program and am happy to hear we can continue to use it! You are amazing! - L. Linke

Enjoy your retirement! You have provided a great product in Home Cookin' and even better customer service. Grateful for the years. And even more grateful that you are making things available for free. You are most generous. Have fun! - L. Howell

We have been together for over 20 years. I thank you for putting together such fine software and always. Solving any issues and being there for me. I wish you the very best in your retirement and enjoy every moment. Take Care and Thank You. - S. Rogers

Congratulations on your retirement. Well deserved. I have so enjoyed 'home cookin" and will continue to use. Many thanks and enjoy! - C. Steeley

Thank you so much for this software. I was looking to update again and found you retired. When I was looking for recipe software, years ago and found yours, I was very relieved. Yours, by far, has been the most user friendly. I so appreciate all you have done in writing this software and providing updates. - C. Johnson

Customer Service Comments

"I wish everything in my life went as smoothly as working with you! Many thanks again for being a great software developer who has made my life a whole lot easier!" - C. Manchon

"It is such a pleasure to do business with a firm whose customer support is immediate and reliable." - R. Wedemeyer

"Your operation is the most humane and friendly of any I have experienced with so many other internet enterprises. Thank you. Keep up the good work!" - A. Russell

"As usual, your support remains the best in the business!" - D. Davidson

"Thanks so much for your help. I wish all other support people were as quick as you were." - R. Major

"You are absolutely THE BEST. You have the friendliest, best customer service. You really helped me, and never showed annoyance or the desire to put me off. I really appreciate how fair and honest you are. You never tried to collect more money from me. You genuinely helped me. Thank you." - N. Frank

"You've been an incredible help - I've never had such excellent support from ANY company, even when in the purchasing phase." - A. Edison

"You are amazing - every time I contact you I get a response immediately! Wish the rest of the world worked that way." - P. Benefiel

"Your response time is bloody impressive!" - R. Kirk

"Thank you for the quick response. It would be wonderful if all software developers responded to their customers like you do." - D. Hart

"I am always so impressed with your amazing and quick customer service!" - K. Hesse

"Your patience seems inexhaustible! Your personal attention is, well, Wow! I have complete confidence that any problem I ever encountered would be dealt with super fast and completely." - E. McKean

"Thanks for the quick response! It is refreshing to encounter such responsive customer support." - M. Bernhardt

"Love the program and your rapid response to my calls for tech assist." - D. Hart

"Thank you so much for your time and patience. I do so appreciate all you have done. Your business will go far with such great customer service. Not many places are so helpful after your purchase, but you have always been. Thank you for great customer service." - C. Kipp

"I love your software not only because of the ease in using it, but for your conscientious support." - M. Heimo

Privacy Policy

We will never gather personal information without your permission.
We will never share or sell the personal information you provide to Mountain Software.
We do not store your personal information online where it could be hacked.

Requested Information - We collect your name, mailing address, email, and phone number on the order form when you purchase our products or subscribe to our services. This information is used for shipping, billing, and activating your software. We also refer to this information if you need to replace a lost code, request an upgrade, or need other customer support.

Email - We never send unsolicited emails. We will only contact you to respond to your question or comment, or to supply a Cloud ID or other account information.

External Links - We may link to other web sites that we feel would be beneficial to our visitors. These links are provided for your convenience and are not intended as an endorsement. We have no control over the content or privacy policies of external web sites. If you discover a link to objectionable content on our web site, please contact us so we can remove the link.