Read messages about the beta on the Internet to see the problems that other users have had. If it looks safe, and you would like to take the risk, then try it. Read all the readme files that come with the package. These contain important information you should know before you install or try to use the software. Also, look for a listed expiration date in the readme files.
Most beta software expires on a certain date before the official release.
Backup important files. I know Information Services sometimes sounds like a broken record on this point, but it IS that important. Before you install any beta software, backup important documents or files to a diskette or your space on the network. Watch your computer for strange behavior after the installation. If you see your computer doing strange things or getting error messages you have never seen before, you need to uninstall the software.