Microsoft Action Pack

[lilelvis2000]

You could get MSDN Premium, but it also has licencing issues. ie: it states that if you use the software for , say e-mail, that is not considered as appropriate use and you then are *supposed* to buy a licence of the OS and of Office. MSDN has seriously become crap for a one-man shop to use.

I lucked out. I went to one of these MSDN roadshows and they gave everyone - Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio Standard 2008. All the tools I need to do my work.

[VectraMan]

I'm confused. I did the stupid test, and got 9/10, more by luck than judgement.

But I'm not sure this is what I want anymore.

I have two problems. One is that my desktop (which came with OEM XP) is running the Windows 7 evaluation which apparently is about to start shutting itself down. And secondly, I need to test software inside VMs for different flavours of XP/Vista/W7 (and possibly Win2K but that's less of an issue).

Looking at the list available on the Action Pack, you get Windows 7, but an upgrade only, and it doesn't have XP. And you also don't get any of the home versions.

So maybe I want MSDN, but that's more than twice the price. But it seems for now I'm better off just buying a copy of Windows 7.

[BoredBloke]

Is there anywhere to get hold of replacement XP CDs? Mine has cracked and can't be used. Still have loads of keys though so just need the media to install from. I don't particularly want to get one from a torrent as you don't know what you'll be getting

[PAH]

Looking at the list available on the Action Pack, you get Windows 7, but an upgrade only, and it doesn't have XP. And you also don't get any of the home versions.

I seem to remember you get Windows 7 Ultimate with the Action Pack, which comes with XP Mode to allow you to run XP apps in a virtual environment, but more seamlessly than if you installed Virtual PC and then XP inside of that.

As for 'upgrade only', there are ways* of installing W7 upgrade as a clean install. Did it myself to ensure all that old Vista crap was properly replaced with W7.

*I think the simplest (and the method I used) was to boot from the CD, fresh install as normal but don't enter a product key when asked (so it goes into trial period mode), finish the install, then enter product key and activate once you're sure it's all working properly. Full/proper info available via google, that's how I originally found it!

[doodab]

I seem to remember you get Windows 7 Ultimate with the Action Pack, which comes with XP Mode to allow you to run XP apps in a virtual environment, but more seamlessly than if you installed Virtual PC and then XP inside of that.

As for 'upgrade only', there are ways* of installing W7 upgrade as a clean install. Did it myself to ensure all that old Vista crap was properly replaced with W7.

*I think the simplest (and the method I used) was to boot from the CD, fresh install as normal but don't enter a product key when asked (so it goes into trial period mode), finish the install, then enter product key and activate once you're sure it's all working properly. Full/proper info available via google, that's how I originally found it!

The MAPS windows 7 disks allow for a regular install, but the license is an upgrade license i.e. requires you have an existing OS license for the machine you're installing on.

[Clippy]

Logged onto my MAPS account earlier to see if and when Office 10 was going to be shipped but couldn't find the info.

Anyway, noticed they are making some changes to the MAPS subscription one of which, surprise surprise, is the cost.
However, they are bundling in a TechNet subscription which should be quite good for any techies.

Starting May 24, 2010, we will provide enhanced benefits to the Action Pack Solution Provider subscription and the download-only version will cost £259 (was £199) per annum plus VAT. If you would also like to receive physical media, the new price will be £319 (was £273) per annum plus VAT.

What's New
Microsoft Action Pack Solution Provider will continue to offer internal-use, full-version software, online technical support and sales resources to help you meet your sales goals, stay competitive and grow your business. And beginning 24 May, 2010 all current and new subscribers will receive expanded benefits, including:

• A TechNet Professional subscription (online Partner Edition) offering evaluation licences for full-version Microsoft software and access to the Microsoft TechNet Library and TechNet community Managed Forums
• Visibility in Microsoft customer directories
• The opportunity to recruit the most-qualified students with next-generation talent
• Sales skills training
• Access to quarterly support webinars

Also launching 24 May, 2010: Microsoft Action Pack Development and Design. This new subscription for developers and Web designers can help save you time and money with access to development and testing tools, the latest Microsoft products for internal business use and phone-based advisory hours for design and development guidance.

Full details here.

[AtW]

The MAPS windows 7 disks allow for a regular install, but the license is an upgrade license i.e. requires you have an existing OS license for the machine you're installing on.

That tulip is new - good thing we were subscribers to Action Pack even before new changes were rolled in...

[Durbs]

Logged onto my MAPS account earlier to see if and when Office 10 was going to be shipped but couldn't find the info.

Its was available within my MAPS download page before official release (10 x Pro licenses) so would guess they'd be shipping to physical media subscribers soon.

[Clippy]

Its was available within my MAPS download page before official release (10 x Pro licenses) so would guess they'd be shipping to physical media subscribers soon.

Nice one.

I wasn't able to check when I posted yesterday as the details specific to my account weren't available - think their server was down.

[lilelvis2000]

Not only is Office 2010 there. But so is Exchange and Sharepoint 2010.
I logged in to see the price of the new Dev Action Pack but I can't find it. I can't buy it at present as I have to wait for my current subscription to expire.