What is a Beta Version?
When a new product, such as a software program, is created or upgraded, there are several stages in development before the manufacturer sells it commercially. The first stage is an "alpha" version, in which software testers within the company test and debug a program as necessary. A "beta" version is the name for the second stage, in which it is often released for free or at a reduced price to a group of external users for additional testing. Websites also commonly go through this phase during development, to see how well they function for a large user base.
Purpose and Different Types

The beta version of a software release is considered to be a preview; though it may include many standard features, it is not yet ready for wide release or sale. During this phase, the developers collect feedback from users about the product's functionality, including what they like and what should be changed before its wide release. A beta version of a program can be either "closed," which is limited to a specific group of users, or "open," which is available to the general public. During this testing, developers might release numerous versions of a program, including improvements and bug fixes with each iteration.
Restrictions or Limitations

Although the beta version of software might include much of its functionality, it is not usually meant as a commercial product. Companies might be allowed to use a graphics program in beta, for example, to create new images or products, but they cannot sell what they create unless they pay for a commercial license. Computer games, especially online games, often go through beta testing to find bugs and ensure it will function properly at release. While people can usually play in these tests for free, once the testing is over, they have to pay for the commercial release of the game to play it again.
Technical Support

Products in beta often have limited, if any, technical support available to users. This can be frustrating for some people, but is a consequence of the fact that the product has not yet released commercially. Since users are not paying for the program, frustration based on poor customer service is usually forgiven as bugs and errors disappear with each patch or update. Some products remain a beta version for years, during which time they may be used by a wide audience as if they were full versions.
Usage in Website Development

A beta version can also refer to a website that is made available to test its features and gain audience feedback. During this time, certain features might not function properly. This process is often used to ensure compatibility between the code for the site and different web browsers and computer systems. Beta version sites are frequently first placed on secret domains that are only available to their test audience, before being transferred to their real domains for public viewing and use.
Origin and Other Usage
The word "beta" comes from the second letter in the Greek alphabet and originated with early hardware tests for International Business Machines (IBM) computers. It has entered common usage, especially among frequent computer users. "Beta version" is often applied as a slang term to refer to any product or service that seems unready for mainstream release, especially as a criticism for something sold commercially.
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Discussion Comments
Lucid and concise; none of the techno babble associated with such topics.
OK now its clear. i was using you torrent beta version and it wasn't working properly and i was really angry but now i am satisfied because i know that was just a preview, not the real deal. It was a great help. i will recommend this site to others.
really simple and very informative.
Is beta version, a full version or, it is a trial version released by the company?
Good. I could clearly understand what a beta version is.
How can I get back to my normal version of yahoo mail? I hate this beta version. I can't do anything!
Anybody know? Help! I need it.
Thanks. Gives full clarification.
Thank you for the explanation. I would like to ask if once the beta version is released on a commercial basis, does the beta user generally have an opportunity for the latest upgrades and fixes?
simple and precise. Good one. Pavan R.
Nice explanation. Thank you.
Great, thank you! Merci!
Nice explanation. Is it mandatory to release a beta version before the release of a full version?
nice explanation. thanks
Short and precise. Keep it up.
Its good! But for a user, will the product developers fix an expiry date?
pretty amazing. short and concrete.
thanks a lot. i really appreciate you.
really it was a good explanation. i like it.
Thanks a lot. Really helpful and nice explanation.
perfect!
Why do so many people repeat the previous comments? What do they think they are adding?
Thanks. through this i came to know.
good, but some examples are also needed.
Thanks for the explanation.
very good explanation of this term.
cool explanation.
Thanks for the meaning of Beta Version explained in simple and exact words.
This BETA version explanation is really good and written in a manner I understand.
I get the complete idea behind the concept of BETA.
Good. Explained properly.
Thanks for explaining what is beta version.
Utility of beta version can not be undermined (?)
The people who cannot afford to buy regular version can continue with beta version. I trust software manufacturers would not mind it. -Vijay
good explanation
i like this. thank you very much. now i know what beta is.
Thanks, good data and explanation. now i know what is beta version and also can explain it to others.
Thanks for a simple explanation.
Very good explanation. now i know something about Beta version. Thank you.
I got the knowledge about Beta. Thank you.
not bad! thank you so much.
very good. prithvi
very good explanation, and very simple sentences.
Good
very good explination, understood, thanks for that irfan
well written, thank you. chris in pittsburgh pa
Ah! did that help me! Thanks!
=)
nice explanation. It was clear enough to understand!
Thank you.
nice explanation an understood by anyone easily. thanking you. soul
Is it free even when it passes beta, since I received a product key?
Good explanation. So far I do not know about beta version. Through this I could understand about it.
Nice explanation, please keep it up.
That was a good and precise explanation. Good job. keep it up. -- Priya
Now I know what it is. Thanks.
thanks.
thanks so much for such great information.
Many thanks for this information. I was not getting it but now i got it. Namita.
nice details.
good explanation. I could understand at once.
Really, it's a great explanation. very clear explanations. this is why everyone have no doubt to understand.
thanks for the explanation. I understand it better now.
Thanks.
Nice explanation which everyone can understand. thanks to management.
Nice explanation. Thanks peris.
great explanation.
This was very helpful. A nice clear explanation.
would you recommend downloading the new Windows 7 beta version and getting rid of Vista and all its problems?
Thank you for explaining this to us! It was very useful.
Great explanation - I've been wondering about that for a while. Thanks for your help!
Thank you soooooo much!! A simple, direct answer I've not been able to obtain elsewhere. ginamae
Good, Explained neatly but some form of example is needed for accurate or subtle differences.
Thanking you
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