Being an Active Worlds beta tester is a big responsibility and also involves accepting a certain amount of risk. In the early stages of development, a new feature may not yet be user friendly and in fact may not work on your computer system at all. This is exactly why beta testing needs to be done. People who are willing and able to face some of those challenges can help the developers to refine the next version of Active Worlds for everyone's benefit.

There are a wide range of computer systems out there and an even wider range of unique ways that people use them, so complex programs must be tested and refined in order to assure that they will behave well under the widest range of conditions. Beta testers help the development team to get through this massive quantity of testing in a variety of ways on a variety of systems. Beta testers help shape the future by responsibly taking on some of the challenges along the way. If you're interested, keep reading.

What beta testing is not

Beta testing is not meant to be a way for people to get an early look at the next version. You can't look at what hasn't yet been created.

People who ask for the chance to beta test software because they want an early look at the next version are generally in for a big let down for one simple reason: The new version doesn't exist yet. It's still being created. That's why it's in beta testing. Asking to be a beta tester is literally asking for the chance to try out a product before it's finished being made and ready to be released. In a sense, it's a bit like asking to try out an automobile while it's still lacking various essential parts. You may be in for a rougher ride than you bargained for.

Learning to be a beta tester

If you're already experienced as a beta tester, then you probably have a good idea what to expect. It's also important to know what's expected of you. Take your time and learn what you need to know. Start by thoroughly testing a release version and asking your friends if your findings are consistent with their observations. Be observant and find creative ways to test what can and can't be done. Decide if you are up to the additional challenge testing a public beta version when one becomes available. Remember, beta testing is a serious responsibility.