Latest version

I’ve seen some posts with questions about problems, and thread starter tell us they use “latest version”. That can give us some problem to know what version they use. (I one of those who did this :wink: )
Now I saw a company that stated that their product is compatible with the “latest version” of some other software.
Latest version for whom?
On openSUSE we have

  • LEAP 42.1 official
  • Tumbleweed
  • some voluntary repository
  • downloaded from developer
    and maybe some other source.
  • if we read it after some updates, is it the previous (some hours ago) or present

If a company tell us it is compatible with latest version we also have to guess on what OS

Just have to get it out of my system.
Have a nice day and thanks for the support of us who use openSUSE :slight_smile:

When you read first posts of hreads here, you will be aware that many people assume that all other people (at least those that will read their threads) either have and do everything the same way as they do or assume that others are clairvoyant. Your observation that people mention the software versions they use relative (like “the latest”) instead of absolute (like “42.1”) is but one symptom of many other assumptions done.

Those that say “the latest” are apparently not aware of the fact that:

  • not everybody will know what the latest is, people will probably know what they have and thus hesitate to try to reconstruct he OPs problem;
  • the version that they call the “latest” may point to the latest from the “official” repos (like OSS), but also to some factory repo, or even an RPM or build from source downloaded from a products web site. Who knows?
  • at the very moment they post, a newer version may be released;
  • a thread will belong to the community and preferable has to be useful to others, finding it e.g… through a search egine, for some time after it is solved. How useful is it to read “latest”, compare it with the date of posting and hen finding out what could be the latest a that time in history?
  • their laziness in taking the effort in finding out which version they use does is not attractive to potential helpers.

I always wonder if it is simple nervousness of people that start a thread on a place where they do not know what to expect (and yes, first time posters will get extra help from most here), or ignorance of everybody but themselves about the way things should go/be.

There are more of these. Often using colloquial English expressions that can be explanied in precise computer terms in different ways. Like:

  • I installed … Using what tool, from which repo, or from a downloaded RPM, or build from source???
  • I upgraded … Using the Upgrade function of the DVD? Using the online method of changing repos and zypper dup? Installiing anew while keeping /home? All result in an upgraded openSUSE.

Etc. The general way of thinking should be: never assume that the way you have things or do things is the only way that exists. Even if you know only one way, in Unix/Linux there will be alternatives. Aternatives that are seen by others at least as good, comfortable, correct, nice, normal as your way. Thus explain, explain, explain. Be precise and exact and show what your systeem does, do not tell what you think your system does (jumping to conclusions is the best way to not understand what your problem is).

Needless to say that posts showing these shortcomins are sometimes likely to be ignored by people that could have helped. THey may skip such a thread because they are afraid that an awfull amount of time will be spoiled by asking the obvious.
I always have much respect for people that nevertheless try to “pull” more information out of often uncooperating persons.

“nervousness” … I’m even afraid to ask what version (or other info) they use, here on this forum, when try to help. :shame:
And without eye contact the thread starter might think we angry/frustrated and will be afraid to answer that version question. But just a code example to give them a start helps them to supply info.
I try to participate on linux startup on library where its easier to talk to new or more experienced users to help, then we can continue on social networks.
Can’t find it now, but seen some really good instructions on how to deliver informations for questions here.

But it is bad that companies do give us documentation with “latest version”.

ps. You take your time to try to help so many users, like so many others. Thanks!!!

I would call that rightout “stupid”. It is a way to shy off your potential customers.