Ok, so, in the last few days, I've started to daydream about the possibility of starting to actually BREW some beer (providing I can get a job).
Now, I've been reading a lot, and opinions seem to be divided between Beersmith and Promash, when it comes to brewing software.
Right now, I have Brewtarget in my main computer (on Ubuntu), and I have a second computer running on Windows 7.

So, my questions are:

Which one do you like better, Beersmith or Promash, and why?

How do they compare to Brewtarget?

I've been using Promash for many years and like it quite a bit. That said, it does have a steep learning curve if you want to get past the absolute basics. Also, the author has not issued an update for years. I have considered moving over to Beersmith but there is no way to port my session records over to beersmith though there is a clunky method for moving the recipes.

I would strongly recommend that you start out with Beersmith. The user interface is easier to use, good support is available, and they are a Brewing Network sponsor.

I have never heard of Brewtarget, but then I am not a linux user.

Wayne

There is also BrewMate if you are just looking to build recipes, there is some more advanced functionality too. The developer has been pretty responsive to emails and releases updates now an again, And its Free.

I used ProMash for a long time but never got comfortable with it, plus, I don't think the author really supports it any more. I bought BeerSmith a few months ago and immediately found it to be more to my liking.

promash hasn't been updated in almost a decade, and beersmith just came out with a massive new revamped version yesterday... I know which one my money is on.

From the Promash website discussion forum, it sounds like they are actually working on an upgrade.

Let's face it, there isn't much more Promash really needs to do other than improve the user interface. It does everything that Beersmith does and vice versa.

I tried both and ended up pre-ordering BeerSmith2. I'm glad I did. I only did the trial for each, but BeerSmith seems better for my needs at least. I tried ProMash first and BeerSmith definitely has a different UI. From my little experience with each, BeerSmith2 seems to have a less steep learning curve. They both seem to work fine though.

I do like that BeerSmith exports to beerxml though. That was a plus for me. I don't have a smartphone, but I do have a nookcolor with cyanogenmod on it. I can export to beerxml and open with Brewzor on the nook. Let's me take my recipe with me to the LHBS in a form that I can edit, say, I can't get the hops I want or whatever the case may be. Hell, even if I just decide to play with it a bit if I see something that sparks my interest. I honestly don't think I use the nook for that much. I'm a person that likes to have the option though.

Here is Donovan's post from the promash.com website. Looks like something updated will show up by about the end of the year.