Ok, so I can't actually back that title up with any
actual evidence, but when Microsoft pulls a Jack Napier and starts throwing money on the people of Gotham, you assume something is up.
Regardless, they're handing out free subscriptions to TechNet Plus - which normally run $349. Sign up via the appropriate link for the
US,
Canada, or the
UK (readers in other countries may be out of luck), complete the registration forms, and you'll get access to all the glorious goodies in the TechNet vault. Despite my misgivings about the certificate warnings and badly-rendered page layouts, this is the real deal.
There are, of course, a couple catches. First, it appears as though the program will expire on September 30 - not a terrible thing, since you'll still get three full months of downloads and access. Second - and a much bigger issue - is that product key troubles abound.
It's all fine and dandy to have access to download things like Windows Home Server and Office 2007 straight from Microsoft, but access to legitimate keys is equally (or perhaps more) important.
That said, with a little patience and several re-clicks, I've managed to secure keys for Home Server and Office 2007 - so it does work.
Update: with IE8 and compatibility mode enabled, I'm having very good results getting product keys (9:36AM Central)
Update: Even better results when using Opera 10. WTH?
Update: Original links may no longer be working...Try this product link, as suggested in the comments: Quick, go sign up before they come to their senses!
[via
Ars Technica]