MSDN

[Got3n]

This is prolly a stupid question, but what is the difference between normal windows xp,2k3,2000 and the MSDN versions.

[Jaz]

ermm nothing at all.

one does wonder why you ask though

[Got3n]

cause some one was saying that he got the MSDN verson of xp from microsoft, and i was just like, ummmm whats the diff.

[Jaz]

well gennerally

the MSDN version costs $2000, but you get every peice of software MS produces for free basically, but its only for testing purposes not for production machines. the MSDN O/S sub costs around $500

[Got3n]

so then is it a eval copy(expires or needs registration) or is it like Corp but better some how.

[scottyman]

It's got a different license key subset is all - I think the server versions are restricted purely on licensing, but desktop apps are unrestricted.

[Got3n]

so if i had the chance to aquire a LEGAL copy, would it be something i should use, or stick to my normal xp and my eval 2k3

[morganpugh84]

When people talk about an MSDN version of Windows XP they are normally refering to a VLK (Volume License Key) copy. This copy is IDENTICAL to Windows XP Pro Retail except that activation is not required. Now this doesn't mean Windows XP does not activate it just means that the user is not required to activate the OS because it is automatically part of the setup routine.

MSDN also gives you access to Windows XP Retail version however not to Windows XP OEM. The OEM version is only given to OEM partners such as Dell, etc.

Windows XP Home Edition is NOT available in VLK.

[Got3n]

  deadmonkey said:

When people talk about an MSDN version of Windows XP they are normally refering to a VLK (Volume License Key) copy. This copy is IDENTICAL to Windows XP Pro Retail except that activation is not required. Now this doesn't mean Windows XP does not activate it just means that the user is not required to activate the OS because it is automatically part of the setup routine.

MSDN also gives you access to Windows XP Retail version however not to Windows XP OEM. The OEM version is only given to OEM partners such as Dell, etc.

Windows XP Home Edition is NOT available in VLK.

WOW, thanks for that info, that is really helpful, thanx everyone

[mikey1001]

  deadmonkey said:

When people talk about an MSDN version of Windows XP they are normally refering to a VLK (Volume License Key) copy. This copy is IDENTICAL to Windows XP Pro Retail except that activation is not required. Now this doesn't mean Windows XP does not activate it just means that the user is not required to activate the OS because it is automatically part of the setup routine.

MSDN also gives you access to Windows XP Retail version however not to Windows XP OEM. The OEM version is only given to OEM partners such as Dell, etc.

Windows XP Home Edition is NOT available in VLK.

Umm, but that's not right though. I've had different levels of MSDN subscriptions since 1999 so I know the routine. For instance, each subscriber gets their own cd key for the OS's, and they can activate them on ten different computers. And yes, you do have to activate them, it is not automatic, it's the same process as if I bought a retail version.

As for the VLK, well there's a bit of truth to that, but only if your company decides to purchase that level of subscription, again, really no different than if your company decided to buy the VLK version of XP instead.

If you're a bit of a geek or power user, or however you want to put it, and love poking around window and PC's, it's worth looking at getting a MSDN Operating System subscription, especially if you're in school, because then you get the "Academic rate", which is about 70% cheaper on average.

[Got3n]

awesome. wohoo its cheap, thanx