Microsoft Launched DreamSpark

For those who don't know about this program here is an intro , Way back sometimes Microsoft Started releasing "Express Editions" Which were Free But with limited version release of their Development Tools Like Visual Studio 2003. These release were targeted to Student Developers who didn't have enough funds to Buy the actual RTM Suite so there came the "Express Edition" to their resque.

Now the same thing has just grown bigger and more mightier by Microsoft . Now They are giving away their Design and Development tools for Free to students at no Charge at all !!!

Microsoft Said

Microsoft is giving its valuable software developer and design tools directly to students worldwide at no charge! This site enables students, like you, to download professional-level Microsoft developer tools to advance your learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science and engineering activities.

Q : What is DreamSpark ?

Ans :  If you’re a current university or high school student, you can download professional Microsoft developer, designer, and gaming software through DreamSpark at no charge. DreamSpark enables Microsoft is giving its valuable software developer and design tools directly to students worldwide at no charge! DreamSpark enables students, to download professional-level Microsoft developer tools to advance their learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science and engineering activities.Through DreamSpark Students get to download software at no charge. DreamSpark enables students, to download and use Microsoft tools to unlock their creative potential and set them on the path to academic and career success by advancing your learning in the areas of technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering! It doesn’t matter what classes they are taking right now, just as long as they are  a current student in a verified, accredited School and use the tools in pursuit of advancing their education in one of these areas.

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Q : Which softwares are currently being given through this program ?

Ans : The following Full Programs are currently being provided through DreamSpark.

1. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition
   
2. Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
   
3. Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
   
4. Microsoft Expression Studio 1.0
   
5. Microsoft Expression Studio 2 Trial Edition (includes Web, Blend, Media, and Design)
   
6. Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition
   
7. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition
   
8. IT Academy Student Pass

Along with Them Following Tools can also be downloaded.

1. SQL Server 2008 Express Edition
   
2. Visual Studio 2008 Express Edition
   
3. XNA Game Studio 2.0 (with 12-month Creators Club Student trial membership)
   
4. Virtual PC 2007
   
5. Visual Basic 2005 Express
   
6. Visual C++ 2005 Express
   
7. Visual C# 2005 Express
   
8. Visual Web Developer 2008 Express
   
9. Visual Basic 2008 Express
   
10. Visual C++2008 Express
    
11. Visual C# 2008 Express
    

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Q : What do you have to do to get the Software ?

Ans : In order to get this software at no charge, you will be asked to establish or verify your student status once every 12 months. Verification of valid student status will enable students from around the globe to download Microsoft developer and design tools at no charge.  

Note: You must be at least 18 years old or have otherwise reached the age of majority in the place (province, state or country) where you live, or if not, your parent or legal guardian must accept the Microsoft DreamSpark software license terms on your behalf, in order for you to download and use the software.

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Q : What is the Difference Between the Microsoft Software we buy and the one that is being offered through DreamSpark .

Ans : DreamSpark has the same, completely-loaded Microsoft software that professional developers buy. However, through DreamSpark, Microsoft is providing this software directly to students , at no charge, to advance them learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science and engineering activities. Microsoft want to give them the chance to explore the software tools used in business today to help prepare them to be a member of the next generation of developers and designers!

Being a Software and Web Developer myself I atleast think that its a very great and Noble step taken by Microsoft.

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Q : How can you download the softwares which are being offered through DreamSpark ?

Ans : The software download link on each DreamSpark software page allows you to download either an executable file or an ISO image file. Some Microsoft software on DreamSpark requires a license key (an activation key) to activate the software. If a license key is required, you’ll see a link for the license key download right next to the download link for the software bits on the software page. If you don’t see a license key download link, that means the license key is already embedded in the software and does not need to be downloaded separately. The download process for ISO images allows you to create a bootable disc that you can then install onto your computer in case the machine you downloaded with was not yours. Unlike an executable file, the downloadable ISO image must be placed onto a disc or virtual drive before installation can occur. In order to properly download software, you must choose one of the following two options: burn the ISO image to a CD/DVD disc or mount the ISO image.

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Q : Can you Download all of the Suites and Tools offered through DreamSpark ?

Ans : Yes !! , But as long as you are a Verified Student.

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Q : From where can I see the details and the Download links for the Suites and Tools offered through DreamSpark ?

Ans : You will find details regarding the DreamSpark Products both here or at their official Site

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Come again to see the Product Details in my Next Post(s).