What exactly IS the 'Beta scheme'?

[Guest timlegrand]

Sorry, this my second naive question in the space of twenty minutes- I've seen everyone referring to this 'beta scheme' but not really ever understood what it is...can anyone help? Is this a stupid question? Will I get thrown out for asking stupid questions? Clarity (and patience!) required!

Tim

[Guest]

I'm not sure exactly what you are refering to but I'll give it a stab in the dark. :)

I assume the Beta Scheme that you are refering to is in connection with a certain piece of software.

Generally when software is written it goes through many revisions before it's released to the public. The first batch of code is often called the "Alpha" release. Generally this is only used by people in the development team for preliminary testing.

Once the Alpha is proven to be stable enough it is then promoted to a "Beta" release. This version of the software is relesed to a select few people for free (these people are known as Beta Testers), on the understanding that it may not be stable and that the users of the software should report any bugs back to the developers. Most software will have a Beta program of sorts, some larger scale than others.

Once most bugs have been sorted out the software is then either released or becomes a Release Candidate for further testing (by a wider audience). Depending on the developer Beta testers are sometimes offered a discount on the cost of the full software once it's released as a thank-you for helping in the development.

Hope that answers your question!

[Guest timlegrand]

Cheers very much! That makes a lot of sense!

Tim

[Guest Matt Kirby]

Glad to be of service! 8)

[Guest James]

and welcome to the site by the way

[Guest drblow]

... Will I get thrown out for asking stupid questions? Clarity (and patience!) required!

Tim

:) :(

If that was true there'd be nobody here!!