Buying Windows 7 - Cheapest option?

[MacGyvr]

Have you considered a Microsoft TechNet Subscription ?

FYI, Technet subscription software cannot be used in a production environment. It is legal for testing purposes only.

 

[pparks1]

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.

If you personally have more than 2 computers that you need Windows OS's installed onto, going with a Technet subscription is really the best bet. if you search for a discount key, you should be able to get that first year of Technet for around $260. And since Technet gives you Office...you really get your monies worth.

I once very much questioned whether this was ok for home use..rather than just testing. So, I called MS and got their stance. This was my post on the matter;
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/20444-technet-ok-use-home-computers.html

 

[imacken]

Guys, can I just clarify the situation here as I am a little confused by the whole Technet thing.
If I buy a single user Technet subscription for £234 (UK, not including any discounts), I can download and install Windows 7 on up to 10 PCs in my house. Also, I will be be able to download ISOs of Office 2010 and install them on the same (up to 10) PCs in my house?
Is this correct?
Is it the same Product Key for W7 for all installs?

 

[imacken]

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!)

 

[Tews]

You will be able to install it on all of the machines in your home... as well as any other software in the TechNet library... There is no expiration on your TechNet keys..

 

[imacken]

Thanks for that.
Is there one key per product, or per install?

 

[Tews]

You will get 10 keys per version ... 10 for ultimate, 10 for professional etc. Each key can be used 10 times before a call to MS is needed ( I think )

 

[imacken]

One more question, if the software is for 'evaluation' purposes only and not supposed to support a business, then why is there an option to input a VAT number at the purchase stage?
Sorry about all the questions!

 

[chrysalis]

for multi pc's go technet, I did and its well worth it.

as a bonus you get things like office as well.

technically you supposed to be testing it but eg. if you testing graphics drivers you covered.

 

[Barman58]

One more question, if the software is for 'evaluation' purposes only and not supposed to support a business, then why is there an option to input a VAT number at the purchase stage?
Sorry about all the questions!

The restriction is not one that relates to use in a business but a production environment, a subtle but important difference, a sole trader could reasonably use the software for development purposes, (testing compatibility, etc), but not for actually creating invoices, and such.

It is also quite possible for the same sole trader to be VAT registered, (even when trading under the VAT Registration limit, it is sometimes prudent to register, especially when dealing with mostly VAT registered clients)

 

[imacken]

Guys, I took out a subscription, but I'm still not clear whether I use the same key for multiple activations, or do I 'get another key' for each install?

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[imacken]

That's what I would have thought, but in post #27 Tews suggested 'you will get 10 keys per version ... 10 for ultimate, 10 for professional etc. Each key can be used 10 times before a call to MS is needed ( I think )'.

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[Zepher]

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

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[gamepoint]

read this..maybe it can help in any ways Seven perfectly legal ways to get Windows 7 cheap (or even free) | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com

 

[Zepher]

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.

 

[Zepher]

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.

 

[pparks1]

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.