What do you use for beta testing software?

Depending on the type of software I am Beta testing I will usually test it on my primary machine.

 

Virtual machine, i don't have funds or a spare PC for a separate machine but if i did have either of those it would be A DAMN LOT BETTER

 

I prefer imaging software for beta testing.

 

Primary PC, for two reasons:

- I really don't have anything to lose - all is properly backed up/protected (even if my entire city gets nuclear bombed, my important data will remain safe );

- When beta testing, I like to work with the software like if it was in RTM version - with daily usage and everything else associated. That's the best way to find relevant bugs anyways.

 

once i used Rollback RX
Then i used Drive snapshot
Then i used Shadow defender
Now im using my primary OS. Nothing to loose

 

VMware or Virtual Box in most of the cases and Rollback RX or CTM

 

Normally I wait a beta or two then install on my primary netbook. Before I install it however I backup all my personal items to a USB drive then make a Windows System Restore point.

 

vmware and also a dedicated beta machine

 

I know I have posted in this thread before...but I just test live on my only computer. No special precautions other than FD-ISR.

 

My primary machine with a Windows Backup and Restore system image waiting.

 

only virtual machines

 

both primary machine with image software and vm

 

VM + my primary.

 

I have a sacrificial computer in---THE LAB.

I might add that I am using avast! 6.0.1273 beta on this, my main computer with NO problems.

 

Now, I use Clonezilla.