Having spent a frustrating afternoon trying to install XAMPP v1.7 I checked into the source of the problem. In doing so, I noticed the following URL’s which appear to cast doubt on the coding techniques used in some of the most important open source code that we rely on.

http://monty-says.blogspot.com/2008/11/oops-we-did-it-again-mysql-51-released.html

I particularly like the last comment of the second URL: - “btw: What was the reason for not patching (MySQL) 5.x branches? “  All the more so since the comment is only two days old and both Sun and MySQL.com are touting MySQL 5.1 as the best thing since sliced bread  – see below.

MySQL 5.1 Downloads — Generally Available (GA) release for production use

Important Platform Support Updates »

MySQL Enterprise

MySQL Enterprise subscription is the most comprehensive offering of MySQL database software, services and support to ensure your business achieves the highest levels of reliability, security, and uptime. MySQL Enterprise includes the MySQL Enterprise Server 5.0 software, which is the most reliable, secure and up-to-date version of the world's most popular open source database. Users also receive monthly rapid updates and quarterly service packs with the latest bug fixes of MySQL Enterprise Server.

MySQL 6.0 Community Edition - Alpha Development Release

NOTE: This alpha release, as any other pre-production release, should not be installed on production level systems or systems with critical data. It is good practice to back up your data before installing any new version of software. Although MySQL has worked very hard to ensure a high level of quality, protect your data by making a backup as you would for any other software beta release. MySQL generally recommends that you dump and reload your tables from any previous version to upgrade to 6.0.

Laurence A. Bates

College of Education

Michigan State University

217E Erickson Hall

East Lansing

MI 48824

517-355-2178

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