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Microsoft’s Windows 10 has permission to watch your every move

ZacDaMan72

By definition, Alpha testing is internal, Beta testing is external (regular users, developers, etc). This is a beta. Regardless of how "finished" a product is. A product isn't finished upon launch either. 

 

Do you have a source for that definition? I've seen no such thing.

 

In fact, according to the wiki page on Software Testing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_testing#Alpha_testing

 

Alpha testing is simulated or actual operational testing by potential users/customers or an independent test team at the developers' site. Alpha testing is often employed for off-the-shelf software as a form of internal acceptance testing, before the software goes to beta testing.

So according to this definition, Alpha testing could be internal or a larger user base like what MS is doing.

 

The only difference is that Alpha Testing has been historically reserved for internal testing, but with the advent of high speed internet, and popularity of things like Early Access, public Alpha testing is going to become more common.

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Do you have a source for that definition? I've seen no such thing.

 

In fact, according to the wiki page on Software Testing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_testing#Alpha_testing

So according to this definition, Alpha testing could be internal or a larger user base like what MS is doing.

 

The only difference is that Alpha Testing has been historically reserved for internal testing, but with the advent of high speed internet, and popularity of things like Early Access, public Alpha testing is going to become more common.

I wouldn't be trusting Wikipedia, as evidence on this thread alone suggests that the definition has changed (according to individuals), and since Wikipedia is editable by anyone ... 

 

http://www.centercode.com/blog/2011/01/alpha-vs-beta-testing/

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/alpha_version.html 

http://istqbexamcertification.com/what-is-alpha-testing/

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/alpha-test.html

 

Want me to keep going? 

 

Regardless of the advent of the internet, the historical definition is still the actual definition. If the "alpha product" can reach a large number of people through the internet, it ceases to be a "limited" test, which is one of the conditions of alpha testing. It also ceases to become "internal" to the company, as the testers aren't "hired" by the company. 

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I wouldn't be trusting Wikipedia, as evidence on this thread alone suggests that the definition has changed (according to individuals), and since Wikipedia is editable by anyone ... 

 

http://www.centercode.com/blog/2011/01/alpha-vs-beta-testing/

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/alpha_version.html 

http://istqbexamcertification.com/what-is-alpha-testing/

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/alpha-test.html

 

Want me to keep going? 

 

Regardless of the advent of the internet, the historical definition is still the actual definition. If the "alpha product" can reach a large number of people through the internet, it ceases to be a "limited" test, which is one of the conditions of alpha testing. 

So... Does any of this actually make a difference, or are you guys just arguing semantics? Just wondering.

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this isnt even beta, i'd hardly call it alpha. its just a tech preview. designed to show off a couple features. i think it should collect this amount of data. itll legitematly help further development. if you dont like it, dont use it. and especially dont use it as your daily driver (which if its not your daily driver, there shouldnt be anything suspect for it to log). now if this shit happens at its actual launch, then feel free to be up in arms about it, but until then, dont worry about it

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So... Does any of this actually make a difference, or are you guys just arguing semantics? Just wondering.

Mostly semantics, although people tend to assume incorrectly based on what a product is called. Being clear about whether a product is in the alpha or beta phase is still important. 

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I wouldn't be trusting Wikipedia, as evidence on this thread alone suggests that the definition has changed (according to individuals), and since Wikipedia is editable by anyone ... 

 

http://www.centercode.com/blog/2011/01/alpha-vs-beta-testing/

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/alpha_version.html 

http://istqbexamcertification.com/what-is-alpha-testing/

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/alpha-test.html

 

Want me to keep going? 

 

Regardless of the advent of the internet, the historical definition is still the actual definition. If the "alpha product" can reach a large number of people through the internet, it ceases to be a "limited" test, which is one of the conditions of alpha testing. It also ceases to become "internal" to the company, as the testers aren't "hired" by the company. 

Interesting sources. One of which is a blog. I believe that this actually just confirms that the definition is variable and that there is no consensus. As an example:

From the ASTQB (American Software Testing & Qualifications Board) official glossary:

 

alpha testing: Simulated or actual operational testing by potential users/customers or an independent

test team at the developers’ site, but outside the development organization. Alpha testing is often

employed for off-the-shelf software as a form of internal acceptance testing.

 

That can be found here:

http://www.astqb.org/documents/ISTQB_glossary_of_testing_terms_2.4.pdf

 

So you saying the historical definition is still accurate - I disagree. When a large organization such as the ASTQB disagrees with the old definition, then there is mixed or no consensus in the industry.

 

Also of note: "large scale" access via the internet does not mean it isn't "limited" as well. Something can be both large scale and limited. As an example: how many Windows users are there? Let's say about 100 Million. Now how many of those are going to be using the Technical Preview? A few thousand? Maybe a couple Hundred Thousand? Obviously this is conjecture, but we can be sure the number will be insignificant compared to the number of total users. I'd say that qualifies as limited.

 

Additionally, the Technical Preview is specifically for power users. They Don't want regular users using it because it's not finished, it's potentially buggy or broken, and there will be highly technical aspects required from time to time while using it since it is in fact a Technical Preview.

 

I would certainly say that "Alpha" is more accurate than "Beta" for this level of software. The Consumer Preview is going to be the major Beta release.

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I'm sorry, but the instant you say "large scale" and "limited" are the same, then you've lost all credibility. 

Also, a limited in-house testing would be a matter of less than 1000 people, even more limited than "a couple of hundred thousand" or even ten thousand power users (just because MS targets power users, doesn't stop regular users from getting it). Doesn't hold up to the definition. 

 

Just because the definition was changed by a large organization, doesn't mean it makes sense. "Literally" can now be defined as "figuratively" according to Merriam-Webster - which literally makes no sense at all. 

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