The Open Beta will let you try new updates and new planes before they are released to the stable version. The downside to that is that some of the updates might cause major game-breaking problems until they're corrected. If you don't like trying to work through bugs or random errors that come up with new programs and you don't mind waiting for the stable version of planes and updates then wait another week or two (estimate) for the stable version of 2.5 to come out.
But, if you are really excited for the F/A-18C, F-14A/B, F-4E, Mi-24P, Mig-19P, Yak-52, or any other module that will be coming out and don't want to wait that extra week or so, and you don't mind a few bugs at first then you'll want to download 2.5 Open Beta.
Just so you all know, with 2.5 out for download DCS 2 Open Alpha and DCS 1.5.8 are no longer being supported or updated. Also, once 2.5 Open Beta is installed you're DCS 2 Open Alpha will be uninstalled (if you click ok). The same will happen with your 1.5.8 if you wait for the stable version of 2.5.
Here's a nice video that was just uploaded showing the difference between 2.5 and 1.5.8.
Have fun and I'll see you in the skies.
Keep practicing those flight maneuvers I posted last time.
