If i buy the programs separte, do i still have to pay to renew the programs?
After a major update you would. EX: It's been 2 years for Windowblinds and no major update. A major update is when the number before the decimal changes. EX: windowblinds 10.0. It's now at 10.65. So as I said over two years now. Could happen in a month as there is no real time line so to speak.
As mentioned if you renew Object Desktop each year you always get the updates no matter what version number. Many people run into problems because they don't download the actual .exe installers from the Stardock store. do this and make sure you have the serial number or key and you will always have it. Many old versions still work on newer OS changes. If people don't save the older .exe programs they will not be available forever.