BETA ? what is it

[Guest Stephanee]

I'm young but not stupid

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

I'm on Vista.

Thanks for your help.

\

Stephanie

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Beta usually means pre-release or "IN production" software.

It just means that it might be a little buggier.

Also a Beta of what???

[jaclaz]

You are young, definitely not stupid, but your google-fu:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=google-fu

is still weak....

To be more accurate:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_version#Beta

Traditionally programs, before "official" release are named ALPHA until they are in experimental stage (for internal users only) and BETA when most of the problems have already been solved and the program is "mature" to be tested in a wider group (Beta testers), that can be a restricted one or a public one.

In the latter case BETA means usually "it should work, but don't count too much on it, and don't come back here weeping, we told you".

jaclaz

[Nerwin]

Beta just means its still being created but almost usable. Its like Under Construction. Its not finally and usually when you run Beta software they have some sort of error report system.

When Any code is being created it can go from what I think? RC1 to Beta[#] then finally release which is working with no known errors or something like that.

Well thats how I think of it.

[FthrJACK]

nearly right nerwin, "RC" stands for "Release Candidate"

usually you only get one RC, before the product goes final, however the RC's can go up incrementally until its ready.

[MCT]

when software is being developed it usually is developed & released in these stages

Alpha - Usually really buggy/not 100% functional

Beta - A little more functional but not bug proof

RC - basically a final release, this is the last step before, usually fine tuning the code for the official release

Final - 99.9% of the software u will download as a "regular" user is "final"

but all software being coded by humans has the ability to have a bug/glitch @ any level

Edited October 23, 2008 by MCT

[Nerwin]

nearly right nerwin, "RC" stands for "Release Candidate"

usually you only get one RC, before the product goes final, however the RC's can go up incrementally until its ready.

lol, omg, I feel stupid now I know that *blush*

Edited October 23, 2008 by Nerwin