Life after TechNet

Anyone have a plan for testing Microsoft material after they phase out TechNet? I am struggling to see how I will have labs and maintain a legal stance; especially since the newer OS installs require a key which cannot be skipped. I'd hate to resort to cracked copies like I did in the XP days. Any input?

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joehalford01

Switching career goals to Linux..... seriously though, no good suggestions here other then getting copies from work to use in lab scenarios. Definitely a bummer to people without access to stuff.

cyberguypr

Easy. Use the 180 day trial version most products offer.

paul78

Also Microsoft is making previous versions of products available for the same free 180 day trial for testing and evaluation. It actually seems like a decent compromise.

Asif Dasl

Become a Microsoft Partner? You will get the latest software through that... it's not as easy as getting the TechNet subscription though. But if you want a home lab running legit it's the only way left, other than using trials as previously mentioned.

jibbajabba

Asif Dasl wrote: »

Become a Microsoft Partner?

Cheaper to just buy a MSDN subs.

langfod

jibbajabba wrote: »

Cheaper to just buy a MSDN subs.

I thought the MPN Development & Design Action Pack was only $429?

Asif Dasl

jibbajabba wrote: »

Cheaper to just buy a MSDN subs.

$329 according to this link Vs $699 without Exchange & SharePoint ($6119 with Exchange & SharePoint).

There is a bit of a hassle with the partner survey I gather but I'd say it's probably worth it in the long run.

Mishra

Get used to this command:

slmgr.vbs /rearm

MrAgent

coty24

Mishra wrote: »

Get used to this command:

slmgr.vbs /rearm

lmbo man!

About7Narwhal

You can only rearm 3 times. Ideally a lab would not run that long, but it would suck should you hit the limit.

sratakhin

So, what's the big deal? I see black screens (Windows not activated blah-blah-bah crap) on my lab machines and it doesn't really bother me.

About7Narwhal

MSKB 925582 wrote:

Out-of-grace reduced functionality mode

If Windows Vista is running in out-of-grace reduced functionality mode, you cannot perform the following actions:
Play built-in games

The games that are included with Windows Vista are unavailable in reduced functionality mode.

Use premium features

Windows Vista premium features such as Aero Glass, ReadyBoost, and BitLocker are unavailable in reduced functionality mode.

Log on for more than one hour

In reduced functionality mode, you can only remain logged on to Windows Vista for one hour.

Windows 7 was kind enough to extend that log out to 2 hours. I am not talking about non-genuine, I mean no activation at all.

sratakhin

Hm... I guess I never stayed logged on for more than two hours as I never noticed this effect.