[comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc] Beta Testing

v053qgzj@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (David M Snyderman) (02/21/91)

I'm just curious:  how dows one get to be a beta tester?  Back when the DOS 5
thread was running, multiple people mentioned that they were testing the
package.  Someone just responded to one of my earlier posts and mentioned 
that he was Beta testing Checkfree.  Does this mean that you all get the
software free?  And how do I go about getting my grubby little paws into 
this kind of a deal?

Just curious.

Dave

ebergman@isis.cs.du.edu (Eric Bergman-Terrell) (02/25/91)

While I haven't beta-tested anyone else's software, I have recruited testers
for my own software.

Here's my advice:  Get the mail addresses of vendors of software that you
use often and understand well (for example, if you're a spreadsheet user,
get Lotus' address).  Write letters to the vendors mentioning the specific
product you'd like to test, and briefly state your qualifications.  

Terrell

tcs@mailer.jhuapl.edu (Carl Schelin) (02/26/91)

In article <1991Feb25.150626.14528@isis.cs.du.edu>, ebergman@isis.cs.du.edu (Eric Bergman-Terrell) says:
>
>
>
>While I haven't beta-tested anyone else's software, I have recruited testers
>for my own software.
>
>Here's my advice:  Get the mail addresses of vendors of software that you
>use often and understand well (for example, if you're a spreadsheet user,
>get Lotus' address).  Write letters to the vendors mentioning the specific
>product you'd like to test, and briefly state your qualifications.  
>
>Terrell

Of course, as a beta tester, you have to be ready to lose days of work
when that bug that only occurs when you press /wsrwo (not real keys) 
that causes the system to crash. You should be looking to test software
not get it before anyone else does (not saying that you are, just a
warning).

Just look at the bugs that show up after it's released and multiply it by
10. Consider that they didn't know that the chr$(15) for a normal printer
really kicks out 15 blank pages on yours (a minor bug, but anoying).

Carl Schelin
tcs@mailer.jhuapl.edu

bh@eng.auburn.edu (Brian Hartsfield) (02/27/91)

I am interested in becoming a beta tester for some companies.  If anybody knows
of the procedue to do this for any companies or the address that I can write
to in a company for more info, please send me the info.  Thanks in advance.
Also, I don't read this list reguarly so please send all responces via e-mail.