You can switch software levels for the demo in the Welcome Screen when starting SilverFast.
The user interface of SilverFast 9 is newly developed to current standards so that you can access all major functions quickly and easily. The SilverFast Preview Concept allows you to see the result of any adjusted setting in the preview window immediately. Turning your analog originals into convincing scans is very simple, with complex operations becoming like child's play. As a kind of assistant, it guides you in the correct order through all the processing steps required for your individual workflow. The WorkflowPilot, a unique feature, is a core element of the new software. In combination with a variety of innovative ideas and the usage of current software technology, SilverFast 9 has evolved into what we can proudly present as the best scanner software. LaserSoft Imaging has gained over 25 years of experience in the development of imaging software. Meanwhile, I have connected my scanner to an old, 1st generation Intel iMac (an "early 2008" model, I believe), and I can at least scan photos again, albeit with Epson software that is just as awkward and poorly designed as their "latest and greatest." Again, support for Apple products seems to be an afterthought for them.SilverFast (Epson) is LaserSoft's software for Epson scanners. I am still bothered by the fact that their web site incorrectly detected my OS as macOS 10 instead of macOS 11. Otherwise, they would have a functional set of of scanning apps ready to go, instead of ones that were obviously rushed out the door at the last minute.
My take on this is that Epson, like many companies, cares to support Apple only grudgingly. Dutifully, I went to the Epson web site and download the latest versions of the various scanning libraries and applications designed to work on macOS 11, only to find out that the latest from Epson, despite what they claimed, does not function under Big Sur. I too have a V500 Photo scanner, and was irritated to find out that my Epson software was no longer completely functional running under macOS Big Sur. Unfortunately, Epson dropped the ball on this one, it seems to me.
Furthermore, these developers have early access to advance copies of the OS, beta versions as they're usually called, so that they can upgrade their own products, if need be, and test them so as to be ready when the OS is officially released. Apple or Microsoft) puts out a new or upgraded OS, developers are told long beforehand what to expect, and what needs to be done, if anything, to guarantee that their software will work with the new release.
I am a software developer, and there's a few things that most people are unaware of.