i read that the beta of windows media player 11 was available. What does the beta of the player mean?
2006-08-07 07:06:45 · 15 answers · asked by Jas 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Other - Entertainment
It used to mean a version of the software just before the final release that was distributed to users for testing in the field. It was a test of stability, most of the features, design, and concepts were in place.
However, this has changed. Now betas are almost more for marketing than for development. Development still gets back useful information, but the real purpose is to show potential buyers the new features in the product and generate 'buzz' about the product. As a result, betas are usually released much earlier than they used to be and are much less stable. Because of this, they often significantly different from the final release.
2006-08-07 07:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by Wundt 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
This question is in the wrong section and should be under computer software. You would get more answers in the correct category.
But because I tripped over your question I will answer it.
Beta is a Testing version of software they are still working on. It still contains a LOT of bugs. They release it for people to test and most times would like you to report back describing what went wrong when it goes wrong, and to report what you like about it.
It is NOT software that is fully functional, or if it is still contains many problems. If you can handle problems and are willing to test it for the company, go for it.
Personally I use a seperate computer fot BETA testing. One I don't care if it crashes.
Over the years I have had to reinstall the Operating system 3 times BETA testing some software that crashed the computer.
2006-08-07 07:19:51 · answer #2 · answered by space_man_stitch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are three terms in a software release:
1. Alpha - Just a design to validate the application concept. Usually distributed in the technical persons.
2. Beta - To test the application functionality. Usually to find out the bugs of an application and fix them before the final release.
3. Final Release - Usually a stable version.
2006-08-07 07:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by Yardan Samman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sorry, but Nicole is wrong and just about everyone else is on the right track here...
Beta software is released as a test version before the final public release version. It is usually distributed by people signing up and being seleced to test the software.
Usually software goes into a beta stage, then a RC (Release Candidate) stage. The RC is then usually publically released, but on a time limit. This helps to eliminate bugs and stability issues, then they actually release the software.
2006-08-07 07:17:20 · answer #4 · answered by kl0wnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Beta version is when program development is complete and everything is working...but it has spent no time in regular use. So there are potentially lotsa of bugs that havn't even been thought of yet...a Beta Testing phase is needed giving a chance for users to try the program and discover the bugs. Then that information is used to create the complete release version.
2006-08-07 07:12:52 · answer #5 · answered by Tim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi expensive, surely beta version for a software means that the programmers have made the version open to apply interior an open community to allow them comprehend if there are any insects left even after the sorting out crew has cleared off with their tests. u could also call them as a pre launch version of the software yet that does lower than no circumstances mean that u may get the software because it seems on the beta version. there ucan detect some ameliorations if the programming tema feels thay the ameliorations are mandatory.
2016-11-23 14:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beta is tht version of the s/w which is still under testing.It's is not the full or complete version. After the release of the beta version, the s/w will under go several modifications, according to the needs of the users. At every modification the s/w tries to match the requirements of the user.
2006-08-07 07:11:55 · answer #7 · answered by dragonfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's basically an improved version of the software without being another step up. For example. MSN messnger 7 BETA just updated and improved but not enough changes and work to sonsider it new something like MSN messenger 8.
2006-08-07 07:11:09 · answer #8 · answered by lumwoz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beta is a term given to a final testing release, right before public release.
2006-08-07 07:09:39 · answer #9 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea it is a test software, usally still has some bugs in it but thats why the release it, so people can use it and find the bugs and tell them how to make the software better for the final
2006-08-07 07:12:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋