Dan,Beta testing techniques can't really be taught. Most commercial companies will require that their testers have experience in the products they are releasing. You have to ask yourself what you can bring to a project. How much do you know about the product concerned. Testing is not just about installing software and seeing if it works, it's also about finding not only bugs in the product but also spotting things that aren't right and therfore being able to suggest ways to remedy the problem. As has been mentioned before it is hard work and very time consuming. The best way to start is by sending a mail to developers listing your qualifications that are relevant to the product concerned and asking to be included in future beta tests. You may or may not be invited. Once you do get a few "references" under your belt, it becomes easier. Sometimes people even end up asking you. Obviously if you are not a pilot or from an engineering backgtound then perhaps products like scenery or other utilities would be a good place to start. Also as suggested, quite often developers will post requests for beta testers in various forums so keep your eyes open. It's often just a case of getting your name known. However it is very rewarding and you do get to mix with a lot of very nice people.Good luckTimhttp://www.spottedantelope.com/bwomack/ima...aam-sim_sig.gif

speaking as a developer I like to have at least one novice on my beta team (by novice I mean someone who has never d/l'd any of my planes or is relatively new to flight sim) -- they always seem to find things the other, more experienced users miss especially in the documentation (installation instructions, etc.) - dcc

Well there you go then Dan, maybe DCC can get you started.Timhttp://www.flightfactory-simulations.com/h...B_testpilot.jpg