How to handle version numbers
A comment left on Slashdot shows how various companies handle version numbers:)
Starting out
Open source calls it: alpha testing
Microsoft calls it: 1.0
Google calls it: shhhh … top secret.
Apple calls it: unsubstantiated rumors
Growing up
Open source calls it: beta testing
Microsoft calls it: 2.0
Google calls it: beta testing
Apple calls it: rumors with possibly some substance to them
Getting ready
Open source calls it: release candidate
Microsoft calls it: 3.0
Google calls it: beta testing
Apple calls it: copies are circulated to the usual suspects, who eagerly publish reviews describing it as the "most innovating product yet!"
Living the life
Open source calls it: 1.0
Microsoft calls it: varies. Previous names have included 3.1, 95, 98, 4.0, 5.0 or X.
Google calls it: beta testing
Apple calls it: released to the market place, Steve Jobs goes on record to say that it is "insanely great".
Out and about
Open source calls it: 2.0
Microsoft calls it: SP1,2,3…
Google calls it: beta testing
Apple calls it: a recall
And of course, for all of the versions above
Slashdot puts a writeup on the front page. A million posters call it a Slashvertisement. Somebody quotes CmdrTaco's lame-as-an-iPod comment. At least one thread will begin with a Goatse link and will end with a reference to either Adolf Hitler.
Robert X. Cringley will claim with a smile that he knew this was coming.
Paul Graham will write an article on how it could have been done better with Lisp, but oh well, good job anyways.
Linus Torvalds will say nothing.
Bill Gates will appear on pictures smiling evily.
Steve Jobs will appear on pictures stoned.
Maddox will put a writeup on his site involving the item in question and a penis.
-30-