Types of software update
Major Releases
A Major Release is a complete copy of the software - i.e. all the programs and files that comprise the application. It contains all of the changes included in any prior Service Packs.
When Major Releases are issued, all clients with a valid licence will automatically receive the software on CD. Most Major Releases are also made available for download from the Download Centre.
Major Releases often end in a zero (e.g. CCH CorTAX 9.10), whereas Service Packs and Hot Fixes do not (e.g. CCH CorTAX 9.01).
Full Releases
Full Releases are the same as Major Releases, except that they are not automatically sent out on CD. This is because they contain non-mandatory changes - for example, added functionality which is not a statutory requirement and non-critical software fault corrections.
Service Packs
Service Packs are updates that we make available between Major or Full Releases.
Service Packs do not contain all the programs that make up the application. This means they can only be loaded after the previous Major Release has already been installed. e.g. You can only load PerTAX Service Pack 11.11 after loading 11.10.
Some Service Packs are distributed automatically to all clients and some are sent only on request; however, all Service Packs are made available for download from the Download Centre.
Most Service Packs are cumulative - e.g. PerTAX Service Pack 10.12 contains all fixes in Service Pack 10.11 as well as its own. So if you missed an earlier SP, you can bring your software up to date by installing the most recent Service Pack.
The version number of a Service pack usually ends in a non-zero (e.g. Compad 2.72).
Hotfixes
Hotfixes are a type of Service Pack designed to quickly fix a critical problem. They are usually released very soon after the problem is reported.
Hotfixes are issued most often for our Practice Management software.
Format Bulletins
Format Bulletins are also a type of Service Pack. They are usually released very soon after becomes aware of an issue: for example, following new legislation.
These updates are only issued for our Accounts Production (VAP) software.
Plugins
A plugin is an application that can be hosted in Central. Plugins can offer any level of functionality from a full blown product such as Personal Tax 2007 or Practice Management to a single graph on the home page showing data from another CCH product.
A plugin can be a single .dll file or a number of .dll files with an accompanying script.
In order to install a plugin you must be a registered user of Central, Practice Management 4.3 and above, or Personal Tax 2007 and above.
Plugins have their own version numbers. These are displayed in Central by going to Help > About > Plug ins.
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