Alpha Test
From Unofficial BOINC Wiki
[edit] General
A stage in the development where the software is passing internal and integration tests and the build process allows the creation of an Alpha Version of the software. However, the software is still unfinished and may not have all of its features and is normally unstable. The purpose of the alpha testing is to expose the software to a less benign environment in the hopes that more of the subtle problems will be revealed and can them be tracked down and eliminated. This stage precedes the Beta Test.
During the Alpha Tests the software may undergo rapid rebuilds and will require careful attention to ensure a successful installation. This stage is normally the first point at which contractors and customers outside of the organization that is developing the software get a chance to give the software a "test drive".
