Beta VS final

[sonxEr77]

Normally a beta version of MS software gets released a year before the final version for free.. Once the non-free final version is available, beta is made unavailable (pls correct if i'm wrong)... Now, is there a major difference between the two in terms of functionality? I've just downloaded MS Office Account 2007 beta, wondering what will final version might have in difference, perhaps percentage wise..

Songz...

 

[Syndyre]

I'm guessing probably just bug fixes, although the final version's likely to be buggy too. The beta probably expires though.

 

[Ekhaatvensters]

Ja, lately people have made Beta software expire at a certain date. Thats usually by when they plan to have the final out, but it will be delayed anyway.

It depends on the Beta really, for example Beta 1 or 2 of Vista was supposed to be terrible, while RC1 is great. If it works for you then a beta is fine technically, by the release candidate or beta 2/3 stage they shouldn't be adding any more functionality to the program so if there are no bugs that effect you its fine.

 

[sonxEr77]

Ja, lately people have made Beta software expire at a certain date. Thats usually by when they plan to have the final out, but it will be delayed anyway.

It depends on the Beta really, for example Beta 1 or 2 of Vista was supposed to be terrible, while RC1 is great. If it works for you then a beta is fine technically, by the release candidate or beta 2/3 stage they shouldn't be adding any more functionality to the program so if there are no bugs that effect you its fine.

Shouldn't the expiring date/time or number of trial days be shown when you run the program, or some sort of warning? How would i know when the product installed is about to expire as far as the beta soft is concerned?

 

[Ekhaatvensters]

Yes, it should be shown. If it isnt then there might not be any expiry date for the software.

Try the Help->About page.

I know the only beta software with an expiry date that I have used has shown it somewhere pretty obvious.