What is BETA

[archeraddict]

I have been using the new BBCiPlayer for some downloads. They keep saying that it will have some problems because it is 'BETA'. What exactly does that mean?

[Ethel]

It means it is still being tested, you the user are a guinea pig and they will not accept liability for any damage caused by used the beta version of their product.

The product may be unstable because it has not been tested enough to find and fix any 'bugs' and faults.

[heathfield]

It's like a trial version that you and others are in a way testing for the manufacturer who'll gather the data on reliability, bugs, and general dislikes before releasing a (hopefully improved) final version.

[heathfield]

Oops. Hi, Ethel. (Took me a minute or two to sort out my spelling mistakes!)

[archeraddict]

Many thanks both - BTW, do you know why it's called Beta? Just curious.

[jno]

it's the Greek letter B - that is, the second stage of testing

http://www4.nau.edu/azregions/Testing/beta.htm

[archeraddict]

Many thanks. That makes sense - will the final product be called OMEGA???? (Only jokijng, no need to humour me with a reply)!