Week 4: Clear

           The concept that was most clear to me this week was the part of the software life cycle concerning software version numbers and upgrading the software. Software version numbers have four numbers. The first is the major version, the second is the minor version, the third is the revision number, and the fourth (which is optional and often dropped) is the build number. These numbers are very specific and important to the software. A patch is designated to provide minor updates like a new revision numbers or bug fixes. An update is a revision to a minor version, a new minor version, enhanced features, bug fixes, or other new features. An upgrade is a new major version or a major update to a minor version. An example of an upgrade is Microsoft Office had its 14th major version, so the major version number is now 14.
            Upgrading software is very important in the business environment because it can provide productive new tools. Upgrades can make the software more stable and reliable and might includes features that make work more efficient. Good software is never static but is rather constantly updating and evolving.
           This website explains the difference between a software upgrade and a software update. It adds to the above explanation that updates are often bug fixes or minor software enhancements and are often free to download. On the other hand, upgrades are often the purchase of a newer software version or your current software with more features.