Planning on installing Windows 7 on ALOT of computers.

Codfish said:

But what is that MSDN license and how is it different from a Technet license?

MSDN is for developers, TechNet is for IT. MSDN is a "higher" level than TechNet: depending on the MSDN level, you could get a lot more software with MSDN (including stuff like MapPoint, Streets and Trips, Visual Studio, Expression Studio, etc), and the MSDN licenses are less restrictive, too: TechNet is limited solely to evaluation, whereas MSDN allows for testing, development, and demonstration. So if you have a computer whose sole "production" purpose is to be used for software development, then you can use a MSDN license on it for "production".

(Also, of the Office licenses you get from MSDN, one of them can be used for "any purpose" without restriction; TechNet does not get this perk.)

But for all of MSDN's awesomeness over TechNet, it's also much more expensive, and the people who have them are usually developers who get it through their work.

I think it's utterly outrageous for Microsoft to charge you for multiple copies for your own PERSONAL use. I have two desktops and one laptop. I'd at least expect it would be reasonable to be able to legally use a copy of Windows on your main PC and your laptop (I believe you can with Office 2007). Normal people just can't afford to buy copies for each and every PC they own. No wonder the pirates always win.

Here in the UK you can get Home premium copy for £45= $74 USD,(PC World,) it's a special offer until end of Augus. Does the USA have anything similar?

ilesal said:

Does the USA have anything similar?

We had something similar, but it was only from June 26 through July 11. For people who missed it, they can still get the same (per unit) price via the family pack (assuming that the prices leaked by some retailers turn out to be accurate).

srq2625 said:

P.S. - I'm really not a MS fanboy - I just get a little hot when people discuss/advocate violation of copyright.

I've also got issues with violating copyrights. What drives me crazy is when somebody compares 2 similar products, for example, Photoshop-vs-TheGimp. They go on and on and tell you how great Photoshop is and how superior of an application it is on every level. Then you ask them, did you pay the $600 for it????? And they respond, "Hell no, I got it from a torrent, man". Who can afford $600. So, i usually respond, "So you like it better, but it's not $600 better"? To which they respond, it's worth every penny...but they just aren't going to pay for it.

Same thing happens from time to time in Linux versus Windows debates. You always here that Linux is too hard, or why use it when I can get Windows for free. However, if people HAD to purchase every copy of Windows they use legitimately...I wonder how many would try out another product and learn to overcome some or it's shortcomings.

I've got no problems with Windows. I use it every single day. But you have to take it for what it is, viruses, trojans and cost included.

Dakana said:

I think it's utterly outrageous for Microsoft to charge you for multiple copies for your own PERSONAL use. I have two desktops and one laptop. I'd at least expect it would be reasonable to be able to legally use a copy of Windows on your main PC and your laptop (I believe you can with Office 2007). Normal people just can't afford to buy copies for each and every PC they own. No wonder the pirates always win.

If you're a home user they expect you to purchase Home Premium, which is why they FINALLY offer a family pack. Apple has been doing this for years; I don't know why it took Microsoft so long to see the light. I'll probably pick up a Home Premium Family Pack once it hits retail.

sonyman said:

If you're a home user they expect you to purchase Home Premium, which is why they FINALLY offer a family pack. Apple has been doing this for years; I don't know why it took Microsoft so long to see the light. I'll probably pick up a Home Premium Family Pack once it hits retail.

Actually I wasn't aware of the family pack. Is this a new thing? I never heard about it with past editions of Windows. It certainly sounds a lot more reasonable.