Licenses for lab work?
Hello ITProTV! Was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. What is the easiest/cheapest way to get your hands on some licenses for Windows Server 2016, Exchange Server 2016, SQL, etc. for personal and educational purposes? In the past I've heard that individuals can sign up with some kind of program and renew annually to receive licenses, does that still exists? Any idea how much and how to get started?
Regards,
Adam Tyler
Look for the Technet Evaluation Center. This gives you time limited editions of some of the OSes as well as apps. The time may be for 30 days or 180 days or even less. They do not need activation keys. After a period of time, they will tell you your evaluation period will end and give you opportunity to purchase.
Thanks Ronnie, I recall Microsoft having a TechNet subscription model in the past that gave you licenses that didn't expire. Do you know if anything like that still exists? Again still to be used for education and training purposes.
Regards,
Adam Tyler
You can you use KMS keys to get past the installation screen but they do not activate the SKU. Google Appendix A: KMS this will get you some keys you can use with regular SKUs from Microsoft but you won't use them forever.
I did a little more research here and it looks like my information was just out of date. Microsoft killed the technet subscription I am interested in back in 2013. Here is a good article about it:
Regards,
Adam Tyler
This evaluation center will give you access to the OS that will help you for a time limitation. Your other option is find someone who can get you a SKU of the OS you're desiring to install but not activate.
This along with the KMS keys I linked to above will help you to install and use for the time limitation until it requires you to enter a real key to activate.
Thanks Ronnie! Other option is to work as a consultant for a Microsoft partner that has MPN keys and related ISOs. You just have to got back to consulting.. Boo!
Regards,
Adam Tyler
