this is probably dumb, but i'll ask it anyway

okay, here goes. just remember, this is a newbie speaking.

what's a beta test? i keep on encountering these two words and finally my curiosity got the better of me. if anyone can explain this real good to me i'd really appreciate it.

[parksie]

Software testing usually goes in two phases:

Alpha Testing
Usually internal, and major bugs are ironed out here. Alpha versions are not usually released to the public.

Beta Testing
The software is now released to select people / organisations. They report back on bugs for the developer to fix.

After these, the "Gold" version of the software is produced, which is the first release version available for purchase. Soon after, other bug reports are received and collated for subsequent versions.

PS: Alpha and Beta are the first two letters of the Greek alphabet

as always, parksie to the rescue.

thanks, man.

[Guv]

For example, Windows 95 was the Beta version of Windows 98.

[parksie]

Hehehe. I like your attitude

If I can ever convince my dad to register my domain for me,
and I get my Business started, I am going to invent a new stage of testing called Gamma Testing. I am sure something similar has been done...
but, this is where you get some really good software "Cracker" and give him an incomplete version of your software, that has your real shareware algorithm, and see if he can crack it.

what i mean by incomplete is,
most of the features are taken away, not disabled, but completely wiped off the face of the form!

whoever invented this forum thing should be saluted. i bet if i asked one of my former professors about this they'd just give me jibberish that'll hide their total incompetence on the subject.

so thanks again you guys.

[parksie]

That would be a certain John...

well then, salud, Mr. John, sir, whatever your full name is!

John Percival

thanks, dennis. oh and btw, happy birthday (if it really is).

Thanks...


Of course it is

[Juan Carlos Rey]

And that´s the reason why the alphabet is named after: Alpha - Beth (Wow!)