When Windows 8 is released, there are often Milestone, DP, CP, RP, RTM, MSDN, Leak, Professional, Normal, RT on the image or promotion. The version, the enterprise version, etc. are different, other software is similar, and there are often differences between Alpha, bata, RC, official version, etc. So what are these versions? This post will try to explain this.
a, Win8Milestone
the word usually translated as a milestone, a turning point; in software development, this is the software for basic improvements to the software to add functionality stage. At this stage, most of the software is impossible to download publicly, and its information is rarely leaked. The outside world knows the news released by the official to improve the popularity of the software. At the same time, this version of the software is also the most unstable, even because the related functions are developed and can not run at all.
two, Win8DP & Alpha
DP Edition developer preview the full name, which is provided to the developer versions for software developers to understand and improve the system type of programming style of version of. The development of common software corresponds to the Alpha version, also known as the internal test version. This version only includes the main functions of the software, basically does not optimize the software. The main functions included in this version are generally reflected in the official version, but not necessarily, the software manufacturer will rely on the feedback from the tester. The functionality of the software is modified, changed, and even includes key features.
DP version, beta version of the popular software packages are only on a small scale software or official inside its identity. However, because there are more people involved, more information is often leaked. There may even be a small number of software internal test packages that will be leaked. Since there is basically no optimization of the software at this stage, there are many more accidents in the process of internal testing, such as program crash, stuck computer, and blue screen are normal. It is therefore irresponsible to disclose the software being tested and to publish the beta software publicly.
beta software installation requires more computer knowledge and plenty of time. It is best to have the ability to collect software bug data, report it to the software vendor, and have the ability to communicate with the software vendor using the software vendor's primary language; at a minimum, the ability to install a new operating system in the event of a system crash that cannot be initiated. . Time is not limited, as long as you use the computer, it is enough to have time to eliminate serious problems of the computer (simply say one or two hours at a time).
three, Win8CP & Beta
CP stands for ConsumerPrevIEw, that is, the consumer preview version, is available to most people's version, for most people the system style, operation, etc. Ordinary software corresponds to the beta version, also known as the public beta. This version of the software, the manufacturer will be optimized to a certain extent, and this version is also the version of the basic development of the function, and the subsequent versions rarely have large functional changes. Unless most of the people involved in the test are dissatisfied with the version.
CP version, beta version of the software, generally speaking, software vendors will be officially opened a special page that provides software downloads and software New Features. Due to this version, the software has been optimized to some extent, so it will be much more stable than the public beta. However, due to the natural limitations of software vendors themselves, it is impossible to test all software and hardware environments. Therefore, the use of such software is also a big risk.
public beta users install the software, that is the best use of the use of more broad, long time in the computer and software appears; at the same time should try to avoid the use of potentially conflicting software to circumvent The possibility of a problem with the system. This version of the software generally does not cause serious problems in the system. In most cases, the program is not stable enough to crash easily; in the worst case, it may cause a blue screen.
In general, as long as the system can be backed up on their own, when the system fails to start, the user can restore the system, use this version are particularly troublesome problem does not occur.
four, Win8RP & RC
RP called the ReleasePrevIEw, ie Release Preview, which is available to all versions, the software used to display all the features, style and operation; general The software corresponds to the RC version, which is ReleaseCandidate, which is translated as a release candidate.
this version of the software, software vendors errors during the closed beta, beta users have been all affect the normal use of repaired, but also has the function of developing software is completed, this version and the official version is very Proximity, except that it will be modified in the official version at the beginning, otherwise it will only modify the function or interface of the software if it finds a major error that is not found in the internal test and public beta that will seriously affect the user. Any regular manufacturer is extremely cautious when releasing RC or RP software. Almost all users can safely install and use this type of software.
five, Win8RTM & official version
RTM, namely ReleasetoManufacturing, was released version to the manufacturing industry. This is a version that is unique to large software. This is the version that is sent to the factory and burned to the disc after the program is developed. This version is equivalent to the official version of other common software.
this version of the software, after a closed beta, beta, release previews numerous tests, will affect almost completely eliminate the program error users. All users can safely install and use this type of software.
six, Win8MSDN version & leaked version
MSDN is not any stage of development; it's full name is MicrosoftDeveloperNetwork. It is an information service for Microsoft software developers. It is a development virtual community integrated with Visual Studio and Windows platform, including technical documents, online e-tutorials, network virtual labs, Microsoft product downloads (almost all operating systems). The official and beta versions of server programs, applications, and development programs, as well as various driver development kits and software development kits, blogs, BBS, MSDN WebCast, and MSDN magazines that work with CMP.
MSDN is a paid community, requires a minimum of nearly seven thousand yuan a year, after the subscription will be able to get including technical support, e-learning, a developer account, software downloads and other services. The only MSDN version of Windows and MSDN subscription numbers are mentioned here. Although
RTM release version called the manufacturing industry, but the manufacturer also prefers to publish on MSDN, due to confidentiality restrictions on MSDN is not as user confidentiality restrictions so stringent for manufacturers, coupled with When posting to MSDN, Microsoft will expose the hash value of the package or image file on MSDN. So the original CD image of Windows and other software has been MSDN version.
leaked version is issued or after the closed beta version of the disc manufacturer RTM version was leaked to call people out, these two have some risks. The former is not careful because of its lack of stability, so it is best not to install it. The latter returned to the confidentiality agreement when the manufacturer got the software from the software vendor, and some were even extremely demanding. At the same time, the package may also have tracking information. In order to avoid being discovered and causing the work to be unprotected, the leaker often makes some modifications to the files in the software package, and at least offsets the hash value of the software, so it will be difficult to determine whether it is the official original version of the software. So it's best not to use it anyway, it will be a few days anyway.