hi, i'm having both technet and msdn subscription and trying now to make use of them. let's narrow down things to talk about MS OS only, in terms of licenses and activation. i got some questions: 1. both types of subscription offer software (Windows OS) download and the license keys. Is there any difference in the use of these licenses, activation, between the 2 types, Technet and MSDN? 2. there are some kinds of license keys, and though MS's FAQs do say quite clearly about the use and activation and whatever but i'm still wondering how many times I can activate 1 windows copy on 1 machine (unlimited, isn't it?), how long I can use that copy of windows (until i break the machine, right?). 3. the Technet subs mostly provides retail key (RTL) while MSND gives AA keys, retail keys... why is that? is the retail key in msdn subscription similar to that in technet subscription and that of being purchased as retail product? and about RTL key, why does it say "This retail key allows multiple activations.". Does it mean we have multiple activation on the same machine (how many time?) or we can activate windows on more than one machines with the same key (how many machines then?)? thanks alot! I'm lucky enough to have both to use but so confused to choose one of the 2 >.<

Ha - It's my understanding - and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong - that the licenses given out on TechNet are for long term evaluation purposes only. They are not to be used in a production environment. The MSDN license, on the other hand is for development only - hence the D in MSDN - so you can test your code on various platforms before distributing it. You can install multiple OS's on your hardware. They can be used in a production environment - as a test bed only.As far as activation goes - I'm not entirely sure how many times you can reactivate but, it would seem to me that if you docan no longer reactivate - you can probably get another key as long as your subscriptionis still current and in good standing.

The best way is to consult with MSDN Customer Service Centeror contact Microsoft Volume Licensingfor answers to your licensing questions. My English is not very well.

sorry for my stupidity, but, what does 'evaluation purpose' mean in the clearest way? how does MS differentiate our purposes of using the Windows OS copies? any different feature compared to the retail version. the similar question with 'production environment', what is it? if i use one of the provided key to activate my windows copy, and the subscription (MSDN and Technet) expires then, will the windows be able to be actvated after that, using the same key?

sorry for my stupidity, but, what does 'evaluation purpose' mean in the clearest way? how does MS differentiate our purposes of using the Windows OS copies? any different feature compared to the retail version. the similar question with 'production environment', what is it?if i use one of the provided key to activate my windows copy, and the subscription (MSDN and Technet) expires then, will the windows be able to be actvated after that, using the same key? Hi Ha MinhEvaluation only, simply means that you cannot use it for any purpose except to test the operating system and test software/hardware/drivers,on the operating systemor to develop and test your own software. You are not supposed to use it as your own personal system or for any business purposes. The product keys you get from Technet or MSDN are full retail keys. They never expire, even after your subscription ends. You can use each key to activate an unlimitednumber of times as long as each key is only being used on one computer at a time.Hope this helps.Thank You for testing Windows 7 Ronnie Vernon MVP

What I would really love to know this being a windows 7 forum,is what do technet subscriptionshave to do with windows 7?

Yea, your answer is very helpful. So, it's okay for me to study (programming...) and have other personal use (downloading, enjoying music...) withoyut any time and feature limit but i'm not allowed to re-sell it or do things related to commercial purpose. What if i code my software (in php, asp.net.. for example) then sell them. Is it legitimate? How does MS differentiate my use? Thanks alot!

You should consult your subscription licence. This is the windows 7 forum.