Where can we get free registered software for testing B4 release?

[faster]

I'm a downloading fool who likes to get cool apps, games and utilities, particularly if I can get them free - and particularly if they're registered versions. I've used Appfinders.com (good site), as one of their testers, and want to know of other sites where I can do similar things. Whaddayasay we get a big list assembled on this topic and keep it going, if we can? Ideas? Comments? Suggested sites? Whatcha got? Everyone likes freebies, and registered is always better than shareware or trialware or demoware, when possible. And what about beta testing? Who can talk about what that is like? Do you have to be a geek to beta test? Or do you have to have a death-wish for your computer? How can one beta test safely? Do they give free registered versions if you do it?
Come on back at me - even geeks welcome, as long as they don't overgeek the language.

[***ScrUm***]

I will do some searching on this and get back to you . I dont think you should beta test unless you are really familiar with backing up your comp and familiar with the windows dll/vxd/reg/ect...ect... structure
I personaly like getting all the BETA stuff and treying out all the free/shareware stuff. I just love it. I want to learn as much as I can just so I can help others out http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/smile.gif and well learn on the wqay too http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/smile.gif

Get back to you on this faster http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/smile.gif OH BTW welcome to SPEEDGUIDE MAN!

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[TonyT]

A good site for Beta info is http://betanews.efront.com/

The best scenario for beta testing is to use a machine solely for that purpose. You don't need a top of the line box to do it withje either. A 350 dollar emachine will suffice.

If you use the only computer you have for beta testing different apps, be prepared to reinstall registries, replace corrupted system files, reload windows or reformat at times, depending upon the severity of damage done.

A good idea is to have one of thos apps that clone your hard drive in a stable state, making it much easier to revert to a good system after it gets hosed.

Some resources for free apps: http://www.freewarehome.com/
http://nonags.byondf1.com/index.html
http://www.webattack.com/ (freeware, shareware & adware separately listed!)

For those "free registered apps" you should probably invite responses by email as I doubt the mods will allow the links to be openly posted due to legal issues.

Oh, and most companies will let you keep the beta software but do charge for the apps when released, regardless whether or not you were a beta tester. And in other sutuations, you can be rewarded a free program copy based on the developer's rules etc.



[This message has been edited by TonyT (edited 10-09-2000).]