 | Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years. Thanks, CNET Support |
Hi has anyone here using the Windows 7 Professional downloaded from MSDNAA website? I am wondering how long the license for the OS will be valid for? Also what is the differences of this version and the version we buy from shops??
Discussion is locked
"you cannot use it for generic personal use, nor for commercial use."
This means you should not see this version too often outside of academic situations. You will find folk that want to stretch the limits and some will even demand support from MSFT for this one.
Bob
1.) Only students taking at least one for-credit course in a department with an MSDN-AA agreement may download/install available software.
2.) The software may only be used for educational/instructional and research purposes; you cannot use it for generic personal use, nor for commercial use. Windows, specifically, may only be installed in order for you to run other MSDN-AA software.
3.) The license remains valid for life, even after the licensing agreement with Microsoft expires, you complete the course, etc. However, you must continue to follow the conditions in #2, and you are not entitled to future downloads, version updates (ex: Windows 7 to Windows 
, etc. once your access to MSDN-AA is terminated, for whatever reason.
4.) It is not a basis for purchasing future Upgrade licenses.
Aside from the licensing differences, essentially restricting to use for departmental course work, it is exactly the same as the retail version, with the DVDs being interchangeable.
Hope this helps,
John
Personal use is simply that. I'm encounter folk that feel entitled to the product. Even more so they feel entitled to tech support for this version.
It's going to be interesting how many will flame over not have a free Windows OS.
Bob
There might be someone in your educational area of interest department who can better tell you whether or not you qualify for this version and can explain the limitations to using this version.
On Second thought.... if you qualify for MSDNAA then you probably qualify for a student-discounted version ($30) of Windows 7 Home Premium. Just Bing or Google "Windows 7 student deal" and you will see what I am talking about. This version has many less constraints than the MSDNAA version 
Generic personal use means i am using it outside the school?? Also about the promotion can i get it in Asia?? I am from Malaysia
It (the Windows license) is given to you so that you can run other MSDN-AA software necessary to complete your assignments and enhance your education in the department that granted you access to the MSDN-AA software. Installing it so you can chat with friends, watch videos, play games, etc. is prohibited. Checking your personal email while working on an assignment is one thing, but remember the license is for academic use.
As to qualifications, your university must have a licensing agreement with Microsoft. Ask the head of your department if such an agreement exists; if so, great; if not, too bad. As Jeff said, you likely qualify for a $30 license anyway, which is not restricted to academic use. That is your best option to avoid licensing issues.
John
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic