Beta Software?
By snam23
@snam23 (3157)
United States
September 26, 2009 12:03am CST
Almost all software that is released goes through a public or private beta phase. There's always that warning about how there is no technical support, its unstable, and to use the beta program at your own risk. Some people are very tech-savvy and jump right into it. Others don't even know the difference between a beta and final release. So which one are you? Do you always take the beta version or wait for the stable final release? What type of software in their beta stages do you use the most? (games, instant messaging clients, blog platforms, mail clients, video editor, etc.)
5 responses
@amshugonchikar (169)
• India
26 Sep 09
I jump right on in for a beta version but before I jump, I look for the company that manufactures that product and see the reviews and assess the worst possible damage it can do to the data. For example, I do not use an encryption software in beta stage. But I use a zipping tool or an internet browser, media player or some other tool that does not depend much on important data. I even use an Operating System also. Infact, I used Windows 7 beta for a long time.
@snam23 (3157)
• United States
27 Sep 09
That is a smart way to avoid damages from beta software. I guess if you trust a company, you can trust that their beta product will be worth your time. Also, if you already have an internet browser or media player, then installing a beta version should be fine if you keep the other ones. I didn't use Windows 7 beta but I do use the RC and it is very stable indeed.
@amshugonchikar (169)
• India
29 Sep 09
Yes, I used Windows 7 RC and I am instantly in love with it. So far I found only one bug in it and it came to play when I activated voice commands in it. But in all other fronts, it is a great OS even in beta stage and in RC stage.
@snam23 (3157)
• United States
27 Sep 09
Yes, and that is why there is always a warning to use at your own risk, but as usual, many people do not take that warning serious and end up whining about it on a support forum. Windows 7 beta was stable (I didn't get to try it) but the RC was even better, which is amazing, a free OS from Microsoft for a limited time.
@lovedude (4447)
• India
10 Oct 09
I mostly don't download BETA version of antivirus and Operating system but yeah I like to download BETA version of utility softwares and software debelopement softwares.. I do provide feedback too.. I have write many times to manufacturer of particular software.
@natliegleb (5173)
• India
8 Mar 13
It is nothing but the test prior version where they fix their bugs and also make some new changes and annnouncements about the earlier ones
