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flyinpc
November 10th, 2008, 08:27 PM
Hello, I'm New here. Can you explain what a " beta " download is , why i should take it or not. I'm on Vista. Thanks for your help.
TheCPUWizard
November 10th, 2008, 08:41 PM
Beta is the SECOND stage of testing before a product is released. It is NOT production quality.

You should download it only if you are an "Expert" in the specific technology, and are prepared for software that may trash your entire machine in any possible way.

[I do it all the time....]
HanneSThEGreaT
November 15th, 2008, 03:59 AM
You can think of BETA as Pre - Release Software.
After the Software has undergone initial In - House Testing, a BETA version is released.
TheCPUWizard
November 15th, 2008, 11:51 AM
You can think of BETA as Pre - Release Software.
After the Software has undergone initial In - House Testing, a BETA version is released.

Actually, the general sequence:

1) Development Testing Unit/Functional
2) Alpha - Testing ususally using a select qualified external group)
3) CTP - Technology Preivews - Limited Functionallity, public distribution
4) Beta - Testing using a wider audience than Alpha, more functionallity. Many bugs/limitations are documented.
5) Release Candidates - Close to release to production.
6) RTM - (Finally) released to manufacturing as an official product.

#1-#5 are all "Pre-Release" software, but do have unique identifiable characteristics...
Arjay
November 15th, 2008, 04:48 PM
Actually, the general sequence:

1) Development Testing Unit/Functional
2) Alpha - Testing ususally using a select qualified external group)
3) CTP - Technology Preivews - Limited Functionallity, public distribution
4) Beta - Testing using a wider audience than Alpha, more functionallity. Many bugs/limitations are documented.
5) Release Candidates - Close to release to production.
6) RTM - (Finally) released to manufacturing as an official product.

#1-#5 are all "Pre-Release" software, but do have unique identifiable characteristics...Actually the sequence depends on the folks developing the software. Let's not take this post off-track.
TheCPUWizard
November 15th, 2008, 05:12 PM
And that is exactly what I was covering in both my replies:

Can you explain what a " beta " download is , why i should take it or not.

It is one phase of testing (typically the second major one, hence the use of the second letter of the greek alphabet) in a sequence (yes, the details are vendor dependant, but there is always a sequence for any "significant" topic".

The Why, was covered in the first reply...