Software version numbers
By Charles Miller September 5, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

The other day someone asked me the meaning of software version numbers. For a long time, computer software was not identified by yearly model changes, as is the case with automobiles. This is actually changing as more software companies start to refer to their product as the 2008 version or the 2009 version.

So what is a version number and what is its significance?

First you have to find the version number. In 99 percent of all Windows applications, just click on “Help” in the top tool bar, then “About.” The version number, and often the name and address of the maker, can be found in this dialog box.

For example, I am writing this column using Microsoft Word. When I click on Help/About, it says “Microsoft Word 2002 (10.6754.6735) SP-3.”

The name of the program is “Microsoft Word 2002.” The “major” version number is version 10. The next number (6754) usually represents a minor update of some kind. Perhaps a feature or two was added while the overall program remained unchanged. The third number (6735) usually represents a bug fix. Often these are sequentially numbered, but sometimes reflect the release date of the bug fix. The last part of my example is “SP-3,” which in the case of Microsoft products is used to designate that Service Pack 3 has been applied.

Some companies use the terms “build” and “release” to refer to versions. For example, “Version 3 Build 4” would be the fourth update to Version 3.

Still other companies simply use the date such as “Version 7 May 2006.”

An old computer axiom says something to the effect that you should never buy version “one” of any software; it is better to wait until at least some of the bugs are found and fixed.

Most software makers take their product through the “alpha” and “beta” test stages. Often these are version 0.1. In the alpha test phase, the software is tested internally. In the beta stage, the software is exposed to a limited public release. “Beta testers” are often unpaid volunteers who try out the product in return for a free copy of the software.


For the most part, it is okay for the computer user to be unconcerned about version numbers. There are two occasions when this information can take on more importance, though.

The first situation is when you are sharing files, such as word processing documents, with someone else. You would then want to ascertain if the person receiving your file will be able to open and use it.

If the recipient is using the same program you have, and if they are using the same major version number, then probably there will be no problem with their sharing your file. It is usually safe to disregard the minor version number for the purpose of file sharing.

Another situation in which the specific version number takes on importance is when dealing with technical support. If you call for help with a certain problem, you may be asked to identify the specific version of the software you are using. The tech needs to know if you have the latest version including all the latest bug fixes. Sometimes fixing a software problem is as simple as upgrading to the latest version and the version number allows the technician to quickly identify this.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044-415-101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.