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 version of the program installed, and it should be working correctly.

This beta software:

  • 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:

  • GeoSatSignal - V6.1.4.847 - Allow gridlines to be plotted on any image, preliminary support for new EUMETSAT Archive derived product data (air-mass, dust, fog, GII-K, GII-lifted-index, total precipitable water, volcanic-ash), add compass-rose option for text location to cities.dat files, include CI-Volcanoes data file (new edition) for use with EUMETSAT volcanic-ash data, allow user-specified file list for the five satellite combined world view, support new EUMETCast format MTSAT-1R (2752 square images, no mid-IR thermal calibration), add experimental support for Meteosat 7/8/9 MPE GRIB data, preliminary support for FY2D/MTSAT-1R HDF-format data - including option to use 1km high-resolution visible channel, new widescreen remap sizes (1280 x 800, 1440 x 900, 1680 x 1050, 1920 x 1200 and 2560 x 1600, MSG size which will need memory 5568 x 2944 and 5568 x 8192), EUMETCast browser updates for new mid-IR data, support embedded spaces in the NOTIFY parameter, add Dutch language (thanks, Ton Lindemann), French and Spanish language updates.

  • GRIB Viewer - V2.1.7.176 - Replace date strings (e.g. %YYYY) in output directory name as well as the output file name.


  • HDF Viewer - V1.2.2.37 - Run the program minimised when -MIN is specified, show the data file name in the  program's title bar.

  • MapToGeo - V1.1.6.33 - Add support for new 2752 x 2752 MTSAT data over EUMETCast (in MSG-MTS menu).


  • Metop Manager V1.2.3.201 - correct retention period of GAC chunk lists.


  • MSG Animator - V2.5.20.210 - Add support for MSG Rapid Scanning Service (RSS) data.


  • MSG Data Manager - V2.5.20.758 - Add support for new-format & multi-service daily log files, add support for MSG Rapid Scanning Service (RSS) data, add support for 8-bit raw PGM save of MTSAT-1R data.


  • SatSignal - V5.1.1.552 - Add gamma 0.6 and 0.8 options for improved cloud structure detail, refine WXtrack needed message.
 
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