Why is the beta used when a new version of a software is intoduced??

Question

For ex.Windows vista beta,Yahoo messenger beta

Answer 1

Beta is the testing period ... users try out the beta version, reporting bugs and glitches, so that the programmers can iron them out before the actual version is released to the general public as a standard version.

Answer 2

HI Friend,
First let me tell you the meaning of "Beta", which means "Demo" or "Trial Version" to know what client is expecting from that software, or there is any market value from the customer to the product, as doing a project is costly compare to Beta and it is like a trial run to know how for the software is capable and to know any bug is there in that software which can be retify and later can be realise as a full software by adding some more functions or features to it....
In Beta the main functions are the vital use of that software is checked.. This is the reason why Beta is used..
I hope this information is enought to you and I hope I have answered to your question...

Answer 3

A beta period is usually an open testing period or an invited test. This is the consumers chance to test out a new product for bugs. While a small percentage actually do the testing, it helps the company find problems with the software.

Answer 4

Chuck and Cinful are right. It is the first time a customer or consumer has access to it.

The alpha testing is done in house by other employees of a software company before it gets to the Beta testing phase.

Answer 5

Alpha is first version and used inhouse by the software company

Beta is second version but it is first version available to public for live use and testing in real world setting. Degree of availability to general public is based on what type of software it is and what it is used for.