ACS used to have a very thorough automated self-test. We have a framework for that in 4.6.2 but not the tests. Here are some things I can think of for a shakedown off the top of my head:
- Browse to the front page and make sure you see a full page, links to modules, etc.
- Inspect the startup log (/web/service0/log/error.log
for any WARNINGs or ERRORs
- Go to /admin and add some users. Try to log in as one of the users and use the site.
- Install bboard, notes, or other modules and use them.
- Try full-text-search (very fragile, so if it works you're in good shape
In general, though, the failure modes on install tend to be severe, as in no database connectivity or no server startup. So if it "seems to be working correctly," as in the pages come up, the packages install cleanly and mount cleanly and work, then it probably is working correctly. That's the cue to make a backup :)
