1 ) A software test method for managing user adaptable test procedures and resulting test data, comprising the steps of: a. storing a first test procedure for use in user assisted testing of a set of functions of an executable application; b. allowing a user to customize a predetermined set of system characteristics relating to the stored test procedure; c. acquiring task data identifying task steps performed by the first test procedure and the user in the user assisted testing of the set of functions of the executable application; d. generating an executable second test procedure corresponding to the first test procedure for automatically exercising the set of functions of the executable application without user assistance; and e. acquiring result data derived from exercising the executable application by executing at least one of (i) the first test procedure or (ii) the second test procedure.