Download Windows 10 (Multiple Editions) ISO's now!

Finally Windows 10 is there! I'm running it on Surface Pro 3 for a while and don't want to go back to Windows 8.1 anymore :) Microsoft has released Windows 10 for all customers worldwide now, using Windows Update or the ISO's available. Next wait is for Windows 10 Mobile which is expected somewhere in October this year.

Before you begin, make sure you have:
-An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
-Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
-A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media.
-If you will be installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key.

Download Windows 10 Home and Pro ISO's: Software Download
For Enterprise editions visit the Volume Licensing Service Center
For MSDN subscriptions visit the website: Subscriber Downloads
Download Windows 10 Enterprise 90-day evaluation: Windows Evaluations

Just enjoy the new Windows 10 experience!

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows (RT) 8.1 update available now!

Today on Microsoft Build Developer Conference keynote multiple great announcements are done. This for both Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows (RT) 8.1, Windows Embedded 8.1 and Windows Phone 8. Also new Nokia devices (630 and 635) are announced for next month. Great to see that the start menu will return in Windows 8 (with app support), Windows Phone will have voice control (Cortana) and Windows on 9" or smaller Phone and Tablet screens will be free from now on! Can it even better? Way to go Microsoft!

The start menu will return in a later update

This is a smart move from Microsoft to let Windows Phone grow, instead of Android and iOS which still rules the market. There's also extended Mobile Device Management (MDM) coming with Enterprise Mobility Suite. Windows Azure and Intune will be even more important that way. Also great that Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows (RT) 8.1 update is available for MSDN subscriptions now! The update will be generally available in 6 days on April 8th for everyone else on Windows Update. Let's have a look at MSDN right away ;)

Choose between update or whole package

There you go! It's possible to download the update only (360MB for x86 and 770MB for x64) or just download the whole package, which is OS and update in one. Within the update package 6 MSU files can be found and a readme.txt. In the txt file you can find the recommended installation order for the MSU files. No unified installer this time.

Let's install Windows 8.1 update right away ;)

Source:
Day 1 Keynote <- A must see!
Windows Phone Blog <- Windows Phone 8.1
Windows Experience Blog <- Windows 8.1 Update

Continue TechNet or create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions

Two weeks ago i posted a blog that Microsoft is going to stop the TechNet Subscription service. What I didn't posted yet is that a petition is available. If you think Microsoft has to continue TechNet or create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions, You can sign this petition to let Microsoft know you're not happy with their decision. Are you happy with it?

 

The petition can be found here!

Reaching 5,000 signatures would be a HUGE for us! There has to be a way we can make it happen. Help to push us over the top. I'd offer to get a mo-hawk except I know we'll reach 5,000 and I'd have to do it!

Update 10-7-2013: I just signed the petition "Create an affordable alternative to MSDN subscriptions comparable to TechNet." on Change.org.

Update 24-7-2013: If you feel compelled to act, please write Microsoft. Start with Steve Ballmer. His email address should be steveb@microsoft.com. Outline in your own words reasons for keeping TechNet open and its importance to you. We need your help gathering email addresses. If you find any please share them. (message from Cody Skidmore, Change.org)

Update 25-7-2013: If you receive a reply from Microsoft please let us know. Email us at SaveTechNet@gmail.com.

Update 2-8-2013: We have a new email discussion list thanks to Rod Trent and Susan Bradley. I can't express enough gratitude for what they've done. The discussion list opens up communication so everyone can help guide the direction of our effort to save TechNet. You can subscribe to the list or its RSS feed by visiting http://bit.ly/1cbcJro.

Microsoft is going to stop the TechNet Subscription service

Yesterday I received the following message from Microsoft.

By developing trends in IT and changes in the dynamics of companies Microsoft has let it be to offer IT professionals Microsoft technologies and services to get to know, evaluate and implement evolve. In recent years, a shift from paid to free evaluations and information. Therefore, Microsoft has decided to stop the TechNet Subscriptions service and sale on August 31, 2013 to terminate.

Subscribers with active accounts continue to have access to the benefits of their program until the end of their current subscription period.

We are committed to customers in this transition phase to help and we continue to focus our attention on providing free access to IT professionals in a wide collection TechNet materials that IT professionals around the world need.

Better free offer for IT professionals including:

• TechNet Evaluation Center: Free evaluation software without disabilities, available for 30-180 days. With valuable evaluation resources and TechNet Virtual Labs, which you can evaluate without having to install locally. Anything software
• Microsoft Virtual Academy: Free site for online learning, with over 200 expert-led technical courses over 15 Microsoft technologies. Every week new courses at.
• TechNet Forums: Free online technical forums where IT professionals can ask questions and receive answers from members of the community quickly.

Note: MSDN Subscriptions provide a pay range that is available to anyone who needs access to evaluation software that goes beyond what the above free materials to offer.

We thank you for your understanding now we more focus on expanding our free offer and invest more in order to respond better to the needs of the community of IT professionals.

- The TechNet Subscription team

Additional Information:
More background information about Microsoft's decision to stop the TechNet Subscription service and the implications for existing subscribers can be found on the FAQ page on cessation of the TechNet Subscription service.

Note for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT)
My MCT agreement expires on March 31, 2014. Will I continue to have access to TechNet benefits though that date?
Subscribers with active accounts may continue to access their program benefits until their current subscription period concludes. For MCTs, this date is March 31, 2014.

Personal note: It's very pity that the TechNet Subscription stops. With the software it was ideal to test products and set up lab environments. Hope there will be an aternative offering in the future!