Alpha, beta, RC, RTM, Eval, CTP, OEM, RTL, vol understanding

A Microsoft system (such as win 7) or development tool (vs series) usually corresponds to many versions. The following describes the meaning of these versions;

Alpha (alpha, the first alpha in the Greek alphabet, representing the original version)

Alpha is an internal beta version. This version indicates that the software is mainly used to implement software functions at this stage. It is usually only used for internal communication among software developers. In general, there are many bugs in the software version, you need to continue modification. It is not recommended unless you are a tester.

Beta (Beta, the second 'β' of the Greek alphabet ')

Beta version can be understood as a public beta version. This version has been greatly improved compared with alpha version, eliminating serious errors, but there are still some defects, it needs to be further eliminated through multiple tests. This version mainly modifies the software UI and adds new functions.

RC (Release Candidate)

The final candidate version of the software release. This version is quite mature. Basically, there are no bugs that may lead to errors, which is almost the same as the official version to be released. Compared with the beta version, this does not add too many new features, but focuses on troubleshooting.

RTM (release to manufacture)

Also known as release,
This version indicates the "final version". After a series of Beta versions of the previous version, there will be a formal version, which is a version that is finally delivered to users. The genuine software we bought in the store is
RTM (release) version, also known as Standard Edition. In general, release does not appear on the software cover in the form of words, instead of the symbol (R ).

The versions mentioned above are the versions that Microsoft releases for both Windows systems and development tools,

For Windows systems, there are more versions:

Eval (Evaluation)

Functions are no different from those of the Retail Edition and must be activated.

CTP (Community test Preview)

Community test trial

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

It is sold to computer manufacturers along with computers, that is, the random version. Only random devices can be shipped, not retail. It can only be completely installed and cannot be upgraded from the old operating system. If you buy a laptop or brand computer, you will have a random version of the software. The packaging is not as elegant as the retail version, and usually only one CD and manual (authorization letter) are available ).

RTL (Retail)

Is the real official version, officially launched into the retail version. There is an eula.txt in the iworkflow folder of the installation disk, and the last line of eulaid is your version. For example, the simplified Chinese official version
It is eulaid: wx.4 _ pro_rtl_cn, and the official version of Traditional Chinese is wx.4 _ pro_rtl_tw. Where: If it is wx. It starts with the official version, and WB. It starts with the test
. _ Pre, representing the family edition; _ Pro, representing the Professional Edition.

VOL (volume licensing for organizations)

Major account version, group batch license (a large number of procurement authorization contracts ). May someone think this is not vlo? In fact, vol only takes the first three letters of volume, not three words.
Abbreviation. For example, in the English wxp pro vol version, the disc flags are wxpvol_en, and wx indicates windows
XP, P is professional (Vol has no home version), Vol indicates group batch license version, and EN indicates English. The main way to obtain this information is to buy from the group.
Msdn users can also get it. This type of version is subdivided into "open license" and "select
License), enterprise agreement, academic education license
License.