There are two types of map editing: versioned and non-versioned. A version is a snapshot of the production, or DEFAULT, database. A version contains all of the data sets in the database, and lets multiple users edit the same data at the same time. Which method you use depends upon how your system administrator has configured your permissions and manages the GIS database.
Versioned Editing
In versioned editing, delta tables in the database track the changes you make. After you complete your edits, the GIS administrator reconciles your changes with the DEFAULT version. The default version is the original version, and typically the one that is used as the version to publish. After reconciliation, the administrator posts your accepted changes to the default version. To perform versioned editing, select Versioned Editing from the Select Action menu. In the Versioned Editing dialog box, select the version that you want to edit.
Non-Versioned Editing
In non-versioned editing, you work directly on the production system map. Anyone who opens the map sees your changes immediately. There is no reconciliation and posting process involved. To perform non-versioned editing, click Editing in the Tasks section in the left pane of the Map tab.