[windows software] Microsoft software for IT maintenance teaching

[googlemad]

A number of our IT teachers have asked if we can provide Microsoft ISOs and product keys for IT maintenance classes. This would be school owned kit. Are we simply allowed to provide these from VLSC or is there an alternative method available (or will they have to shell out for OEM copies?)

[ITGURU]

Use trial versions?

[strawberry]

Most software will run for a period without a product key for a while. You'd struggle to maintain the integrity of your VLK's if students are being given them to install software!

[pete]

^ I'd use trial versions. Maybe even trial VMs downloadable from MS (180 days IIRC).

 

Handing out VLK or MAK keys to students is just asking to have them end up on the Internet and Microsoft auditing you.

 

However,

 

Assuming your agreement with MS already covers the hardware they're using, you could simply hand them the readily available keys that makes the OS talk to the KMS server(s) you're using for managing licensing.

[gjefferies]

At the college I taught at they had a Dreamspark Premium account , and you can created keys for lab use. I have also used the evaluation copies too.

 

Thanks

Gareth