I have no interest in getting involved in development, but I am confused about the release versions and thought this would be an appropriate place to ask this question. I have been (retired) a programmer and database administrator. If memory serves me correctly (not always the case anymore) when a new version was released a new number was assigned and all moved forward from there. Older versions were eventually, not supported and all users were expected to continually upgrade to the new release. Is that the case here? I'm asking because it seems from the posts that older versions of Flight Gear Flight Simulator are still under development and fully supported when possible. I know this is a very diverse group and many people from all over the world are involved in various aspects of the project at all times. Do the version figures indicate the program as a whole or is each piece of the project given a version number as well? I'm also curious because I don't need the latest and greatest, but I'm interested in something that will run on my machine well and give me some reasonable feeling of piloting an airplane. I won't be disappointed if every cloud, reflection or ray of light is not fully realistic. You folks seem well on the way to making all that happen but I'm sure my current machine can handle that!
I'm working on getting the free download of 2019.1.1 functioning on my computer and having a tough time getting it working reliably. But that's probably more a function of my installation rather than the program. I've posted elsewhere on the forum asking for help with that. I wanted to understand the version structure as well because I have an FG DVD set on the way which is a "later" version. Just wondering if I'm banging my head with this one for nothing. I AM learning a lot about it in the meantime.