FREE Microsoft software for students and faculty members

[beGi]

Yes, Microsoft cares for us (or for itself, think about it..). If you are student (or faculty member), you can get free MS software (at least apps I was searching were free, probably others are, don’t know if it varies from country to country). How? Simple, through MSDN Academic Alliance program. First, you must check if your University is included in this program, check it here, if it is, great, if it’s not, bad luck. Now, you have found your University, you clicked Get Software, but you must LogIn, to do that contact the MSDNAA Program Administrator (PA) on your campus to get UserName and Password to get acces to site (IT section or somewhere else, ask around, I got it our library, but hey, I live in Croatia, here everything is upside down). When you do that, you're good to go. I’ve pasted most important FAQ’s bellow, but read it all once you log in. The offered goods include:

.NET Framework 1.1 SDK
Access 2003 & 2007
Compute Cluster Pack
Compute Cluster Pack SDK
Exchange Server Enterprise Edition 2003 & 2007
Exchange Server Standard Edition 2007
Expression Blend
Expression Studio
Expression Web
InfoPath 2003 & 2007
IT Academy Course: Database Developer
IT Academy Course: Web Developer
IT Academy Course: Windows Client
IT Academy Course: Windows Developer
IT Academy Course: Windows Server
MapPoint 2006
MSDN Library – April 2007
MSDN Library CD1 & CD 2& CD3 (Jan 2004)
Office Groove 2007
Office Groove Server 2007
Office SharePoint Server 2007; Enterprise & Standard
OneNote 2003
Project Professional 2003 & 2007
Project Server 2003
SharePoint Designer 2007
SQL Server 2000
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition 32 & 64-bit
SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition 32 & 64-bit
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition 32-bit
Virtual PC 2004
Virtual Server 2005 Standard Edition R2 x64
Visio for Enterprise Architects
Visio Professional 2003 & 2007
Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition
Visual J# .NET
Visual J# 2005 Express Edition
Visual SourceSafe 2005 & 6.0d
Visual Studio .NET Professional 2002 & 2003
Visual Studio .NET Academic Student Tools 2003
Visual Studio .NET Academic Teaching Tools 2003
Visual Studio .NET Pro 2002
Visual Studio 2005 Professional & Standard
Visual Studio 2005 Team Foundation Server & Team Suite
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition x86 & x64
Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition
Windows 2000 Advanced Server with SP4
Windows 2000 Server with SP4
Windows Embedded CE 6.0
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition 32 & 64-bit
Windows Server 2003 Web Edition
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise & Standard
Windows Services for UNIX 3.0
Windows Vista Business 32 & 64-bit
Windows XP Professional SP2 32 & 64-bit


NOTE: This topic was approved by BillM. Distribution of this software or anything else than personal use is felony in all countries.

Important FAQ's:

Q. How do I get registered?
A: Contact the PA (Program Administrator) at your school to see if you are eligible to download software from this System. Your PA's contact email information can be found on the support page.

Q: How do I download software?
A: You must login before you are able to download. Once logged in, you may select the product that you want to download from the products page. Click on the Add To Cart button to begin the ordering process. At the end of your order, click on the "download" link and you will be taken to the download page - click on the button to download and install your software. If you have further questions, please contact the PA (Program Administrator) at your school. Your PA's contact email information can be found in the support page.

Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?
A: Yes, as long as you are the owner of both computers and both are being used for instructional purposes. NOTE: If you require another key for a product you must contact the PA (program administrator) at your school. Your PA's contact email information can be found in the support page. Click on the Support button above. Also, friends, family and colleagues not currently enrolled in a course that is part of an MSDNAA department are not allowed to access or use the software available from this website

Q: I have a new computer now, how can I re-install my software?
A: You are allowed to install the software more than once based at the discretion of the program administrator and the software distribution method chosen (i.e. Download, Cd Check Out). Note: if you purchase a Mail Order product (CD media sales method of distribution) you will need to go through the Microsoft Customer Care Center for support: 1-800- 936-5700 in North America/ World Wide 1-800-249-8314. If you have further questions, please contact the PA (Program Administrator) at your school. Your PA's contact email information can be found in the support page.

Q: If my download times out or I get disconnected, how do I continue my software download and installation?
A: If you were in the middle of downloading the software itself, there will be a shortcut icon saved on your desktop that will allow you to resume your download. Double-click on the icon to begin again. If you don't see the shortcut icon on your computer desktop, you can request a re-installation by contacting your program administrator.

Q: Does the license (or "key") permanently unlock the software?
A: No - the key allows you to install the software once. If you need to re-install the software, you will need to contact the PA (Program Administrator) at your school. Your PA's contact email information can be found in the support page.

Q: Where can I find the serial key for my software?
A: If you have downloaded (or borrowed a CD from school) you can find the serial number for your product in the following manner:
1. Log-in to the site
2.Click on the MYSOFTWARE button found on the left side of the page
3. Choose the software in question and click the LINK found under Deliverable (i.e. Download, CD Check Out, etc))
4. You should be able to see all of the software details information including the serial key number (If one is required).
Please note, if you have received mail order product, the serial key will be located on a yellow sticker on the back of the CD sleeve.

Q: My serial key issues an invalid message, can I get a new one?
A: In order to request a new key you will need to contact your program administrator.

Q: How Do I unlock my account?
A: In order to unlock your account you will need to contact your program adminstrator. Please click on the Support button (above) to find the contact information for your program administrator.

Q: Do MSDNAA products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market?
A: Yes, a product purchased through the MSDNAA program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market.

Q: Can I keep the CD media after I receive it?
A: Yes, if you purchase the CD media and pay for shipping and handling, you do not have to return the media. It is yours to keep.


That's all what I had to say.... Take your pick, and be constructive and learn something…… Enjoy

[fuscob]

MSDNAA is a great program and it costs schools very little. I help administrate ours at my university and it's very popular with students, but whether that is for learning purposes or just to get free software remains to be seen

However, your topic is a bit misleading - the software is not available to ALL students and faculty members, only the ones whose school or university has chosen to offer (and pay for) the MSDNAA program. Also, you should keep in mind that MSDNAA software is licensed only for educational use in conjunction with related coursework; it cannot be used for commercial purposes and should really only be used for learning how the software works.

[beGi]

You are correct, however, I do not claim it's free for every student on planet (that's why I posted second link), and I gave warning about software usage. Cheers....

[crashnburn]

Do you have to be enrolled full time? Or certain credit hours to qualify?

[beGi]

It seems that that depends on your university terms, here where I am, it's free for all, but fuscob says that is little different on his university. Ask person (section) that manages MSDNAA program on your university (be sure it's included in program ), and you'll know for sure....

Cheers