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→Steps in the Build and Release Process
* '''Composing'''- Multiple packages and related collateral are combined into a format ready for distribution -- for example, an ISO disk image, or a software repository.
* '''Signing''' - A [[Public Key Cryptography]] signature is added to the software (or package) to prove the authenticity and origin of the software.
* '''Release''' - The software is officially released. Depending on how the software is distributed, this may mean sending a "Gold Disk" or "Release To Manufacturing" (RTM) master media copy (USB or CD/DVD disc image) to a media duplication facility, or posting the software on a master site for download by users (or by mirror sites). Note that thousands of Build and Release build cycles may be processed during software development and testing before the product is considered suitable for release.
* '''Distribution''' - Physically shipping the software media, if in physical form; or making it available for download; or pushing it to automated update systems.
* '''Mirroring''' - Copying the software to multiple servers so that a high volume of downloads can be accommodated at one time. Typically, mirrors will be located in different locations (where the "locations" are defined more by network topology than physical geography).