The TOVA Company is looking for beta testers, T.O.V.A. users who can try out the next release of our software and give us feedback.
Introduction to Beta Testing
Complex software is never free of defects; it’s just not possible to test every function of software on every model of computer with every possible configuration. We reduce the number of defects, or “bugs”, by putting our software through a quality assurance process that minimizes the number of issues in the quickest possible time. Usually, this starts with internal testing in the company, called alpha testing. The T.O.V.A. has gone through this process and The TOVA Company’s development staff continues to test every day.
Once the software has been alpha-tested thoroughly enough that we believe it’s ready for external users, the software finally enters beta testing. We believe this latest version of the T.O.V.A. software is now ready to be used in the field by our beta testers.
During the beta test period, the beta tester agrees to make sure that issues and suggestions are reported back to the T.O.V.A. developers. Over time, our developers may fix issues that arise, and beta testers should upgrade to the newer beta version. After enough time, when beta testers find fewer and fewer issues, we may release the software publicly. At this point, beta testers upgrade to the released software, and beta testing ends.
Why should you be a beta tester?
There are many reasons to participate:
- You get early access to the latest T.O.V.A. features.
- You have the first say in how we fix and improve the T.O.V.A. before release.
- We’ll give you two free test credits for signing up as a beta tester, and then for every two test credits you use during the beta testing program, we’ll give you one for free (at the end of the beta program)!
What does it mean to be a beta tester?
First and foremost, your goal as a beta tester is to find issues in the T.O.V.A. and inform us of those issues. Your second goal is to find user interface problems, suggest changes, and give us your feedback on the performance and operation of all aspects of the T.O.V.A. We’ve made both of these tasks very easy by including a Tech Support feature that allows you to quickly send us your issues or thoughts over the internet.
Beta timeline
The T.O.V.A. beta test officially begins when you agree to beta testing and update the T.O.V.A. software. When The TOVA Company ends the beta, we will contact you via the T.O.V.A. application and email. At the end of beta testing, or at any time that you wish to end your participation, we will help you convert your T.O.V.A. to the current release version.
Other details
When the beta officially begins, we will notify you to upgrade the T.O.V.A. software. As the program continues, we will notify you of additional upgrades. Please install them as soon as possible–there’s no sense in finding bugs we’ve already fixed! Upgrading is usually quick and easy, so if you haven’t upgraded to the latest Beta version, we may remind you to do so.
If you decide to leave the beta program, we will assist you with reverting your software back to our currently released version, and you will no longer receive free test credits.
Beta Computer Requirements
Please read these computer requirements carefully. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Hardware
- Intel or AMD x86-64 processor running at 1 GHz or better
- 2 GB of RAM memory
- 2 GB of storage free
- Two USB Type A ports (or Type C with an adapter or hub)
- 10″ or larger display (measured diagonally)
- The T.O.V.A. computer must periodically connect to the internet (for monitoring the beta).
- Always plug into a power outlet during testing.
NOTE: The T.O.V.A. is NOT currently compatible with ChromeBooks, iPads, or Android devices.
Please see our Compatibility page for specific hardware recommendations and incompatibilities, though this beta release is expected to add support for:
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics and other 11th- and 12th-gen Intel chipsets
- AMD processors with Radeon Graphics 0x1636
Operating System
- Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (11 SE is not supported.)
- Windows in “S mode” must be switched to run the T.O.V.A.
- This beta release is not recommended for Mac computers.
Precision Test Environment ("PTE") Setup
The PTE setup reboots the computer to administer the T.O.V.A. test without an external monitor, such as on a laptop. An updated PTE is a key feature of this beta release.
TOVA flash drive
One of our best new tools for diagnosing problems is our T.O.V.A. flash drive. Please keep the flash drive plugged into your computer, especially while testing in the Precision Test Environment (PTE). If you encounter any problems, the flash drive should record them.
External Audio/Video ("EAV") Setup
The EAV setup administers the T.O.V.A. without rebooting, but it requires an external VGA monitor (like a desktop computer uses). The auditory T.O.V.A. test also requires external speakers with a standard 3.5 mm stereo plug. Computers without a VGA video port may require an additional adapter.
Joining the Beta?
Please download, print, sign, and scan beta agreement linked below, then email it to support@tovatest.com.
You must also approve the Business Associate Agreement packaged with the beta or latest release version of the TOVA.
