Cygnus Data Systems Beta Testing Application 02/09/94 Page 1 ===================================================================== Software Version Control. Software revisions are made periodically and have a numbering scheme. The version number (for example v3.6a) consists of three parts. The first number is the major revision number. A change in this number represents a very significant change to the software. This could be because of a very important feature addition, or an extensive overhaul of portions of the code. The second number is the minor revision number and is changed when significant bug fixes are required or when miscellaneous features are added or changed. Software Testing. During development of a software package, several different levels of testing are performed. The initial testing phase called alpha testing begins when revisions (major and minor) are made to the software and it is initially sent out to a small group of testers. The purpose is to see how it performs under several different configurations and to get initial reports of its performance. During alpha testing, some features may be changed and others added. The second phase of testing called beta testing begins after alpha testing is completed and the features have all been fixed for the major revision. This is major phase of testing and is intended to test the software on as many different configurations and systems as possible to ensure the integrity of the software. Beta testing is an important phase of software development. It helps to ensure the success of the software since faulty software, regardless of how potentially useful, can easily suffer an early death if it develops a reputation for "locking up" systems or corrupting files. Beta testing also requires a commitment on the part of the beta testers and a good deal of patience. There are risks to beta testing, but there are also rewards. As a beta tester, you will undoubtedly find bugs in the program which could cause unpredictible and even undesirable effects. When testing, you should always record everything you notice, whether or not it is a bug - if you believe a simple change could make the software much easier to use, say so! All comments are welcomed and encouraged. Cygnus Data Systems Beta Testing Application 02/09/94 Page 2 ===================================================================== What you should do as a beta tester. 1) The first rule of beta testing is that all software distributed to beta testers is confidential and my NOT be distributed by anyone under any circumstances other than Cygnus Data Systems. The first reason for this rule is that if any serious bugs appear in the software, they can be fixed before the software is released to the public. The second is that beta test software is registered software and has features enabled that are not available in the public (shareware) version. There may be additional reasons, but the bottom line is that this software is protected under the United States Copyright Laws. 2) Before testing a new version, backup your current version. If the new version is not working to your requirements, you can always restore the old version. Also, if files get corrupted during use of the new version, you'll have a backup to restore. If this should happen, you should be able to discribe the steps you took that led to this event. 3) You must use the software frequently and exercise as much of the features as practical. Record all your comments and observations about the software which can be used to improve future releases. Remember, something that might appear minor in the light of major bugs could become significant once all bugs have been addressed and fixed. 4) Take the initiative yourself of being aware of the latest releases. The beta testing team is a large group and its membership is dynamic. There is an upper limit to the number of members and only those who are active and productive in their contributions will remain members. This does not mean you must come up with an extensive list of items to be addressed, but simply requests that you at least attempt to find potential problems and that you do report those that you find. 5) You can obtain the software by downloading it from Cygnus X-1 BBS (account validation and security upgrade required) or by f'reqing it from 1:202/227 (private password required). 6) I believe telephone conversations are important. I also believe written (typed) lists are important. I am available in the evenings (after 5:00 PST for phone conversations. Bug reports can be sent via NetMail to 1:202/227 or uploaded to Cygnus X-1 BBS. Bug reports should be made in a timely manner since changes are constantly being made to the software. 7) Let me know if you would like your name excluded from the history of changes list. Occasionally I will credit a beta tester in the history with a good suggestion or a good eye for catching bugs. Cygnus Data Systems Beta Testing Application 02/09/94 Page 3 ===================================================================== Benefits. 1) A free copy of the software! The beta test team largely consists of persons who use the software on a regular basis. Cygnus Data Systems does not actively seek beta testers and relies on word of mouth for its members. If you become a beta tester, do so because you enjoy and use the software and it suits your application, and not because you're a professional beta tester who is excellant at criticizing software. 2) Credit for product development. Many of the features of this software are a direct result of requests and comments from beta testers. Application. Please complete and return the following form to Cygnus Data Systems. All information provided on this form is kept in the strictest confidence and is not released to any individual not affiliated with Cygnus Data Systems. The form asks you specific questions about your system hardware and software configuration and your intended application for the software. I am also interested in your areas of expertise, interests, and qualifications. Remember, the intent of beta testing is to test the performance of the software under a wide range of configurations so if you don't have the most souped up system on the block, that's okay, I'd still like to hear from you. Please complete the following application and return it via US MAIL to: Cygnus Data Systems Daniel Durbin 14027 NE 181st Street #B-103 Woodinville, WA 98072-6846 Other correspondence may be directed to: Daniel Durbin______________________________________________ SysOp: Cygnus X-1 BBS, Woodinville, WA | CIS: 73447,1744 (206) 481-9582 (bbs/fax) v32b/v42b | GEnie: D.DURBIN (206) 481-3484 (voice evenings) | FidoNet 1:343/181 daniel.durbin@f181.n343.z1.fidonet.org | Cygnus Data Systems Beta Testing Application 02/09/94 Page 4 ===================================================================== Date: __________________ Name: __________________________________________________________ Company: __________________________________________________________ Position: __________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________ State: _____ Zip: ____________-________ Daytime Voice Phone: (______) ______-________ Evening Voice Phone: (______) ______-________ Data Phone: (______) ______-________ Special Qualifications: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ HARDWARE INFORMATION BBS if any: _______________________________________________________ Mail Address (FidoNet, uucp, internet, etc.): _______________________________________________________ Modem Type(s):_______________________________________________________ Computer: _______________________________________________________ Monitor: _______________________________________________________ Hard Disk(s): _______________________________________________________ CD ROM: _______________________________________________________ Voice Card: _______________________________________________________ Cygnus Data Systems Beta Testing Application 02/09/94 Page 5 ===================================================================== SOFTWARE INFORMATION Operating System: ___________________________________________________ Multitasking System:_________________________________________________ Network: ___________________________________________________ Other information you may deem applicable to this application: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ AGREEMENT I have read and fully understand the entire Beta Test Application and am aware of the scope and of my commitment. I agree to assume all costs of obtaining the software and submitting beta test results. I agree to accept all risks associated with operating beta test software and agree not to hold Cygnus Data Systems or any of its officers liable for any damage that may occur as a result of running the beta test software. I agree to provide constructive feedback and beta test results in a timely manor. I understand that my commitment as a beta tester is to participate in the software developement process and to do my best to identify improper operation and bugs in the software. I may also make suggestions for new features and changes. I also agree that the beta test software is provided to me soley for my review and that I will not distribute the beta test software to anyone under any circumstances and that to do so is a violation of United States Copyright Law. Print Name ______________________________________ Date ____________ Signature ______________________________________