Bay 12 Games Forum

Finally... => Life Advice => Topic started by: Nadaka on November 25, 2009, 12:12:21 am

Title: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Nadaka on November 25, 2009, 12:12:21 am
I have access to almost the entire Microsoft catalog of software for the last 15+ years from having an MSDN subscription. All of it is legal, however my subscription may soon expire but I have a stack of DVDs. What should I download?

I already have:
Vista Home/Premium/Professional/Ultimate/Enterprise x86/x64
2008 development stack

I am downloading windows 7 now, also planning on grabbing ms dos and win 3.1 while I still can.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: eerr on November 25, 2009, 03:18:46 am
What can't you download?
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Mr Tk on November 25, 2009, 08:12:27 am
Home Server for S&G
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Dasleah on November 25, 2009, 03:13:22 pm
Why bother downloading anything for the sake of downloading? Seems a waste of bandwidth to me if all you're going to do is just let them gather dust.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: codezero on November 25, 2009, 03:39:30 pm
You'd be nuts not to get ms-dos for all those classic games. What is it 6.2?
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Nadaka on November 25, 2009, 03:58:54 pm
Why bother downloading anything for the sake of downloading? Seems a waste of bandwidth to me if all you're going to do is just let them gather dust.

Not only can I download them, I can get valid product keys so that I can use them as well. Though the licensing agreement wont allow me to transfer those keys to anyone else. The point is that I can get some rare and useful software that I would not otherwise have access to. I am installing windows 7 this weekend on at least one computer, more if I like it. I'll have to check but I think I can get xp enterprise, that does not need to phone home for activation. After this year, xp will be software that is otherwise unavailable without resorting to something illegal if I cant get it this way.

And yes, I did download ms dos 6.22 for access to old games. You can not legally buy copies anywhere, and I doubt anyone is actually selling the originals second hand for less than an arm and a leg. It is only available from MSDN. I am also getting ms project, the robotics toolkit and xna toolkit. IIRC the last one is technically available to anyone for free, but I think being able to write xbox games could prove fun/useful.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: eerr on November 25, 2009, 09:43:08 pm
Grab a copy of xp.
Just incase you need a microsft operating system that works.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Strife26 on November 27, 2009, 01:02:51 am
Everything you can, you never know when it'll be useful.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Sevrun on November 27, 2009, 03:25:10 am
I'd agree.  grab it all.  One thing a Marine never turns down is free goodies.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Uber dwarf2.0 on November 28, 2009, 11:15:39 pm
If you still got some more CD/DvDs it's always helpful t have a second or third copy of your operating system. That stuff costs a bunch
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Nadaka on November 29, 2009, 12:43:20 am
It turns out my subscription is lasting longer than I thought, I have the better part of a year to get everything. Spent today setting up my pc with windows 7, its definitely an improvement over vista.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: DJ on November 29, 2009, 03:08:37 pm
I don't suppose games published by Microsoft are on the list?
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Nadaka on November 29, 2009, 05:13:36 pm
I don't suppose games published by Microsoft are on the list?

nope.
Title: Re: Microsoft software download spree.
Post by: Hippoman on November 29, 2009, 10:13:18 pm
I have access to almost the entire Microsoft catalog of software for the last 15+ years from having an MSDN subscription. All of it is legal, however my subscription may soon expire but I have a stack of DVDs. What should I download?

I already have:
Vista Home/Premium/Professional/Ultimate/Enterprise x86/x64
2008 development stack

I am downloading windows 7 now, also planning on grabbing ms dos and win 3.1 while I still can.

renew the subscription. THen download everything/.