Template:Which version/sandbox

The current stable version, at download.simplemachines.org, is always recommended. This version has been tested and declared stable, and has all the latest features and security enhancements. Please read the client and server requirements for more information on installation requirements, to make certain your server will be able to run the current stable version of SMF. If you are preparing to install SMF for the first time, you should install the current stable version.

For forums that are limited to running earlier branches of SMF, the current stable version of that branch is recommended. This version has the latest available security features. For more information, please read about Installing, Updating, Upgrading, and Patching SMF. If you wish to convert from another forum system to SMF, please also read about Converting to SMF.

Current Stable Version
The current stable version is {{#ifexpr: {{{firstinseries|0}}} = 1
 * . If you have been using a development version (beta or RC), it is recommended that you upgrade to the current stable version as soon as possible.
 * . This is the most recent version in the current series {{{currentseries|}}}.x.

Older versions of the current series
If you are running an earlier version in the current series (a version in the .x earlier than version ) it is recommended that you update to the current stable version as soon as possible. The current stable version has all the latest security enhancements, features, and bug fixes. To bring your forum to the latest version in the current series, your options may include:
 * Package Manager Updates -- the easy way to update, one minor version at a time. Look for an Patching message in the administration center. Follow the update your forum link to download the update patch, then apply it using the Package Manager. If all install tests pass, and you are able to apply the patch, this approach will retain all your installed mods.
 * Small Update or Large Upgrade might be your best bet if Patching does not work for you. The procedure is similar to the initial SMF install, and will require you to first uninstall all mods, then reinstall them afterwards.

If you are new to using SMF, and Patching did not work, you may wish to ask for help in the SMF support boards before deciding on the best course of action. }}{{#if: {{{deprecatedseries|}}} |

Deprecated series --
The .x series is deprecated. There will be no new features. Security updates and/or fixes for any major bugs will be made as required, in the best judgement of the team. It is still supported by the SMF team. Upgrading to the current stable version is recommended, as long as your server meets the Requirements for the current series. If upgrade is difficult because of modifications and other customizations, upgrading to the most recent version of .x is recommended as a short term measure only. The most recent version of the .x series has the latest security features for .x forums, and several update and upgrade options can be found in the SMF archives

To bring a .x series forum up to the latest version, use the Large Upgrade at download.simplemachines.org. Check that your mods are compatable with the newest version of the forum, and install the appropriate versions of your mods.}}{{#if: {{{obsoleteseries|}}}|

Obsolete series --
The .x series is obsolete and will no longer be supported at simplemachines.org. It is recommended that the administrator obtain any assistance required to upgrade to the current stable version. No new features, bug fixes, or security updates will be released for the .x series. While obsolete series can be found in the SMF archives, they are recommended only for reference as you prepare to upgrade to the current stable version.

Use the Large Upgrade at download.simplemachines.org to bring your files and database up to date.}}

Development versions
Development versions (beta or RC) are not recommended for live SMF forums, as they are still being tested. Interested admins may install development versions in order to familiarize themselves with new features and options for users and administrators, and for testing. They are available at download.simplemachines.org. Many of your favorite mods may not be compatable with the development versions of the forum. Check your mods' support threads for more information on mods.