Beta versions
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What is beta software?

Beta software is an updated version of an existing program designed to either fix some particular problem, or to experiment with various new features which may, or may not be in the next version of the program.  
A full release of the program will have been widely tested (through the beta process), and will contain all the files required for running the program such as data files and, where applicable, update Help files.  A beta version, by contrast, may contain just the program and some basic release notes, and none of the other files required for the program to function.  Before using any beta software, you should have a full current version of the program installed, and it should be working correctly.

This beta software:

  • requires the current, released version to be installed and working
  • is updated without notice
  • has no support available
  • has features that may not be in the next released version
  • is not guaranteed to work
  • may have time-limited functionality
  • may crash or give false results
  • requires that you read the release notes
  • .. so use at your own risk!
  • .. and please keep a working backup!

 

How do I use beta software?

As opposed to a full installation, beta software may just contain just an updated executable file, and will therefore need some additional steps in installing.  If you are not comfortable following steps like those listed below, please be patient and wait for the next released version.  Be sure to have the current released version before applying a beta update!

Updating a typical program

  1. Make sure you have the most recent release version of the software installed and working properly.
  2. Visit my Web site and download the beta of the MSG Data Manager from the page.
  3. This Zip file contains an updated MsgDataManager.exe program file and an updated MsgDataManager.txt "read-me" file.
  4. Locate your existing installation of the MSG Data Manager.  Most likely this will be (for an English language install):
      C:\Program Files\David J Taylor\MSG Data Manager\
  5. In the case of the MSG Data Manager, this folder will contain files named e.g. WaveletDLL.dll as well as the MSG Data Manager program file.
  6. Stop the MSG Data Manager and close the program down.
  7. Rename the existing executable file:
      MsgDataManager.exe
    to, for example:
      MsgDataManager-old.exe
  8. Copy the new MsgDataManager.exe from the Zip file you downloaded in step 1 to the folder you located in step 3.
  9. If there were more file in the beta download, copy those as well having backed up your working versions.
  10. Restart the MSG Data Manager.

Reverting to the original program

  1. Stop the MSG Data Manager and exit the program.
  2. Rename the new executable file:
      MsgDataManager.exe
    to, for example:
      MsgDataManager-new.exe
  3. Rename the previous executable file you renamed in step 6:
      MsgDataManager-old.exe
    back to:
      MsgDataManager.exe
  4. Copy any other files you backed up to the appropriate directory.
  5. Restart the MSG Data Manager.

The same general procedure is true for all my beta updates.  Please be aware of the limitations of beta software which are listed above.

 

Current beta-test versions:

  • BUFR Viewer - 0.0.0.26 - Experimental BUFR Viewer - mostly tested with EUMETCast SCAT and ASCAT data, works with 25knm and 100km SAF-OSI data and MODIS Winds, add control of lines, add background map option, add image save function, support data on network connections, add data thinning, add user-definable regions, add region selection from the command-line, add saving of image from the command line, add automatic close from the command-line.


      
  • GeoSatSignal - V7.0.1.889 - Add experimental support for FY2C image and HDF files over EUMETCast - including the 1km resolution visible channel, allow remapping with MTSAT-1R 1km visible, add control over boundary and gridline thickness, honour per-job Display WV setting for HDF files, Dutch language update.


     
  • HDF Viewer - V1.3.0.40 - Add support for new vegetation products (vegetation cover, leaf area index, absorbed photosynthetic active radiation, Europe, North and South Africa, South America).


     
  • MSG Animator - V2.5.21.224 - don't force interval for RSS data, ignore external updates if update interval set, start multi-language support.
     

     
  • MSG Data Manager - V2.5.21.796 - Add support for FY2C data, some layout rearrangements result, Dutch language update.
  • WXtrack - V3.7.0.857 - Improved day/night shading options, update Google Earth view (to work in regions where comma is the decimal separator and revise the height limit to 7000km for full-disk view).

 

 
If you wish, you can register for free, automatic e-mail notifications from the Watch That Page service when this page is updated.  This is convenient as you won't need to keep checking my Web site to see what new beta versions are available.  Click the button below to register for update notification.  You may need to register with WatchThatPage first.

You can also use Fred van den Bosch's program DownloadPrograms - which will keep an eye on the version numbers for you!

 

 
Copyright © David Taylor, Edinburgh Last modified: 2007 Dec 23 at 15:16