* Ancestral Sources v4 Beta Testers Required

[NickWalker]

I've finally got to the stage where Ancestral Sources v4 is ready to be tested. This is the long-promised version which includes support for death sources and burial/cremation (funeral) sources, together with the existing census, baptism and marriage support.

If you would like to help me to beta test Ancestral Sources 4, then please email me. My email address can be found in the Ancestral Sources Help menu under 'Email Support...' or in the help file: look for 'support' in the index.

Please only do this if you are willing to spend time testing the software, particularly by entering death and burial/cremation source details and be aware that I am likely to frequently release updated versions throughout the testing period as bugs are reported. Also be aware that as this is a beta version, it is more likely that AS will have problems that could mess up your file so keeping backups of your project (or working with test copy of your files) is always sensible. From past experience, the testing period may last a few weeks.

Also be aware that Ancestral Sources 4.0 requires Microsoft .Net 4.5 which is supported on Windows 8, Windows 7 and Vista. Therefore, it will not run on Windows XP. .Net 4.5 is built into Windows 8 and there is a good chance you may already have it on your Windows 7 or Vista PCs.

Thanks

Nick

[Stevebye]

Email sent and raring to go.

[tatewise]

I presume this means that Windows XP users will have to upgrade to a later Windows to use AS V4.0.

Also AS V3.2.3 downloads will need to remain available for Windows XP users.

[NickWalker]

My current intention is to just have version 4 available. XP users should be upgrading as from April 8th XP will no longer be getting security updates and will therefore be unprotected from any new exploits that hackers discover. Obviously I realise there will be nothing I can do to prevent XP users from keeping a copy of version 3.2.3 on their own computers if they so wish.

[tatewise]

That means that my Ancestral Sources Data Entry Plugin must cater for that scenario.

No longer can it simply say there is a later version available or a download available for Windows XP users.

It must treat V3.2.3 as the latest for Windows XP, and when AS is not installed, say NO download is available (unless FHUG keeps a hidden copy available).

What happens if a Windows XP user needs to re-install everything and they have lost the AS download?

I understand everything you say about Windows XP security, but with good Firewall & Anti-Virus packages, and common sense, most users will be fairly safe for some time to come.
Even Microsoft are continuing to provide Microsoft Security Essentials signature updates, and Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool monthly updates via Windows Updates for another 15 months.
Also many Firewall & Anti-Virus vendors are promising to continue support.

[ColeValleyGirl]

Like Nick with Ancestral Sources, I'm intending that the next version of GenQuiry will not include support for XP. It might work, it might not, but I'm neither in a position to test or support it in that environment, nor (more materially, and akin to the reason that Nick specifically gives) to insist that those who produce components that I rely on do the same.

Three versions of Windows O/S isn't unreasonable for a supported environment. And if those of us who are developing (free) software want to use the best tools, we can't back-engineer support for an obsolete O/S.

I'm also pretty jaundiced about the application of common sense, to the extent that I'm disabling email and removing easy access to the browser on those XP systems which I (reluctantly) have to support. As far as I'm concerned, XP is now a sitting target for those looking for vulnerable systems to exploit. The fifteen months grace from Microsoft on MSE upgrades is just delaying the inevitable.

[ColeValleyGirl]

I'd volunteer, but I'm flat out finishing the next release of GenQuiry.

[NickWalker]

Suggesting that antivirus on XP will be enough to protect them is very bad advice. If a serious vulnerability is discovered then antivirus may not be able to help. In addition anyone who is still using XP on their home computers is likely to not be particularly technical and therefore unlikely to take the very careful steps they will need to make to ensure they keep as secure as possible. We need to do everything we can to encourage XP users to move on.

If a Windows XP user needs to reinstall then they shouldn't be installing XP!

Yes the AS plugin should say that AS doesn't work on XP.

Funnily enough, the original version of AS in 2010 didn't support Windows 98 which was 12 years old at the time, the same as XP is now.

[NickWalker]

Thanks to all those who have volunteered to help test the next version of Ancestral Sources. I've just emailed out the first test version so if you contacted me to offer your services and you've not received the email then please let me know.

Best wishes

Nick