BETA ? what is it

[Stephanee]

I'm new here. Can you explain what a " beta " download is , why i should take it or not. I'm on Vista. Thanks for your help.
Stephanie

[the gaffer]

A beta version is the first version released outside the organization or community that develops the software, for the purpose of evaluation or real-world black/grey-box testing. The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release.

[silverojo]

Stephanee, I would also add that if you didn't know [until now ] what a beta version is...definitely do not download or try it. Beta versions can have bugs, and aren't necessarily stable. So if you don't know how to fix problems, it's safest just to wait until the stable versions of programs are released.