Obtaining free isos of enterprise level sw

[Red Squirrel]

Does MS offer any kind of special program or way of getting stuff like exchange, sql, etc for free but limited to use for only learning environments? I want to start studying for my MCSE/A so I want to setup the latest version of windows, exchange, sql and other MS based products in a test environment and just play around with it. Would have to be fully functional but if its limited to say, 5 users then its a non issue in my case.

 

[George P Burdell]

If you're a college student, you can get most Microsoft software for free. Otherwise, your next best bet is Microsoft Technet. There's a coupon floating around that gives you a 1-year subscription for $99.

 

[Scooby Doo]

The coupon died, unless theres a new one going around. Also theres a 120? day version of 2003.

 

[George P Burdell]

Also, there are trial versions available for use with Virtual PC 2007:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb738372.aspx

 

[wwswimming]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Does MS offer any kind of special program or way of getting stuff like exchange, sql, etc for free but limited to use for only learning environments?

yes. Microsoft Dreamspark -

https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/Products.aspx

Visual Studio 2005
VS 2008
SQL Server
etc.

but you do need a student ID.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I'm employed full time so guess I'm out of luck then. Though I can always take a look at the trials. VM snapshots are FTW.

 

[Rangoric]

SQL Server express is pretty much full featured but the higher end parts of it are not in there. One idea might be a Virtual Server hosted somewhere that installs that software for you.

That would give you access to the software in a remote fashioin but still let you play.