Is there a way to purchase different versions of Windows at a low cost?

[MaxT]

I'm studying for CompTIA A+, and I've just started up a new PC repair company.

I now realize that I'll need multiple operating systems to practice on for CompTIA, and to repair/reinstall on clients machines.

Is there a cheaper way of doing this than buying new licenses for every OS?

I'm running XP Home, so I have this. I also have a Windows 98 disk, so I've got those two covered (is anyone in the world really still running Win 98'?)

So I'll need:

Vista
Windows 7
XP Pro?

I've heard I can simply DL the OS's from torrent sites, which will be useful to repair others who have their original product key. I've also seen repair disks on eBay.

But I want the full versions to install in a virtual box for practice for CompTIA.

Is there a better way to do this instead of just buying full versions from a retail outlet?

Can I get student editions since I'm studying CompTIA?

Is it possible to download the OS's and just buy licence keys cheaply?


Many thanks in advance. Really appreciated.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Microsoft Action Pack
https://login.live.com/login.srf?wa...f%2fpartner.microsoft.com%2f40016455&id=42377

A collection of nearly every Microsoft product..some with multiple licenses, for you...the Microsoft Partner....to install, use, learn, in your own office. Not for resale.....just for you to use and learn.

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/Membership/action-pack-subscriptions.aspx

Stay far far away from torrents and other sources of illegal/cracked software...you'll just end up downloading "poisoned content" and building computers for clients that are infected with netbots/trojans.

Everything you need for legitimate professional work is available from Microsoft and your hardware vendors of the PCs.

 

[MaxT]

Thanks for that YeOldeStonecat!

Is this the one I want?

Action Pack Solution Provider (download software): 329 USD

https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/pages/membership/subscribe-action-pack-solution-provider.aspx

 

[Big Jim]

Am I rightin thinking that technet subscription also gives access to most MS software.

Oh and MaxT it isn't as simple as habing XP home and XP pro, or windows 7. There are various different versions of each software.

Windows 7 home premium 32bit OEM
windows 7 home premium 64bit OEM
Windows 7 home premium 32bit Retail
Windows 7 home premium 64bit Retail
Windows 7 proffesional 32bit OEM
...................

you get the idea yes ?

 

[codegreen]

That's the one. You get Action Pack licenses that let you download and use the software on your business computers. You also get a Technet subscription, which provides you with additional licenses to use for testing and learning purposes.

 

[MaxT]

Am I rightin thinking that technet subscription also gives access to most MS software.

Oh and MaxT it isn't as simple as habing XP home and XP pro, or windows 7. There are various different versions of each software.

Windows 7 home premium 32bit OEM
windows 7 home premium 64bit OEM
Windows 7 home premium 32bit Retail
Windows 7 home premium 64bit Retail
Windows 7 proffesional 32bit OEM
...................

you get the idea yes ?

So I could use the software from the action pack to repair clients machines?
I'm not sure it would be allowed as it says for "valuation purposes".

 

[MaxT]

Am I rightin thinking that technet subscription also gives access to most MS software.

Seems that it does:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/subscriptions/hh442910.aspx

I'm confused now -- which one? Does it matter?

TechNet Standard (Retail)
TechNet Professional (Retail)
TechNet Professional with Media (Retail)
Action Pack Solution Provider (download software)
Action Pack Solution Provider (download + physical media):

 

[rjframe]

The Action Pack lets you actually use the software -- you can run Windows Server, etc. for business use. TechNet is for learning and trial purposes -- you can't actually use it for real work.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

"2 Software is licensed for evaluation purposes only not for use in production environments."

For repair of your clients computers....use media from the computer vendor, from the client, and from the collection of disks that you will build over time in doing computer repairs for a living.

 

[tek9]

I'm studying for CompTIA A+, and I've just started up a new PC repair company.

I now realize that I'll need multiple operating systems to practice on for CompTIA, and to repair/reinstall on clients machines.

Is there a cheaper way of doing this than buying new licenses for every OS?

I'm running XP Home, so I have this. I also have a Windows 98 disk, so I've got those two covered (is anyone in the world really still running Win 98'?)

As far as I know, the CompTIA A+ exam doesn't cover Windows 98 anymore. It starts with Windows 2000, covering until Windows 7.

 

[Ralara]

Also remember you don't have to reformat/ partition a PC for multiple OSs, you can set up virtual PCs on one PC, one for each OS - much simpler

 

[MaxT]

I might just risk taking the exam without practicing on the multiple OS's. $300+ is still a fair lump. I have enough study material.

Does anyone who took A+ remember how in depth the exam goes into OS specific questions?