For you warez monkeys, you can pick up a copy of an Academic version from City Software (you may have to quote a webcode in order to get it). Just saw in there catalogue delivered to us today. Webcode = MSS9501
Yes I'm aware you can get it cheap elsewhere, this is merely another option for you.

FYI: No, I'm not affiliated with them in anyway, just passing on some info if anyone cares to use it.

Whats the difference between the Academic version and Professional? Also, is it an upgrade or the full kit?

Academic requires you be a student or teacher I IIRC.

The Microsoft Student/Techer/Academic 'laws' have been relaxed. Now if you don't write it off on tax, you are able to purchase any Microsoft Academic Product AFAIK

Tanaka:
It's a full version (not an upgrade)

But is there a difference in what you get with this version and say purchasing the full professional version?

So $99 for a full version of XP pro?

Tanaka: No diff between full version of XP Pro and the Academic version
CHUB: Correct

The only difference is in the license of XP PRo's terms & conditions not the actual software on the CD

last edited by HERMITech at 14:43:02 29/Jun/06

MS Academic Software is not intended for use in "Comercial Environments"

For you warez monkeys, you can pick up a copy of an Academic version

What's the point of paying money for an Academic version if you plan to use the license illegally for non-academic purposes anyway?

Regardless, XP Pro is free for IT/CS/Engineering students at the big universities.

its only upgrade version.

Wha? Hmm I'll have to recheck the catalogue when I go back into work tomorrow. I could have sworn that it wasn't just an upgrade.. Even so, it's still a cheap way of gaining a legit license that you can get updates an patches for.

yeah and when you change your hardware you get to jump through hoops to get another cd key. no thanks. I drew my line in the sand when flashing the firmware on my cd rom drive caused my legit copy of xp to want re-activation. What the hell is that bulls***? I mean come on the hardware is the same ffs.

I let Vista run out of activation. I formatted in the end. :/

I can't use it because I don't have a previous legit version of windows/cd key :(

I get a free copy of xp pro and office through the FIT at qut.

edit: omg ding 1000 posts.

^^ Get me one...