If you pre-order Galactic Civilizations II (or have an active TotalGaming.net account) you will be able to get the major betas of Galactic Civilizations II.

For those of you unfamiliar with betas, it's important to realize that a beta isn't like getting the final game except with some bugs.  In March, Beta 1 will show up and since the final game isn't expected until end of this year or even early next year, you can imagine how much will be missing.

So here is the schedule at present (subject to change)

March: Beta 1
Goal: Compatibility and performance.  How well does the new 3D engine work? Does it blow up on people? What hardare issues will people have?
Feedback we need: If it doesn't run on your computer or has some problem, we need to know your hardware specifications, what OS you're running, etc.
Feedback we DON'T need: Spelling errors, complaints about missing features, "suggestions" on UI, complaints about game balancing or "that it's not fun" (beta 1 won't be fun, we'll make it our business to ensure it's not fun in order to keep focus on the compatibility and performance ). "This game sucks, where's the starbases? Where are the fleets? I hate to say this but this is a big step backwards from GalCiv 1. Perhaps you should read up on about the differences between 'alphas' and 'betas' and think over your obvious ignorance on basic software development. I'll check back in a few months to see if you'e managed to cobble together a decent game but I won't count on it. In the meantime, I'll be on Usenet and IRC making sure everyone knows you guys suck."

May: Beta 2
Goal: Performance/Compatibility still. But now with the focus moving towards user interface design. Is the UI looking okay? Is it intuitive? Are the basic game mechanics easy to figure out? Can you play the game without needing a manual (the game will have a manual but a well designed game shouldn't need much of one)
Feedback we need: Suggestions/complaints on UI. Crashing issues. Performance and compatibility.
Feedback we DON'T need: Spelling errors, complaints about missing features, , complaints about game balancing or "that it's not fun" (beta 2 should be playable but it won't be balanced yet). "First off, you spelled 'manufacturing' as 'manufaturing'. Secondly, I can't believe that a capital ship only takes 4 months to build but a fighter take 3 months. Hello? Why bother with a fighter?"

August: Beta 3
Goal: Fun factor. Replayability. Game balancing.
Feedback we need: Are there cheese factors in the game? How is the AI doing? Is the game fun? What features do we need to add to make it more fun for you? How are the graphics looking? This is where the game plays as a reasonably complete war game. The only major elements that won't be in would be fleets and diplomacy.
Feedback we DON'T need: Spelling errors, wishing it was just like . "I really enjoyed Star Control II and I was thinking that this game would really be a lot better if you made it a real time game instead of turn based.."

October: Beta 4 (and beyond)
Goal: Polish, making sure it's really fun.  Diplomacy makes it in. Fleet battles get in.
Feedback we need: Typos and spelling errors. Usability features that make the game more approachable. Tweaks that make the game more fun. Gameplay tweaks. AI tweaks. UI and graphical tweaks.  This is where we need to make sure diplomacy is fun and interesting. We have to make sure that the battles look good and aren't tedious and such.
Feedback we DON'T need: Suggestions that would completely change the game "You know, you really need to have tactical ground invasions done in 3D. Frankly, the game sucks without it."

Hope this helps!