[read] b4 you update or upgrade anything!!!
So with the huge amount of arising issues with newbies and such having issues after updating/upgrading apps/software. Such as Usb Loaders/ HBC apps/ and ect ect ect....
I decided to post some information for you all that you NEED to understand!
1) Never download/install anything that you haven't looked into and don't fully understand.
2) A higher revision/version isn't always best for all users as users tend to have different set ups. I like the term "If it ain't broke, DON'T fix it!"... Unless of course there is something new that you just gotta have but make sure it's been tested throughly and in its release state.
3) Many users download and install test versions and pre release beta versions of apps and software just because its new.. Most who do aren't tech savvy enough to really understand them. If you download a "beta" you know your a guinea pig of sorts right? most glitches are fixed by the time its beta but it still is not a release and still may have issues.
4) Be very wary about the source for the download.. a corrupt file or bad app could result in complete failure..
So... Here we go..
Software Life Cycle
Development
Pre-alpha:
Operations performed during the software project before testing. Such as analysis, design, and development.. In common open source development, there are many kinds of pre-alpha versions. Milestone versions have specific functions and are released right after the functionality is complete.
Alpha
The alpha version is the first phase to begin software testing (alpha= "a" the number 1 in Greek). In Alpha, developers test the software using white box techniques. more testing is performed by black box tests, or another testing team. Black box testing inside the org is known as alpha release.[1]
Alpha versions can be unstable and could cause crashes,data loss or complete fail. Occasionally the alpha version is available publicly, where developers normally push for stability so that their testers can test properly. External availability of alpha software is uncommon.
*White box testing:Control flow testing, Data flow testing, Branch testing, Path testing
*Black box testing: Decision table testing, All-pairs testing, State transition tables, Equivalence partitioning, Boundary value analysis
Beta
Beta testing is meant to reduce impacts to users, often incorporating usability testing. Beta is usually the first time the software is available outside of the org that created/developed it. Beta users are called "beta testers". They are usually users willing to test the software without charge. Beta versions are useful to help developers find and fix bugs and glitches. Developers also call this stage a preview, prototype, technical preview (TP), or early access... Some software stays in perpetual beta.
*There are 2 versions of Beta. open beta and closed beta.
-Open beta's are dual purpose of demonstrating a product to potential consumers, and testing among an extremely wide user base likely to find obscure errors that a much smaller testing team may not find.
-Closed beta versions are released to a select group of individuals for testing, while open betas are to a larger community group, sometimes to anyone interested. The testers report any bugs that they find, and sometimes suggest additional features they think should be available in the final version.
The Release Candidate
This is the potential version to be finalized. Which could be ready to release unless fatal bugs emerge. In this stage of product stabilization, all features have been designed, coded and tested through one or more beta cycles with no known showstopper-class bug.
The Release
A release is "code complete" when the developers agree that no entirely new source code will be added. There may still be source code changes to fix bugs and defects though. Also there may still be changes to documentation and data files, and to the code for test cases or utilities. New code may be added in a future release.
So there it is.. Just remember to try to avoid using something that you aren't completely sure of and DON'T "test" products if you aren't tech savvy enough to fix issues that might arise. We want to build better consoles.. not make paper weights.. ;)
Also remember that just because its newer, it doesnt mean better.. Unless your talking about Usb loader GX which has come a long ways from the start.
Do your research before you download/install anything. Good luck and enjoy!
