| Why become a Beta Tester? |
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What is Beta Testing? When new computer software is created, it goes through different development stages, from the first draft plan through to release of the finished product. Beta is the final phase in this development cycle before launch. Beta software is released to a select group of people, known as Beta testers, who volunteer to use it and report back any defects or 'bugs' they find. By letting Beta testers try the software first, we can check that all the features of our new software work on as many different types of computers as possible and get valuable feedback from you, the end user. Anyone in the UK can become a Beta tester. Bug hunting Any bugs found during Beta tests are passed on to our developers, who rewrite the computer code to try and eliminate as many of them as they can. It's important to note that there is really no such thing as bug-free software. Every application on the market today has some bugs, but, thanks to Beta testers, they are kept to a minimum. Your chance to speak out At AOL, we also encourage our Beta testers to make suggestions on how they feel the software could be improved even more for the next release. By becoming a Beta tester, you will not only get a sneak preview of new products but also have your say on future developments. You can find out more about the testing process by choosing a category on the left or you can start testing straight away by picking a test. You will need an AOL or AIM Screen Name to access some software and services: Do I get paid? The short answer to this question is no, you do not receive payment for Beta testing. The Beta testing programme is strictly voluntary. There are, however, many perks to being a Beta tester: The Perks
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