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05-28-2005, 03:56 PM
Many of you probably don't know that you can get almost all of MS's best software for about $349. I'm talking about valid legal copies (not WinMX downloaded copies) and support from MS. It's called the Action Pack. You have to be a registered MS member, which is free, and then you have to buy the action pack. You also have to be in a position to influence the acquisition of MS software or solutions. Since this forum is geared towards people aspiring to be IT professionals you probably qualify. I have for years been a MS member because I had a small side business (not my day job) doing computer/software support, most of us do, whether it's just our neighbors, family or strangers - as their "techs" we have influence. I changed carreers - If you work at a company that already is a MS Partner you can still get the action pack for yourself - I know because I asked MS.
You get a ton o'software. Every year after you buy it, you have to pay a fee to get the latest versions or you can just not buy the updates. This software is only to be used for your own use and that of your company. Too many of you, trying to study for certifications, may think $349 is WAY to much money to spend but, I think it is worth it if you want to become a professional IT person. If I were starting out again looking for an IT job I would buy the action pack and upgrade my computers RAM to as much as it could handle. Then I would install MS virtual PC and start loading images. This is your lab. You have full access to everything you will be tested on for MS exams. 2003 server, ISA, Exchange,SQL,Office,Visio, Sharepoint etc, etc plus you get arm load of information cd's and dvd's, it is really a wealth of knowledge for very little money.
It's also nice to be totally legal with all your software. As a professional, you should concern yourself with legalities of pirated software. You can get in a great deal of trouble if you do not. I know many of the newbies do not even acknowledge this type of thinking, but as you progress from a tinkerer to a professional your thinking must mature. There is a right way and wrong way to do everything.
Anyway, I wanted to let you aspiring techies know about it. Check it out and see if you qualify, if you have questions email them and ask them.
https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40011853
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You get a ton o'software. Every year after you buy it, you have to pay a fee to get the latest versions or you can just not buy the updates. This software is only to be used for your own use and that of your company. Too many of you, trying to study for certifications, may think $349 is WAY to much money to spend but, I think it is worth it if you want to become a professional IT person. If I were starting out again looking for an IT job I would buy the action pack and upgrade my computers RAM to as much as it could handle. Then I would install MS virtual PC and start loading images. This is your lab. You have full access to everything you will be tested on for MS exams. 2003 server, ISA, Exchange,SQL,Office,Visio, Sharepoint etc, etc plus you get arm load of information cd's and dvd's, it is really a wealth of knowledge for very little money.
It's also nice to be totally legal with all your software. As a professional, you should concern yourself with legalities of pirated software. You can get in a great deal of trouble if you do not. I know many of the newbies do not even acknowledge this type of thinking, but as you progress from a tinkerer to a professional your thinking must mature. There is a right way and wrong way to do everything.
Anyway, I wanted to let you aspiring techies know about it. Check it out and see if you qualify, if you have questions email them and ask them.
https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40011853
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