1.) Access to pre-release products

2.) Occasional discounts on released versions or complimentary version in exchange for assisting with testing

3.) Beta tester suggestions are often incorporated into final releases, comments and suggestions are welcome !

1.) Feedback - this is critical, tell the software authors your impressions, good and bad

2.) Bug Reporting - be willing to provide detailed accounts of any problems; the more specific information provided the better.

3.) Debugging - be willing to work with the developer; apply provided patches and retest where the software previously failed.

4.) Disclosure - developers frequently plan product launches after beta testing; it is important that product details stay confidential for an effective launch and PR campaign.