What are the software versions?

Often see the software suffix version is beta, what does the beta mean? What do other software Alpha and RC editions mean? The following small series for everyone to bring software version introduction, we simply to understand.

Alpha version: Internal beta. Alpha is the first of the Greek alphabet, the earliest version, the general user do not download this version, this version contains a lot of bugs, not fully functional, mainly for developers and testers to test and find bugs.

Beta: Open beta version. Beta is the second of the Greek alphabet, as the name suggests, this version is released later than the Alpha version, mainly for the "tribal" users and loyal users tested, the version of a number of bugs, but the relative alpha version to be stable. This phase version of the software will continue to add new features. If you are an enthusiast, you can download this version.

RC version: Full write: Release Candidate (candidate version), this version is further than the beta version, this version of the feature is no longer added, and the final release of the same functionality. This version is a bit like a preview version prior to the final release, and this release is not far from the final release. As an ordinary user, if you are in a hurry to use this software, you can also download this version.

Stable version: Stable version. In the open source software, there are stable version, this is the final release of open source software, users can be assured that the use of bold.

In addition, for commercial software, there is a version:

RTM version: All known as release to manufacture. Factory edition. Revision procedures have been fixed, on the factory packaging, CD-ROM printing patterns and so on.

OEM Version: Vendor customized version.

Eval version: Evaluation Edition. is a 30-or 60-day version of the lifespan.

RTL version: Retail. (Retail edition), this version is the actual release of the version, there are beautiful packaging, CD-ROM, brochures and other things and high prices.