Buying Windows 7 - Cheapest option?

[Coldout]

Hi, I am looking to buy Windows 7 now, as my RC is running out in a couple of weeks.

Which is my best option to buy in the UK?

I need about 3-5 copies, for all of our PC's.

Also I am wondering which versions to get, I have a server that uses XP and would like easy access via the LAN.

This might help a lot of others with where to buy. In other countries too.
So any bargains etc. please feel free to list them.

Cheers!

 

[DocBrown]

Have you considered a Microsoft TechNet Subscription ?

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Have you considered a Microsoft TechNet Subscription ?

That'd probably be the cheapest option. Especially if you need more then one copy.

 

[WindowsStar]

You could load the Windows XP (server) machine with Windows Server 2003. It has the same base code as XP and has full support for Windows 7.

 

[Coldout]

You could load the Windows XP (server) machine with Windows Server 2003. It has the same base code as XP and has full support for Windows 7.

The XP works no problem, was just mentioning it, incase it matters which version of Windows 7 is compatible(if there is any issues with different versions and XP machines via LAN).

Have you considered a Microsoft TechNet Subscription ?

I have not heard of this. What would we have to do going by this option.
Could you enlighten me?

Also, the possible 4 copies would be for the families PC's and used solely for home use - gaming mostly. 3 in this home and 1 in my brothers.

Thanks.

 

[richc46]

Welcome

Here is information on Technet. I hope that you find it useful

Microsoft - Technet

 

[WindowsStar]

We have had some issues with Windows 7 connecting to Windows XP. (i.e. Shared Printers, Shared Drives). With a TechNet Subscription you should be able to get Windows Server 2003 to resolve those issues. It depends completely on how you are using the Windows XP machine as a server. Just giving you a heads up. You may want to consider loading the Windows XP machine with Windows 7 (if the machine will support it) and that will make sure you do not have issues.

 

[Coldout]

Sorry for this, but I am not getting the Tech net idea. I can only find options for organizations.
No home user options. It seems to be that you rent software.

I was looking some kind of OEM version 5pack type option. Or the cheapest option to get Windows 7 on 3-5 PC's.

Excuse my ignorance.

 

[myzr7]

TechNet Plus Subscriptions: TechNet subscribers get TechNet Plus downloads and product keys, support, and more | Subscribe to TechNet Plus Subscriptions | Get Windows 7 Beta Now
try this link

 

[karlsnooks]

Another voice suggesting that you check out the TechNet subscription. I'll let the cat out of the bag-that subscription will entitle you to a limited number of Win7 keys for the Win7 ISO file you download from their site.

For many reasons, a technet subscription is worth its weight in gold.

 

[DocBrown]

Coldout,

This may be a better link to TechNet info

What are TechNet Plus subscriptions? | TechNet Plus Subscriptions


I get 10 Keys for Win7,

10 for Vista, 10 for XP, 10 for Office 2007, & soon Office 2010.

plus many other MS software to use personally on my own equipment.

 

[Coldout]

Thanks for the info.

I do have one last question I couldn't find info on.

Can I use one of these keys - Windows 7 on my brothers PC who is not at my address, or is this breaking the rules of TechNet subscription? All the PC's are just for home use, gaming, web browsing, not work related.

Once again thank you for the help, would never have thought of this option.

 

[theog]

Thanks for the info.

I do have one last question I couldn't find info on.

Can I use one of these keys - Windows 7 on my brothers PC who is not at my address, or is this breaking the rules of TechNet subscription? All the PC's are just for home use, gaming, web browsing, not work related.

Once again thank you for the help, would never have thought of this option.

Did he move in, & move out.

 

[Tepid]

no, you do not want to be giving your keys out to everyone.
If you get found out in that way, they will blacklist all your keys and ban you from Technet and MSDN and other programs.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Technet subscriptions are for "Home" or "Developer" use -- not meant to be used for PRODUCTION or Commercial purposes.

You CAN use technet subscriptions for developing software which you later deploy to other LICENSED machines which CAN be used commercially.

You get up to 10 keys per product -- so if you have more than one computer you can get another key.

I'd imagine you wouldn't be breaking the license by installing on another home computer provided this computer wasn't used in a commercial or production environment.

Sharing a technet subscription between a number of users might also be legal -- I haven't found anything forbidding this --so if you have say 3 people at an address there isn't any problem in taking a subscription out and splitting the cost 3 ways.

For a small number of computers the Technet subscription IMO is a NO BRAINER -- well worth every cent / eurocent / kronour / rouble etc etc.

Look also for "Promo discount codes too" -- these will sometimes give up to a 40% discount depending on where you live.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Tepid]

After further consideration I have decided to remove the data in this post.

Good Luck and have fun.
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/subscriptionschart.aspx

 

[hclarkjr]

you have to remember also these keys are only good for 10 activations.

 

[Tepid]

It is not just 10 activations and you are done. You get 10 licenses for as long as you need them, which from my understanding is forever or till they blacklist them.

 

[Coldout]

That latest info has muddied the water. Now confused as to my best and safest option.

After chatting with my brother, he has 2 children who are also using W7 on their PC's bring the total number of copies I will need to 6. Looking at roughly £600


I do remember buying bulk pack OEM versions of XP years ago. Cannot find any such packs for Seven on the net so far.


TechNet did seem like a great idea. Just seems no clear usage policy for home users.
Would be silly to subscribe only to have to buy 6 copies of W7 a few weeks later, because rules are broken and the account closed.


I guess I just didn't expect this Widnows 7 shutdown to come at me at this moment in time. With so many of the family using it, it is looking to be costly.

 

[Frostmourne]

That latest info has muddied the water. Now confused as to my best and safest option.

After chatting with my brother, he has 2 children who are also using W7 on their PC's bring the total number of copies I will need to 6. Looking at roughly £600


I do remember buying bulk pack OEM versions of XP years ago. Cannot find any such packs for Seven on the net so far.


TechNet did seem like a great idea. Just seems no clear usage policy for home users.
Would be silly to subscribe only to have to buy 6 copies of W7 a few weeks later, because rules are broken and the account closed.


I guess I just didn't expect this Widnows 7 shutdown to come at me at this moment in time. With so many of the family using it, it is looking to be costly.

Buy 6 OEM x64 copies of Home Premium to save cash.