BleepingComputer.com: What Do You Mean When You Say Window Vista Is In Beta?

Hello

What do you mean when you say Windows Vista iis in Beta?

Please reply

Vinith

Well, basically, it means that Windows Vista is in is in the second, public, phase of testing, which follows internal "alpha" testing.
Thanks,
Charles

It means it is in a testing/trial phase to sort out problems basically.

"A beta version of software is supposed to be very close to the final product, but, in practice, it is more a way of getting users to test the software in the first place under real conditions."

http://computing-dictionary.thefreediction...om/beta+version

Development stage terminology definition at Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_version

Generally, a Beta release is part of a project life cycle, and means that the programme or application has reached a stage where most if not all of the criticial operating "bugs" have been fixed, and it is ready for user-acceptance testing. Obviously, the more fingers using a programme (including making mistakes that programmers would not even think of), the greater the probability that minor bugs will be found. I have written extensively on a project life cycle on my blog here at BC if you are REALLY interested the subject.

Thanks to the folks at Google, an ONLINE BETA, now CAN signify a more or less thoroughly tested programme that works, but will be enhanced on an on-going basis. One example of this is Google's G-mail which has been public for over a year, and is still termed "Beta" as they add functionality to the basic programme.

The former "definition" applies to Microsoft's Release of Vista. Because the programme is massive, with millions of lines of code, and because MS's practice is to "fold in" new modules to existing legacy code, such user testing is absolutely necessary.

For the normal user, who is not interesting in the rather rigorous work of programme testing, it means that a Beta version should not be used for any "mission critical" activity.

Regards,
John

Hello Guys

Thanks for replying,

Vinith

John: I HAVE READ YOUR BLOG. VERY DISCIPLINED, THOROUGH, INTERESTING, THOUGHTFULLY DEFINED. APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND ENERGY AND COMMITMENT TO FACILITATE LEARNING . lOVE YOUR BLOG. ( I enjoy reading what you have written, as I appreciate inspiring, deciplined, examplary writings that embody susbstance ). THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. WARMLY. YOYO.

This post has been edited by MGBY: 10 November 2006 - 12:25 PM

Project management is what I do for a living. I am happy it was helped you understand the process a little better.
Regards,
John