Changes between Initial Version and Version 1 of AdminAlphaTest

Timestamp:

Dec 12, 2016, 4:01:23 PM (7 years ago)

Author:

davea

Comment:

--

AdminAlphaTest

@@ +1 @@
+= Managing the Alpha test system =
+
+We need to test the client software on a wide range of platforms,
+OS versions, and hardware and software configurations.
+To do this we use volunteers called "Alpha testers",
+who run test versions of the client software and report results through a web interface.
+The web site, https://boinc.berkeley.edu/alpha/,
+also lets you view test results.
+
+The file boinc_alpha/test.inc (in isaac) lets you configure testing.
+At the top there is a list of platform (HW/OS version combos)
+with a "target number" of test results for each.
+More popular platforms have higher targets;
+adjust these numbers based on the number of results you're getting.
+
+There follows a list of tests
+
+$versions is a list of versions to test.
+To add a new version, put it at the top of the list.
+Following the version number is the set of tests to do, and the set of platforms to cover.
+
+When you start a testing cycle, use all tests and all platforms.
+As bugs get fixed and you do sub-release testing,
+you can limit the tests and platforms as needed.
+
+Some tests (like transfer_restart) need to be done only when libcurl is updated,
+and are disabled by default.
+Enable them as needed.
+
+== Communicating with Alpha testers ==
+
+Communicate with Alpha testers via the boinc_alpha email list:
+http://lists.ssl.berkeley.edu/mailman/listinfo/boinc_alpha
+
+Send emails when:
+
+ * a test cycle or subcycle  starts or ends.
+   Tell them exactly what's new and different about each test release.
+   When a cycle is done, thank them for their effort.
+ * more results are needed for a particular platform.
+ * Major bugs are identified or fixed.
+
+== Recruiting Alpha testers ==
+
+If you're not getting enough test results,
+recruit testers on the BOINC or SETI@home message boards.
+
+Testers register by sending email to an admin (currently David A.).
+The admin creates an account on the Alpha project on isaac,
+and sends them the account password and link to testing instructions.