Article : Become a Beta Tester

Steps

1. Get "in the know". Keep your ear to the ground within related communities. For example, if you want to beta test a certain video game, find out which company will be producing the game, talk to other gamers, share information.
2. Write an e-mail. Write the manufacturer an e-mail that explains your interest in volunteering as a tester. Most companies will welcome your willingness to help.
3. Search for information on Google blogs, news articles, and manufacturers' teasers that can give you news regarding new software that is entering a beta testing stage.
4. Put forth your best effort. If you are accepted as a beta tester, learn how to provide useful feedback for the software developer. Really run the program through its paces, and test all of its functions. Then report your findings to the developer. If you find a bug, report it immediately. If you find that the interface clunky, the game play is labored, or it suffers from poor performance, tell them. Explain in detail what should be fixed and what should be improved.
5. Promote the process. Tell others what you've experienced in a professional, objective manner. Don't publicly trash the product you've been testing. Remember that the company recruited beta testers to give themselves an opportunity to remedy issues before the product is released. You're here to help them figure out what works and what doesn't; give them a chance to fix things. If you mention the beta test, be careful not to reveal things the developer considers confidential. They are relying upon you for an objective test as well as trusting you to act professionally during the entire process.

Tips

• Do not appear to be an unprofessional individual by poor communication and/or begging.

Warnings

• Avoid questionable online ads; they may be linked to malware or spam sites.