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TechNet software, my first experience, have ??

M

Maverick2002

Diamond Member
We just purchased a subscription to TechNet (mainly to get our hands on Windows 7 early) here at work, and I'm having a hard time getting some questions answered. In particular:

1) My understanding is that this is full featured, evaluation-only software, but without time limits. Is this correct?
2) If I don't renew the subscription, does all the software installed through TechNet become de-activated once the subscription is over?
3) Is there any functional difference between a TechNet "version" of Windows and a retail version?
 
Originally posted by: Maverick2002
We just purchased a subscription to TechNet (mainly to get our hands on Windows 7 early) here at work, and I'm having a hard time getting some questions answered. In particular:

1) My understanding is that this is full featured, evaluation-only software, but without time limits. Is this correct?
2) If I don't renew the subscription, does all the software installed through TechNet become de-activated once the subscription is over?
3) Is there any functional difference between a TechNet "version" of Windows and a retail version?
Click to expand...

1) yes, the software is legal for testing purposes only.
2) No, the software stays active for as long as you have it (So long as you don't uninstall it, Even then, I think the license remains active)
3) No functional difference. It is for testing purposes, so putting in quirky behavior would be a bad thing.
 
What do you mean by quirky behavior?

I understand it's for testing purposes only, but doesn't this more or less imply that Windows Server 2008 R2 can be purchased for $350???? I would think MS would circumvent that somehow.
 
Originally posted by: Maverick2002
What do you mean by quirky behavior?

I understand it's for testing purposes only, but doesn't this more or less imply that Windows Server 2008 R2 can be purchased for $350???? I would think MS would circumvent that somehow.
Click to expand...

The license agreement for TechNet software says (in non-legal terms) that you can only use it for testing, and cannot use it in a Production environment. If you use it in a Production environment, then you are using Pirated software...it's basically the same as installing an illegal copy.
 
Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Gotcha .. so the point of TechNet is to just get a hands-on experience with various MS software and get tech support?
Click to expand...

Correct. Technet is designed to be used in a test/R&D environment. Putting any software obtained thru Technet into an actual production environment is a violation of the license terms.
 
MS has three wide-spread subscription systems for IT folks:

MSDN - for use by a developer for development and testing. Not for production use.
TechNet - for use by an IT professional for evaluation. Not for production use.
Action Pack - for use by IT professionals for evaluation and for running their business.

It appears these licenses are often used for purposes not allowed by Microsoft's license. While individual home users can probably get away with this, if a business under audit by the BSA was found to be using the software inappropriately, the results may not be pretty.
 
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