Can anyone explain to me beta? What if any is the advantage?

Answer 1

Beta is a test version to allow people to experiment/test what the maker is making. In most cases, it is software. It allows the maker to fix any problems the software may have on different systems to allow it to work without problems later on after the product has been fully released to the public.

Answer 2

In the computer world, beta is something that it's in its testing stage. If you're downloaded or currently using a beta software, you're using a testing or pre-trial software. There maybe bugs and problems that you may encounter. Software developers often try to get beta users to give feedbacks so that they can fix them and put out a final release.

Answer 3

A company has new software, but has not work all the bugs out of it. You can download the "beta" version for free and report all problems to the company to help them work on their new product.
Example: Microsoft did have a beta spyware on their site you could download and use. You just have to remember that this has not been tested.

Answer 4

Things that are new start out simple. They try the idea out with the public to help the developers. You are warned that the software is not a finished product. It is 'Beta' in testing.

Answer 5

Beta simply means that a software is in its second testing phase. Alpha is first testing phase. Usually Beta software still has some "bugs" in it: but by using beta software, you prob be the first kid on your block to have it!

Answer 6

Trial version, and enables the code writers to find out their mistakes and correct them, before shipping or selling their first edition. So in effect, if you use a Beta version, you are the guinea pig.

Answer 7

beta is the version that users test it and help the producer to make the "alfa" version that has no bugs

Answer 8

Beta is a name used by software developers that want to test their programs out first- to see if there any bugs present in the programs that can be fixed. One can assume that they use the term "beta" because it's second-rate (or not quite the perfection they seek that is called "alpha").

"Beta" is the second letter of the Greek Alphabet. "Alpha" is the first. It doesn't refer to the stages of software testing, as many think... but rather the finished quality of the product.

Most complex, structured programs have beta versions. Many of them release it out into the open... but a lot of developers (independent ones) usually test the program out themselves before they release their finished product (or "Alpha") to the masses.

*Keep in mind that though there are only two "rates" for programs (good, and second rate)..., tangented aphorisms exist for programs, too. This includes the "Omega" (which just means that the program you are using is designated specially for a target audience; this can be you, a certain group of people, etc.)
If I were to design a cool program, but not have enough time to test it, myself... I would release the "beta" version 1.0 to everyone out there that's willing to test it for me. If they report some kinks back to me... I'll fix it and issue out a "beta" version 2.0, etc. etc.
Once the program has no kinks inside it, I'll issue out the full program... and I'll call it "[name of program]" with no "beta" in the name. This tells people it's the "alpha" version. I can also simultaneously create some ultra-cool features in the program... but only keep it for certain people (myself, friends, paying individuals, etc.). When I release this program to these people, it'll be called an "omega" because it's designated for a special audience... though no one will know it by this name.

Take Google Earth, for example. The average person uses Google Earth... but there are some out there who use Google Earth Pro (for a fee, of course). You could say that Google Earth Pro is an "omega" program, because it's targeted for a specific audience... even though it doesn't contain the "omega" signature.

Going back to my program... if I were to release this premium program to only certain individuals, it would be an "omega" but it wouldn't HAVE to contain this signature. I know it'll have bugs in it, since I wouldn't have tested it... so I'll rename the program and call it a "beta"- until I've perfected it so it doesn't have a lot of flaws. :-)

Not too many people know about the concept of the omegas. :-p

SO... to sum it up:
Alpha: the finished product (software) which has little or no kinks inside it.
Beta: the software currently being tested for kinks.
Omega: software targeted for a special audience.

Let's say my program was called "CD Burner Suite"
Once I create the program, I'd release it to people and call it "CD Burner Suite Beta 1.0." Once they report whatever doesn't work... I'll issue upgrades for the program and call it, "CD Burner Suite Beta 2.2"- or something to that effect. Once it has no flaws, I'll issue the final upgrade and call it, "CD Burner Suite" or "CD Burner Suite FINAL." This software would be free for anyone to use... but if I wanted to make a little money... I could make a fantastic version of the program. Let's say I finish making it. I decide to call it, "CD Burner Suite PRO" or "CD Burner Suite EXTREME!"- but I decide to charge people for it. You can tell already, that this'll be designated towards a special audience (one that's willing to pay for the software)... so it'll be the "omega" version. BTW, nobody uses "Alpha" in program names... Leaving out the "alpha" or the "beta" (or even, "untested") tells you that it's the final version. Anyway, once I create this fantastic version, I can start releasing future "beta" versions to correct any errors. Once my paying customers (targeted audience) has found that it contains no more errors, I'll issue the final version (or Alpha) and I'll call it, "CD Burner Suite PRO 2.0" or something... as long as it doesn't have the word "beta" or anything to that effect inside the name. :-p

Answer 9

its a program,that it's manufacturer still working on it,fixing it's bugs and it's other problems.plus!!they accept feedbacks for it,to study people's opinion and notes to help make it better.then,they will release it.

for example:
windows vista
Internet explorer 7
Microsoft office 2007
windows live
window media player 11
windows defender 2
google scholar
google groups
google froogle
google finance
msn local

Answer 10

BETA IS A TRIAL VERSION, THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT IT IS YOU GET TO USE IT FOR FREE FOR A SPECIFIC TIME PERIOD.