Quick question; with reference to the following

'If you don't feel ready to join the testing Squad or don't have enough skills, you can still help by testing the applications from a user point of view (functionalities, description, etc...). For more information read article Help testing software.'

I am wanting to test/assist along these lines (and then maybe, when i have enough experience apply as a tester) and have done so for a few apps. Do i need to do so as per the QA checklist or, as I have been doing so far, from a general end-user perspective of basic looks, functionality, integration, navigation, completeness of app, etc?

I really would like to help but I dont want to damn any apps to the netherworlds as a result of not following the required QA process.

Any advice or suggestions would be welcome.