As relaxing as the summer vacation can be, there are occasionally times of extreme boringness when finding an activity to occupy your time with can be a challenge. Besides managing this blog, lurking social media sites and spending time with friends/family, one hobby I have taken up is testing beta products for companies such as Netgear and Norton. Other than directly influencing the features and quality of the product, the biggest benefit of joining one of the many programs listed below is that you are awarded for your contribution at the end of the testing period. In a majority of the tests I have taken part in, we were allowed to keep the item that was being tested. Software companies such as Norton often handed out vouchers for free one year subscription to their internet security. 

One thing to note when visiting the links below is the fact that, registrations for many programs may be closed depending on the number of currently available testers. If registration is not available at the moment, it does not mean it will not be in the near future so continue to check back. Additionally, to enrol in a beta test requires the submission of an applications form outlining your experience with a specific criteria of devices. Unfortunately, this form is usually available on a first come first serve basis and won’t accept new responses after a certain quota has been met. Due to this reason, I would recommend signing up for an opportunity as soon as you see one.

Listed below are some programs where I have been an active participant in the past and one which I wish to join in the future. If the list does not satisfy your needs, feel free to head on over to Google and search for: “product beta testing.” I am certain you will find something that suites your needs. 

Program #1 Netgear Beta Test:

Through Netgear, you receive the opportunity to test networking items such as Wireless N routers, Ethernet over power line adapters and Media streaming devices. From my past experience with the company, the devices are yours to keep at the end of the testing period so long as you were an active contributor. The community takes bugs and issues noticed by testers seriously and usually respond within hours. 

Program #2 Dell Beta Testing Community:

For the last couple of months that I have been with them, I have received opportunities to test items ranging from their Vostro line of business laptops to their powerful XPS gaming desktops. Unfortunately, due to the value of the items being tested, the application rate per testing opportunity is extremely high. Accordingly, the chances of being accepted are quite low. The testing period usually lasts between one to two months and requires the product to be returned upon completion. However, many claim that the retail version of the product is sent to you once it officially hits stores.

Program #3 Norton External Testing:

By signing up with Norton, you given the chance to test software patches, prerelease versions of their internet security and antivirus programs in addition to utilities such as Ghost. As a beta tester, you are given Norton Ghost 15 as well as Norton Ghost 2003 for no additional cost, just incase a bug in the prerelease product were to corrupt your OS installation. Since Norton does not have any fancy hardware for you to keep, they reimburse you for your time by giving a NFR edition of the software you were testing. 

Program #4 Avira Private Beta:

Similar to Norton, Avira is yet another security company that has taken the time to collect user feedback before launching a new product. Prizes range from free licenses & Avira Swag to Amazon Gift cards. Internet rumours have it that prizes such as Ipods are up for grabs for being the first to submit software bugs.  

Program #5 Parallels Beta Testing:

Have a Macintosh computer or use a Virtualizing software to simultaneously run several operating systems at a time? If the answer to one of the previous questions was yes, there is a high chance you already know what Parallel brings to the table. As an active beta tester with parallel, you are eligible to receive their latest products at no additional cost. Think you have no need for a virtualization software? If you perform questionable activities on your computer (All the warez downloaders, I am looking at you), the sandbox environment created through virtualization can quite useful for protecting your actual OS installation from nasty viruses, trojans, and worms. 

Program #6 Microsoft Playtest:

Since the main goal of beta testing is to fill up free time, what better way to do so than by playing games by Microsoft Studios. Upon completion of a study, your account is credited with points which can be spent on an inventory of games. 

Program #7 TomTom GPS Tester:

I am going to be honest here and state that, without the aid of a GPS unit, my directionally challenged self would most likely get lost travelling across my neighbourhood. A functioning GPS is almost a necessity in order to travel to unknown locations outside the vicinity of my town. With the TomTom testing program, I have the opportunity to test out the latest maps, devices and services which in turn make travelling a more enjoyable experience. At the moment of posting this article, registration is unfortunately currently closed.

Program #8 Sony Creative Software Testing:

Do you create Youtube mashups on your spare time and call yourself a creative professional? Are you afraid of OS X? If so, feel free to click the link above and sign up with Sony’s Creative Software testing program. By signing up, you get to test out the latest versions of costly and popular applications such as Vegas, Sound Forge and ACID. If you’re not the creative type, move along…

Program #9 Apple Connection:

Knowing the Apple community, it makes sense why this is by far the hardest program to get into. It’s been over a year and I have yet to receive the magical invitation that will let me into the program. Of course, if you have $500 laying around, you can buy yourself into the program through Developer Connections. So, what are the perks to patiently waiting in line? Oh, you get to test prerelease builds of OS X and other Apple software. No word on whether hardware testing is available through this program (I really wanted to include an iPhone 4 joke here). 

Honourable mentions:

Blackberry Beta, Hp Beta (Appears dead) and iBetaTest, Centercode (A heck of a lot of testing opportunities from various companies)

Well, that is all I had to share for today’s post. As usual, I hope you found the contents of this post useful and most importantly, feel free to share the information with anyone who may find it relevant to their interests! If you know any more programs that should be included on this list, leave a comment and I’ll check them out!