Beta Testing 101...
1) The first step is running the install program and if any errors occur take note of them and post the problem in the beta forum.
2) Once you pass step one it's time to run the game. Again take notes of any errors, bugs, and glitches. Report any such events to the beta forum.
3) play the game trying as many options as you can. each time you notice errors, etc make a note and post them to the beta forums.
4) The real hard part... If the game is playing very well, and you are not experiencing any errors,.. stop playing and restart a new game, try more options. As a beta tester it's kind of your job to find errors. Be creative in your search, if the game 'wants' you to do one thing, try something else and see how it handles it.
5) whenever you encounter an error, give as much info as possible. Don't just say it crashes! say when and where it crashes and try to reproduce the error. Errors that can be reproduced at will are generally easier to fix. Sometimes you might be required to write down error Messages on a real notepad and then transcribe them after rebooting so that you can post the errors.
6) repeat,.. again,.. a few more times,.. once more,.. keep going,.. until Aaron and your fellow beta testers are having trouble finding errors.
7) enjoy the ride, remember to breath and feel the pride that will be generated throughout the beta test team. (the ultimate goal would be to swat all the bugs and have no need for future patches.)
..Advanced classes for beta testing are reserved for the boys in the trenches!
Cheers!
P.S. Aparently Aaron was pulling my leg when he said my system might not be fast enough! (
thats the problem with e-mail, you can't see if the person has a silly smirk on his/her face whe you read it! 
[ April 02, 2003, 23:57: Message edited by: David E. Gervais ]