Apple on Tuesday opened the OS X beta testing process to the public via the Beta Seed Program.

This move represents a rather drastic change of pace for Apple, which has never before enabled such access.

The OS X Beta Seed Program, as Apple explains, gives users the opportunity to run pre-release software. "Test-drive beta software and provide quality and usability feedback that will help make OS X even better," Apple says.

Those who wish to participate are now encouraged to do so.