You frequently hear about a piece of hardware or software being "beta tested." When a new piece of hardware or software is developed, it needs to be tested. The first tests are run by the person or company that is making the product. This is the "alpha test."
After the designer(s)' think they have MOST of the bugs worked out, the product is given to a small group of users who work with it in ways that the designer may not have thought of. This is known as the "beta test."
Generally beta testers should have lots of computer experience since they often have to put up with loss of data and other problems. Also beta testers are expected to TRY to find problems with what they are testing.
David Shier CompuServe ID: [75030,3374]