There are lots of technology terms that you’ll come across these days and BETA is one of them.  Developing software (computer programs) takes time and lots of trial and error.  Many times, especially on the internet, developers will create a webpage and put it on the internet before it’s actually done.  They do this so the general public can experiment with it and they can collect data to improve it.  These “not quite ready for prime time” websites are usually labeled “BETA Version.”  Below are some examples of BETA versions that you can try today:

Zillow.com
This website tries to combine Google Maps images with public records about properties all over the US to create an easy to use data base of property values.  It is still in the BETA version however (you can see Beta to the right of their logo).  Type in your address and give it a try.  It’s a great example of a Beta Version. 

Google Product Search
Here’s an new idea from Google that they have put online in a BETA version.  They're working on a search engine that can help you find bargains on the internet.  Give it a try when you get a chance.

Sometimes you can even find a website that's in the ALPHA phase of development which is really early on.  Check out this shopping site for an example of a new kind of visual search engine that's still in the early development stages:  http://www.like.com/

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Check out the websites above to get a feel for what is meant by the ALPHA and BETA stages of development.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To learn more about software development try searching the internet for:

BETA test
ALPHA
Software development stages
 

Have a nice day!

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