# AccessiWeather Update System Guide

AccessiWeather provides a flexible, secure update system with multiple channels to ensure you always have the latest features and security updates.

## 🔄 Update Channels

### 🔒 Stable Channel
- **Purpose**: Production-ready releases for all users
- **Security**: Production-ready releases with GitHub security
- **Frequency**: Monthly or as needed for critical fixes
- **Recommended for**: All users who want a reliable, tested experience

### 🧪 Beta Channel
- **Purpose**: Pre-release testing versions
- **Features**: New features before they reach stable release
- **Frequency**: Weekly or bi-weekly
- **Recommended for**: Users who want to try new features and help with testing
- **Note**: May contain bugs, but generally stable for daily use

### 🛠️ Development Channel
- **Purpose**: Latest development builds
- **Features**: Cutting-edge features, immediate bug fixes
- **Frequency**: As needed, potentially daily
- **Recommended for**: Developers, advanced users, and early adopters
- **Warning**: May be unstable, use with caution

## 🔧 Update Methods

AccessiWeather uses GitHub releases for all update channels. There is no user-configurable update method - all updates are delivered through GitHub's secure platform.

### 🔄 Updates via GitHub
- **All Channels**: Uses GitHub releases with channel filtering
- **Intelligent Selection**: Automatically filters releases based on your selected channel
- **Benefits**: Simplified and reliable - one update source for all channels

## ⚙️ Configuring Updates

### In-App Configuration

1. **Open Settings**:
   - Press `Ctrl+S` or
   - Go to File → Settings

2. **Navigate to Updates Tab**:
   - Click on the "Updates" tab

3. **Configure Your Preferences**:
   - **Update Channel**: Choose your desired channel
   - **Auto-check**: Enable for automatic update notifications
   - **Check Interval**: Set how often to check (1-168 hours)

4. **Test Configuration**:
   - Click "Check for Updates Now" to test your settings

### Settings Explained

#### Update Channel Options
- `Stable (Production releases only)` - Most reliable
- `Beta (Pre-release testing)` - New features, some bugs expected
- `Development (Latest features, may be unstable)` - Cutting edge, use with caution



## 🔍 Checking for Updates

### Automatic Checks
- Enabled by default
- Runs in background at configured interval
- Shows notification when updates are available
- Respects your channel preferences

### Manual Checks
- Go to Settings → Updates tab
- Click "Check for Updates Now"
- Immediately checks using current configuration
- Shows results in the settings dialog

## 📥 Installing Updates

### Automatic Installation (Future Feature)
- Currently in development
- Will support seamless background updates
- Will respect user preferences for update timing

### Manual Installation (Current)
1. **Download**: Click download link in update notification
2. **Install**: Run the downloaded installer
3. **Restart**: Restart AccessiWeather to use new version

## 🛡️ Security Features

### GitHub Releases
- **HTTPS Security**: All downloads use encrypted connections
- **GitHub Security**: Relies on GitHub's security infrastructure
- **SHA256 Checksums**: Release assets include SHA256 checksums for verification
- **Repository Security**: GitHub's security infrastructure and access controls
- **Secure Infrastructure**: All updates delivered through GitHub's secure platform

## 🔧 Troubleshooting

### Update Check Fails
1. **Check Internet Connection**: Ensure you have internet access
2. **Check Firewall**: Make sure AccessiWeather can access the internet
3. **Try Again**: Try checking for updates again
4. **Check Logs**: Enable debug mode for detailed error information

### No Updates Found
- **Stable Channel**: You may already have the latest stable version
- **Beta Channel**: No new beta releases since your version
- **Check Version**: Verify your current version in Help → About

### Download Fails
1. **Retry**: Try the download again
2. **Check Space**: Ensure sufficient disk space
3. **Manual Download**: Download directly from GitHub releases page
4. **Contact Support**: Report persistent download issues

## 📊 Update Information

### Version Information
- **Current Version**: Your installed version
- **Available Version**: Latest version for your channel
- **Release Notes**: What's new in the available update

## 🎯 Best Practices

### For Regular Users
- **Use Stable Channel**: Most reliable experience
- **Enable Auto-check**: Stay informed about updates

### For Beta Testers
- **Use Beta Channel**: Get new features early
- **Check More Frequently**: Set 12-hour check interval
- **Report Issues**: Help improve AccessiWeather by reporting bugs

### For Developers
- **Use Development Channel**: Get latest changes immediately
- **Enable Debug Mode**: Get detailed logging information
- **Frequent Checks**: Set 6-hour check interval or check manually

## 🔗 Related Resources

- **Beta Testing Guide**: `BETA_TESTING.md`
- **Release Channels Guide**: `update_channels.md`
- **GitHub Releases**: https://github.com/orinks/accessiweather/releases

## 📞 Support

If you encounter issues with the update system:

1. **Check This Guide**: Review troubleshooting section
2. **Enable Debug Mode**: Get detailed error information
3. **GitHub Issues**: Report bugs at https://github.com/orinks/accessiweather/issues
4. **Include Information**: Provide your platform, version, and error details

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*Last updated: December 2024*