Since I’ve been getting a couple of questions about DreamSpark, license keys and software – I thought I’d try and explain. If you’ve been to Tech.Ed Student Day or perhaps the BiG Trivia Night recently, you would have a couple of DVDs with the DreamSpark software (see below) on it – just head to www.dreamspark.com and get your license keys.

What is it?

Microsoft DreamSpark is a program that provides no-cost access to Microsoft designer and development tools for verified students around the world to support and advance their learning and skills through technical design, technology, maths, science and engineering activities. This program is intended to equip tomorrow’s developers and designers (you guys!) with the professional tools to inspire and create today.

What can I get?

At www.dreamspark.com, Australian students can now download all of the following software, for free:

• Microsoft developer tools:
  • Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition
  • Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
  • XNA Game Studio 2.0
  • 12-month free membership in the XNA Creators Club
• Microsoft designer tools:
  • Expression Web
  • Expression Blend
  • Expression Design
  • Expression Media
• Microsoft platform resources:
  • SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
  • Windows Server, Standard Edition

How do I get it?

Anything you make with this software can be distributed with a non-commercial license, so head over to Microsoft’s Channel 8, download the software, get your serials, and start innovating!

1. Go to www.dreamspark.com
2. Log in with your Windows Live ID (e.g. your Hotmail or Messenger email address)
   
3. Select the software you wish to download or get the license key for:
   
4. Down the bottom of the page, select the “Verify” button, to verify that you are a student. You will only have to do this once.
   
5. After you have selected “Verify”, select your country and university, and then select the “Select and Continue” button:
   
6. The webpage will prompt you for a username and password. Enter the same credentials that you would use for your UTS webmail, i.e. your UTS student number and your UTS webmail password. www.dreamspark.com will connect to UTS (auth-idp.uts.edu.au), UTS will verify your username/password, and send back to www.dreamspark.com whether you are a student or not!
   
7. Once your student status has been confirmed, go back to the software page, and the download button will now be activated. Also, a section will have appeared at the bottom of the page allowing you to get your license key for the software.
   

Woohoo! You’re now legal Go start creating!

If you’ve got any questions or comments, contact me here or here