The Cheapest Way to Get Microsoft Software
Written by Alan Saturday, 3 July 2010 08:00
If you need more than, even, one copy of any particular Microsoft program, then Technet is, by far, the best way to go. Depending on what you need, there are three ways to go – Standard, Professional, and Professional with Media.
Now, let’s be clear, Technet is geared towards IT pros. It was put in place to allow for evaluation and testing of Microsoft software. But, that was when there was just a “pro” version. Now Microsoft has actually created a home version, known as “Standard”.
So what do you get with Standard? Basically, ten licenses for every software item except Enterprise. Microsoft’s chart, below, shows the details.
What software is included with “Standard”? The list is far too long to publish here, but if you want, you can get a list HERE. Just click the “Click here to download the full list of products” under “Software Evaluation” in the left-hand column. Suffice to say, the biggies – Windows 7 and Office 2010 – are on the list.
So, is a subscription worth it? Well, let’s say you have only one computer, and it’s running Vista and Office 2007. If you wanted to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium ($109.99 on Amazon) and Office 2010 Home and Office ($217.88 on Amazon) it would cost you $327.87. The Standard subscription to Technet? $199.00. Heck, Office alone is worth more than the subscription!
Now before you panic and think that when your one year subscription runs out all of your software will expire, it WILL NOT. The only thing that happens if you don’t renew is that you can’t download anything else. What you have is yours to keep.
That is what I use here for my PC’s and for my testing and reviews. I thought some of you might benefit as well.
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