posted on June 20, 2001 07:35:48 PM
I'm not an expert, but I believe a beta version of software is a product that is usually released to a limited number of people to try out. The company thinks they have covered all the bases, but they want customers in the "real world" to use it and get back to them with comments/complaints/bugs/suggestions. When the company has gotten enough people to test it, they make the necessary modifications and put it out for general release. Many software companies will post beta versions of their products to their websites so anyone can download it. It's sort of like a cyber version of "prototype." Hope this helps! (And if any techies are out there, please feel free to correct me!)
Without eBay, I might have a real life...
posted on June 20, 2001 08:19:35 PM
Beta = second letter of the Greek alphabet. Generally, the in-house version of the software before its release is called "alpha" (first letter of the Greek alphabet). When the software gets to a reasonably stable (ha!) level, they will release it to the public to get bug reports ("beta" ). In other words, you have the first (alpha) and second (beta) versions before the general release.
And now you know where we get the word "alphabet" from.
[ edited by angel4u on Jun 20, 2001 08:20 PM ]
posted on June 20, 2001 08:31:03 PM
angel
Thank you for your very clear explanation. I sometimes get answers & don't understand, but yours & mcbrunnhilde were very clear.
I need to keep a mantra in my mind..."never assume"! It didn't occur to me that you didn't know what "beta" meant. We used to have a supermarket in this area called Alpha Beta, so I've been aware of its meaning for many years. I'm glad angel showed up to give you a very clear explanation!
posted on June 21, 2001 02:32:54 AM
And if you decide to try a beta version of a program you should be computer savy enoughh not to be upset if it does have some bugs and freezes your machine up or fails to perform some function with your particular hardware.
That's what they are looking for - reports that it does not work on say Netscape on Gateway computers with a HP scanner or a certain brand mouse. Then when they get all the reports they fix those.
Or you can do like MicroSoft and sell the Beta and issue a revision 6 months later.
That saves money.
posted on June 21, 2001 05:21:26 AM
Mcbrunnhilde and Angel4u have "nailed" the definition of Beta release.
In the mainframe world, beta releases are generally provided to select current customers who have a good relationship with the software vendor. These customers generally take the release for a real world "test drive" and report their findings back to the development staff.
The PC world generally does not have beta releases, at least by name, as it is rather difficult to find suitable beta users for general purpose software. This means that alpha testing becomes even more crucial to a successful release. Some PC companies are better than others in working out the inevitable bugs before releasing software. But, in my opinion, no PC software companies do a really thorough job of testing before the software hits the streets. And their after sale/licensing support is ludicrous when contrasted with companies that service the mainframe and large business marketplace.
posted on June 21, 2001 09:29:33 AM
Maybe I should explain why I wanted to know just exactly what a beta test is.
A new auction site is getting underway & they would like sellers to sign up for their beta test. They are offering some kind of credit for the person who comes up with the most referals. I know a few people who might be interested, but wanted to be able to tell them exactly what it is they would doing & why.
If anyone is interested and would like to have the address and information about this new auction site they can email me at:
[email protected] and I will be glad to send it to you.
Thanks to everyone for your help.
