Other Software > Found Deals and Discounts
Free Software from Microsoft.
app103:
For an indy developer or hobbyist, taking advantage of these offers is much cheaper than buying or upgrading, and less restrictive than the free Express versions.-app103 (February 25, 2013, 09:34 AM)
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Which restrictions are you thinking of? AFAIK there's no restrictions on commercial use of the stuff you build with the express editions, and (at least for the 2012 versions) the stuff that's removed compared to the nonfree editions isn't too bad - you still get a very feature-rich IDE.
-f0dder (February 25, 2013, 09:54 AM)
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In the past there has always been something in their Express versions that has lead to many developers that use it to consider something about it to be somewhat of a pain, thereby encouraging them to buy either standard or pro.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Visual_Studio_Express
It may depend on what language you are using, but the Express versions may subject you to one or more of the following (this isn't an all inclusive list):
* No IDE support for databases other than SQL Server Express and Microsoft Access
* Limited options for debugging and breakpoints
* No support for creating Windows Services
* Limited deployment options for finished programs
* No resource editor.
* No built-in MFC support.
* No built-in x64 compiler
* No support for add-ins or IDE macros.
* No option for crash dump generation
* Reduced refactoring capabilities.
CWuestefeld:
The agreement refers to the person getting the license as the Web Pro. There are a bunch of requirements, notably the last one:
Web Pro must submit a complete and accurate quarterly WebsiteSpark License use report within 15 days after the last day of each calendar quarter that overlaps with the Term.
...
Web Pro will keep accurate and adequate books and records relating to its (a) eligibility for the Program and (b) use of Program Benefits, including but not limited to its use of Program Software and the Software Services) provided by Web Pro to Web Pro Clients until two years after this Agreement expires or terminates.
...
The Web Pro must be either a professional service firm or an individual person whose primary business is providing Web development and design services, and in some cases hosting services, for its clients.
...
Web Pro must provide accurate and correct information about itself in the Program registration process and ensure that during the Term, information about Web Pro remains accurate and is kept an up-to-date, including Web Pro’s profile on the Program Website.
a. Web Pro will provide complete, accurate and correct information about itself in the Program registration and/or renewal processes, and will ensure that such information is updated if it changes during the Term;
b. On the first and second anniversary of Web Pro’s enrollment in the Program, Web Pro will reaffirm its eligibility for the Program and renew its enrollment, accept the MPN Community Agreement, and confirm that all Web Pro account and profile information is still complete, accurate and correct;
c. Web Pro will maintain compliance at all times with the terms and conditions of the Program Agreements;
d. Web Pro will deploy a Web Pro Website on Windows Azure or Windows Server (on a Hosting Server or with a Hosting Partner) by the first anniversary of Web Pro’s enrollment in the Program.
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(emphasis mine)
40hz:
IMO the restrictions most necessary to be aware of are the following highlighted items.
“Hosting Servers” means the Microsoft server software that Web Pro may use in the Program to provide Software Services. The list of Hosting Servers is on the Program Website, as updated from time to time.
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Hosting Servers use rights. Web Pro must sign the SPLA to use the Hosting Servers. Subsequently, Web Pro may use Hosting Servers to host Web Pro Websites as part of its provision of Software Services to Web Pro Clients, in accordance with the SPLA. Notwithstanding the SPLA:
i. Web Editions: Web Pro may use up to four processors, running a total of no more than four (physical or virtual) instances each of the Windows Web Server Edition and SQL Server Web Edition versions identified on the Program Website (collectively the “WebsiteSpark Licenses”). Web Pro may only create instances of the Hosting Servers as necessary for Production Use.
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Restrictions: Web Pro may not:
o distribute, transfer or otherwise make available Hosting Servers or any other Program Software to Web Pro Clients, Web Pro Clients’ customers, Hosting Partners, or anyone else;
o use Hosting Servers for Web Pro’s internal business operations, other than as Development Software to design, develop, test and demonstrate Web Pro Websites per the Program License Terms;
o use Hosting Servers to host websites for Web Pro Clients’ internal business operations;
o use Hosting Servers to host any software other than Web Pro Websites; or
o use Hosting Servers for any commercial or production use, other than Production Use in accordance with, and as expressly authorized by, this Section and the SPLA.
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Nothing unreasonable here. But you are being put on notice that the software is for web development use only. And only using Microsoft's products. No internal non-dev use or setting up related goodie-goodies.
There's also a recordkeeping and audit clause you need to be aware of:
Verifying compliance. Web Pro will keep accurate and adequate books and records relating to its (a) eligibility for the Program and (b) use of Program Benefits, including but not limited to its use of Program Software and the Software Services) provided by Web Pro to Web Pro Clients until two years after this Agreement expires or terminates. During this same period, an independent third party designated by Microsoft (“reviewer”) may review Web Pro’s records and facilities (including Web Pro’s data centers), at Microsoft’s expense, to verify Web Pro’s compliance with this Agreement and the Program. The review will be subject to a confidentiality obligation. Verification will take place upon not less than 30 calendar days’ notice, during normal business hours and in a manner that does not interfere unreasonably with Web Pro’s operations. Web Pro must immediately correct any errors and omissions found during a review.
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Again, nothing unreasonable considering it's in exchange for no-charge access to some very expensive dev software. If you're a genuine web developer, it's not a bad deal if you're interested in exploring Microsoft's approach to web design and development.
But again - know what you are getting into. This is not a program you'll want to get involved with if you're just curious and are out kicking tires.
8)
f0dder:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Visual_Studio_Express
It may depend on what language you are using, but the Express versions may subject you to one or more of the following (this isn't an all inclusive list):-app103 (February 25, 2013, 10:33 AM)
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I looked at the Wiki page, and IMHO your summary list makes it sound worse than it really is :) (2010 could do x64 without much hassle, 2012 has it built-in - at least according to the wiki).
For the 2012 C#/C++ editions, I'd say that no essential features are cut, and you still get an IDE that's quit a good bit beyond other offerings. Worst part might be not getting add-ons, but you do get static code analysis which rocks (it's not at the level of PVS-Studio, but neither is the pricetag ;)).
Sure, there's some pro features removed, but if there's any free IDEs that pack more punch than the VS Express editions, I'd love to know.
4wd:
It seems that Microsoft Expression Web 4 is free - is this different from the MEW3 you get under the WebsiteSpark?
No MS support seems to be about it for limitations.
Overview
Expression Web 4 gives you the tools you need to produce high-quality, standards-based Web sites: built-in support for today’s Web standards, sophisticated CSS design capabilities, and visual diagnostic tools. Whether you work with PHP, HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, ASP.NET or ASP.NET AJAX, Expression Web makes it faster and easier to create and maintain exceptional web sites.
Please note: This free version of Expression Web is not eligible for Microsoft technical support and is community support. For more information, visit the Expression Community site.
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