Buying Windows 7 - Cheapest option?

Use the same key if you are installing or reinstalling on the same machine. If it's a different machine, then use a different key.

I think there are a certain number of times that a particular key can be activated...10 might be it.

My suggestion is to install your box, get base drivers on it, patch it, get it activated and then make a system image. Then from that point forward, just restore your system image rather than installing and you will always end up with an activated copy.

I've never had a need to call MS because I couldn't use a key.

pparks1 said:

Technet is not to be shared with any other person other than machines you personally own. I discussed this directly with Microsoft and they told me right over the phone that I could not buy Technet and then give a couple of my keys to my brother or my father.l

Simple way, your father and brother are your employees of your personal business testing your software with Windows 7.

btw, you get 40 Windows 7 Keys, 10 Ultimate, 10 Home Premium, 10 Professional, and 10 Home Premium N

Zepher said:

Simple way, your father and brother are your employees of your personal business testing your software with Windows 7.

Technet can not be used in a business environment. If you need to use the software in a business setting, you have to get an MSDN account...for example the Operating Systems account which I believe is $700 a year.

imacken said:

Anyone?
Also, can anyone say what happens to the existing licences if the Technet subscription is not renewed?
(I know there are posts on this but I'm still confused!)

Keys still function but you don't have access to the ISO downloads.

EDIT: mine expired 2/21/2010 and I still can download ISO's.

pparks1 said:

Zepher said:

Simple way, your father and brother are your employees of your personal business testing your software with Windows 7.

Technet can not be used in a business environment. If you need to use the software in a business setting, you have to get an MSDN account...for example the Operating Systems account which I believe is $700 a year.

explain this from the technet site,
Return on Investment with TechNet Plus

According to a recent case study, TechNet Plus provided the average business with a savings of approximately $7,095. When you break it down, that's an average of $4,313 saved in IT support, $1,158 saved with software evaluation, and $1,624 saved in IT career development.

Zepher said:

explain this from the technet site,
Return on Investment with TechNet Plus

According to a recent case study, TechNet Plus provided the average business with a savings of approximately $7,095. When you break it down, that's an average of $4,313 saved in IT support, $1,158 saved with software evaluation, and $1,624 saved in IT career development.

My interpretation would be that when IT professionals have their own personal TechNet subscriptions and have access to this software, they can better evaluate the needs of businesses and are in a better position to support the software that they do later decide to implement.

In a business setting, you typically get MSDN subscriptions for each employee that needs it. You don't usually just buy 1 subscription and share it among everybody in the office.

Same would apply to Technet. 1 subscription per person who will be installing and evaluating that software. Sure you could share it...but I'm just saying if you follow the license to a fault...that is what you get.

I know that I was told on the phone that I was not allowed to use any software from my Technet subscription in a business setting, either deploying, installing or supporting the software for a business. The business would be required to obtain licensing outside of the Technet program.