Michal Ždanský Until now, testing unreleased versions of the OS X operating system has been the domain of registered developers. Anyone in the Beta Seed program could download the latest version of OS X the moment Apple released it to developers. Only after having specific features tested by developers, who usually provide the best feedback because they have a deeper knowledge of the system and its developer tools, did he make the new version available to the public. In 2000, he even made developers pay for this particular privilege.
Occasionally, other non-developers had the opportunity to test some new applications, such as FaceTime or Safari, but such opportunities were rarely presented to the public. The OS X beta distribution system is now changing, Apple allows everyone to test unreleased versions without having to have a developer account. The only requirement is your own Apple ID and age 18 or older. To participate in the beta program, you must also fill out a confidentiality statement. Apple literally forbids blogging, tweeting or posting screenshots of unreleased Apple software. Participants are also not allowed to show or discuss the software with those who are not part of the Beta Seed program. It is currently available for download OS X 10.9. 3 a iTunes 11.1.6.
After agreeing to the NDA, you need to install a tool that allows beta versions to be downloaded via the Mac App Store. Before downloading, it is recommended to make a backup of the system via Time Machine. Beta versions will also include a Feedback Assistant (Feedback Guide), through which participants can report bugs, suggest improvements or share their opinion about specific features directly with Apple. It's unclear whether this open source program will be available for all major versions of the system — Apple is expected to release a beta version of OS X 2014 soon after WWDC 10.10 — or just for minor centennial updates.
It is possible that iOS will also experience similar open testing, the new eighth version of which will also be presented at WWDC. However, for now, iOS beta testing remains only in the hands of registered developers with a paid account.
Could someone please share their beta testing experience? I would be tempted, but I don't know how stable these betas are, if they only have minor problems or serious ones. When apple finally releases an update that will be stable, can't it happen that I won't "enjoy" it and have another beta right away? Any tips for whom and in what case to recommend this?
Although I am not a developer, I personally think that for testing beta versions it is best to install the beta version on the second partition so that you do not lose any data or the system becomes unstable in an emergency.
How does the beta install on a secondary partition? So I once tried dualboot with Lina and Snow and (at least then) it didn't work.
Otherwise, in my experience - it's really not stable many times. In my cases, I encountered the following issues with beta versions:
1. the finder was getting stuck - it was enough to right-click and start again, but it's annoying. (10.8)
2. graphic glitches on the screen - how many times really gigantic lines or figures appeared out of nowhere across the entire screen (10.8)
3. it didn't start any software - very exceptional, but sometimes something just crashed after starting. (10.8)
These were betas of a completely new version of os (10.8), i.e. an update, which in my opinion have fewer glitches.
On the contrary, it never happened to me that the kernel got stuck or started an unexpected restart / kernel panic. For toys on the second mac it's ok, I once used the beta for approx. 3 months fully at work, but you have to think about the fact that a problem will simply appear.
So I haven't tried downloading the beta yet, but I assume that it is installed classically like Maverick or older systems. If it was just some small update of the existing system, I would make a second partition on which I would put Mavareck and then download the beta. Well, at startup I would switch between 'stable axis' and beta via ALT.
Sure, I'm just wondering if it's possible. I personally have never done it..
It works without any problems and then select the option at startup, as already mentioned + it can also be installed on an external drive if you don't want to eat up space on a smaller SSD, for example.
ROFL
You're a nice puffer, expert.