Release terminology guidelines
Learn about the different types of interim software releases in the chart below. This information includes all the various types of releases that might be produced for Adobe products — along with recommendations about when to update and how to get the updates.
| RELEASE TYPE (In increasing order of magnitude) |
SCOPE | VERSIONING | WHEN TO APPLY | DELIVERY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Fix | Fixes a specific problem that has been escalated through support or customer service. | N/A | Only customers that are experiencing specific issues that are resolved by the Hot Fix should apply. | Electronic delivery. Distributed by Support, Engineering Escalation Team (EET), or another Adobe group. |
| Tested by QA and supported by Adobe. | ||||
| Requires a specific code base in order to apply. | ||||
| It is not guaranteed that any two Hot Fixes will work together properly. | ||||
| Security Update | Fixes a specific security issue. | N/A | Adobe recommends that ALL customers apply Security Fixes. | Electronic delivery. Distributed by Support or Engineering Escalation Team (EET) on the Security Zone. |
| Tested by QA and supported by Adobe. | ||||
| Requires a specific code base in order to apply. | ||||
| Update(r) | Includes all applicable Hot Fixes and Security Fixes to date. | n.0.1 | Adobe recommends that ALL customers apply Updaters. | Electronic delivery. Usually posted on the product's Support Center. |
| May include additional bug fixes. | ||||
| May include additional updates to drivers, databases, platform support, or other initiatives (such as 508 compliance). | ||||
| Tested by QA and supported by Adobe. | ||||
| Requires a specific code base in order to apply. | ||||
| Minor
Point Release or Service Pack |
Minor updates to the product. | n.1 - n.4 | Adobe recommends that ALL customers apply Minor Point Releases and Service Packs. | Electronic delivery available through Software Trial download and Online Store download; may also be delivered as a revision of the product CD. |
| Includes applicable Hot Fixes, Security Fixes, and Updaters to date. | ||||
| May include bug fixes that apply to the broad user population and other product enhancements for the core product. | ||||
| Tested by QA and supported by Adobe. | ||||
| Requires a specific code base in order to apply. | ||||
| Major Point Release | Major updates to the product. | n.5 - n.0 | Like major releases, customers looking for new or improved functionality should upgrade to a point release. | Electronic delivery available through Software Trial download and Online Store download. Also delivered as a revision of the product CD. |
| Includes applicable Hot Fixes, Security Fixes, Updaters, and Minor Point Releases or Service Packs to date. | ||||
| May include bug fixes, new features, and functionality. | ||||
| Tested by QA and supported by Adobe. | ||||
| Preview
Release or Public Beta 
|
A close-to-final build that is publicly available prior to the final release. | N/A | Customers interested in trying new functionality can install the preview release software in a test environment. | Electronic delivery only; usually posted on promotional pages. |
| It is considered "Beta" quality code that may have a fixed expiration date built-in. | ||||
| Provided for pre-release evaluation only—not supported for production use. |
