Beta!

What is involved with a Beta?

Yes, a new beta is now released.  But consider some things before you download it:

• Firstly, it's a Beta

• Many functions may be disabled, or don't work

• There will be many updates

• There is no support or fixes - this is your responsibility.

Before you install

Before you install a beta, copy the original install files to a new folder, and back up any data files and/or configuration files; this allows you to go back to the standard version, without re downloading it, and without loss of data.
For Yahoo!: c:\program files\yahoo!\installs\ymsgrie.exe
Uninstall the current version before installing a beta, start, settings, control panel add/remove programs and select the program and click remove.

Going back to the standard release

To go back to the standard version, firstly remove the beta, start, settings, control panel, add/remove programs then select the program and click remove. Then run the previously copied install file and let it install.

What is a Beta?

Before a software product gets released to the public, it must first be thoroughly tested for bugs (errors).  Firstly, internal testing will occur, and is known as Alpha testing.  It is not released to users, but tested just by the developers.  A beta is almost the final release, but with a few bugs which may still need fixing.

Beta testing is the first time a user uses the product.  They use the product for the first time under real world conditions, testing every eventuality with the product, such events which would not be possible by the developer testing. A Beta Tester is expected to note any errors they find with the product, how they caused it, and what happened, so the developer can reproduce this and then fix it.

Should I use a beta?

If you are not an advanced user, and don't know your way around computers, a BETA is not for you.  Also if you are not prepared to report errors, a BETA is not for you.  Yahoo! will not offer usual support for a beta, until its a final release.