Beta

Definition
Beta (uppercase B, lowercase β) is the second letter of the Greek Alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it holds the value of 2. Derived from the Phoenician letter Beth

Ancient Greek
In Ancient Greek, Beta is represented with a symbol "β" and the name of the letter βῆτα was pronounced bɛːta.

Modern Greek
In Modern Greek, beta represents a voiced labiodentals fricative [v] and the Modern Greek name of the letter, Βήτα, is [ˈvita]

Beta Version – Computer Terminology
In computing terms, Beta is also a referred pre-release version of new software often made available over the Internet as freeware or shareware. Sometimes the applications have restrictions such as not being able to save a file. It is a development status given to a program or application that contains most of the major features, but is not yet complete. Sometimes these versions are released only to a select group of people, or to the general public. The testers are usually expected to report any bugs they encounter or any changes they'd like to see before the final release. This is the second major stage of development following the alpha version, and comes before the release candidate.

Beta Test
Test of a computer product prior to its commercial release. Beta testing is the last stage of testing, and normally can involve sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure or offering the product for a free trial download over the Internet. Beta testing is often preceded by round of testing called alpha testing.