What is beta software? What is available through the BSU BetaPlace?
Beta software can be described as software that is in a period of testing involving a small group of clients who try out
the software and provide feedback about their experience. At Ball Sate University, the
BSU BetaPlace is used to provide advance
release of new and emerging technologies that are not yet ready for general distribution or are not yet supported by University
Computing Services.
What can I do with software I download through the BSU BetaPlace site?
If you are a current employee or student of Ball State University, you may download software and use the services available through this site
on your own personal computer or computers. However see the note below about safety before installing. Because of license arrangements, you
may not share software download from this site with anyone. Please direct other students or employees who wish to participate in the BSU BetaPlace
program to this web site, so that they may download their own copy.
Is this software safe? What if I have trouble downloading or using it?
Although the software is free from viruses and spyware, there are no guarantees about the quality of the software. The software is generally
"safe" however there is no way to tell how it may function on your computer. Because the software is "beta" there is no support provided by the
UCS Helpdesk or other UCS employees. Documentation or help files may or may not be provided, however where either is available it will be posted
on this site along with the download. If you don't find any documentation or help files, UCS does not have any available.
What about using this software for a project, or to do my job?
Unless your class or research project specifically entails working with beta software (in which cases the risks and proper protocol for dealing
with beta software should be clearly understood) all software available through this site should not be used for "real" projects that depend on
the software to operate properly.
It would be wise to backup your important documents and files before installing any software available through
this site.
Do you have both Windows and Macintosh software available?
This depends on the beta software, if a version for your preferred platform is not listed on this site then either one is not available or is
not yet ready to be posted on this site.
I understand all of the above, how do I get started?
Click the
Downloads link to login and browse the catalog of available software and services currently in beta.
