The main difference between the TechNet Standard offering and the Pro offering is the standard subscription lacks some enterprise software and it also comes without the two complimentary professional support calls. All software must be downloaded by the subscriber as no media is included in this tier.
Learn more about TechNet Subscriptions at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/default.aspx.
Free stuff
** Amazon.com Video on Demand offers a $10 credit for free when you follow them on Twitter. After you follow them, you will be sent a code within 48 hours which can be redeemed for the credit. The code can be used to purchase select TV shows, such as 30 Rock, House, The Office, Battlestar Galactica and other. This deal ends Wednesday. To get this deal follow @AmazonVideo on Twitter. Enter the code they send you on Amazon.com. Choose an individual TV show or a TV season and click on Buy. See http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dv_twitter_followpromoMRT?ie=UTF8&docId=1000519721 for details.
** If you love desktop publishing, you can get Serif PagePlus Starter Edition for free at http://www.serif.com/desktop-publishing-software/. This drag and drop software package lets a user create many things such as business cards, posters, flyers, newsletters, menus and brochures. It is easy to use and comes with a built-in word processor with a spell checker. Users can also import text and Word files or flow text into their projects.
System requirements include a PC running Windows XP/Vista or Windows 7 operating system, 512MB RAM, 100MB free hard disk space, 1024 x 600 monitor resolution, a DVD drive and mouse.
Net buzzz
Students can now get Windows 7 Professional Upgrade Edition for $29.99. To qualify, you need a valid e-mail address from a U.S. college. Proof of enrollment may need to be given. To find out if you are eligible, click Buy Now and then enter your school e-mail address. Shortly afterwards, instructions for making the purchase will arrive via e-mail.
The purchase will come in the form of a download that must be burnt to a DVD. Pay an additional $13 for backup media in the form of a DVD that will be sent via mail for those not familiar with burning discs.
On the promotion page, Microsoft is also offering students Office Professional Academic 2010 for $79.95. This software is identical to Office Professional 2010, which costs everyone else $499.
Remember this is the upgrade version, so it must be deployed on a system that already has XP or Vista installed. Be sure to back up your important data before you begin because the hard drive will be wiped clean before the installation occurs.
Learn more at http://www.microsoft.com/student/office/en-us/default.aspx.
E-mail me at sheila@amnews.com; fax me at (859) 236-9566; or write me snail mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
