[Core]

Often, I see topics where students ask where they can get a specific software from Microsoft. As the professional versions of this software are quite expensive, students cannot afford them. However, Microsoft offers a program for high school and college students - DreamSpark, available for the students in the United States, Canada and some other countries. It allows students to get professional Microsoft software at no cost for learning purposes.

The software offered through this program:

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
  
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard
  
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition
  
• Microsoft Expression Studio 2
  
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
  
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003

The use of software is limited to learning purposes, but it will give a significant boost in the knowledge of how professional tools are used.

Every student that applies to DreamSpark will have to pass a verification process. From my experience, if your high school or university is not listed in the default list, you will have to send a high school transcript with personal information, that can be a proof that you are enrolled in that specific school. After you pass the verification process, you will be allowed to access the download page for the above mentioned products. A single product key will be provided for each product. No media is available at this moment.

This post has been edited by skyhawk133: 13 February 2009 - 10:42 AM

[Nykc]

I got all of these last year when we did this thread....

They are still offering this, good deal for students

[xerxes333]

Skyhawk already posted similar info about this opportunity http://www.dreaminco...wtopic85703.htm

Edit: missing word

This post has been edited by xerxes333: 13 February 2009 - 11:14 AM

[Core]

Quote

Skyhawk already posted similar info about this opportunity http://www.dreaminco...wtopic85703.htm

Edit: missing word

BizSpark and DreamSpark are two different programs. BizSpark is for businesses, while DreamSpark is for students.

[vik09]

Hmm... interesting. Haven`t heard about this before.

btw... Nice site design

[xerxes333]

Core, on 13 Feb, 2009 - 12:30 PM, said:

BizSpark and DreamSpark are two different programs. BizSpark is for businesses, while DreamSpark is for students.

Good point.

[skyhawk133]

Funny you posted this as I just got off the phone with the DreamSpark folks at Microsoft. They've sent me over some more info and we'll hopefully be doing some things with the program in the future.

This is a GREAT program for college and high school (still in Beta) students alike. Take advantage of it while you can and get some experience with MSoft tools, even if you don't plan on doing a lot of MSoft development, the opportunity to learn is awesome.

I'll be sharing some learning resources that microsoft provides free as well in the near future.

[Core]

Quote

I'll be sharing some learning resources that microsoft provides free as well in the near future.

That would be really great! That's true that the most important is the experience you gain while learning these development tools.

This post has been edited by Core: 13 February 2009 - 01:27 PM

[LaFayette]

MSDN Academic Alliance is another service that offers even more programs, but that's only if your school participating. Might be worth checking out in any case.

[AdamSpeight2008]

It would be nice if Microsoft did some way of attaining the Dream/Biz Spark Package for the impassioned coder that is neither a student or business.
Say they did competition similar to the HP one, where they selected various programing communities on the Internet (Dream In Code their first choice).

The winner would get the Complete package, runners up say get a big discount off the purchase price.
What form the competition I don't know.

Say a programming contest, that shows the capabilities of the Free Express Editions
They could be different categories.
Group Submission, (1st Team Foundation Server 2010)
Individual Submission.

The Application & Sourcecode is submitted to Microsoft to Judge.
This way the entire community Moderators included can enter.

[vik09]

WTF?!

Any one else got this?

[Core]

vik09, on 14 Feb, 2009 - 12:37 AM, said:

WTF?!

Any one else got this?

The issue with the security certificate is a known one. According to DreamSpark forums, it will be soon fixed.

[vik09]

Ok, at least it`s not my fault or something.

[NeoTifa]

Why can't Microsoft Office 2007 be included I already took advantage of these

[fuzzylunkinz]

Just use OpenOffice.org .

Thanks for this link! I'm not sure I'm going to bother with the professional development tools because I wouldn't need them (and I use open source software, anyway), but I'm going to look at everything else - I hear Server 2008 is Vista without the bloat. XNA is great and expression web seems like something to look at.

Wot's this, free training????