Microsoft Dreamspark: Free Windows Server, SQL Server, and Visual Studio

Microsoft Dreamspark is a program with the hopes of nabbing students in academia by giving away free software. According to the Dreamspark FAQ:

Are only students from major school or cities able to access the Microsoft software available on the DreamSpark site?
No way! The whole point of the Internet is to bring everyone around the world together, right? So it doesn’t matter what size your School is or where it is. We only ask that it’s an accredited school and that your student status be verified. DreamSpark is available to all accredited schools across the globe.

While the program has been around since February 2008 Microsoft has continued to add more free software into the mix. Currently available options include:

Microsoft Developer Tools:

Microsoft Design Tools:

Microsoft Server System:

Notably, the key given for Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard Edition, is a “MAK_B” key which can be used to activate:

While it would be grossly illegal to apply a product key any program Microsoft didn’t intend the end-user to activate, several people have reported success using this method to activate Enterprise versions of Server 2008.

In addition to having a Windows Live ID, the only catch is would-be downloaders must verify their student status either via Microsoft’s free verification service or via a third-party company that asks for a student id or current class schedule. The online verification option utilizes a system similar to that used for off-campus access to library materials and requires some level of cooperation from the university. UK (and other European) users may use their Athens account for verification. Other international students may also utilize their Inernational Student Identity Card (ISIC) for verification. Other options include SAML or Shibboleth. If none of the above methods are applicable due to Microsoft not having listed an institution then JourneyEd can verify student status by sending in proof of academic status.

High school students must ask a school official to enroll into the Dreamspark program to be able to download the software.

As a side note some people have reported recent graduates may still be able to use the online verification system due to lazy college network administrators not pruning their access lists. Lastly, for those desperate enough to use nefarious means to get free serial numbers, then there is an option for them too. It’s illegal so don’t do it.

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January 11, 2009 | Filed Under Tech/Gadgets 

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