Microsoft DreamSpark
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is part of the Microsoft DreamSpark, which puts Microsoft tools in the hands of students and educators. If you are a student enrolled in an ECE or SWE undergraduate or graduate degree program, you likely already have access to DreamSpark. Basically every Microsoft product, excluding Microsoft Office, is available for you to download.
Click here to access the ECE DreamSpark website
ECE DreamSpark FAQ
- What is this Microsoft DreamSpark that you speak of?
- Who has access?
- Is it free?
- Do I have to uninstall software once I leave UNB?
- Do I have unlimited use of the software?
- Can I install Windows 7 or 8 on a naked machine?
- My friend in Civil Engineering wants access to the ECE Microsoft DreamSpark....
- Where is the software key? I can't find it...
- Can you get me a CD/DVD for a program?
- When will program xxxxx be available? What about Microsoft Office?
- Why do they want to charge me money?
Answers
What is this Microsoft DreamSpark that you speak of?
Microsoft DreamSpark is designed to provide the easiest and most inexpensive way for universities to make the latest Microsoft software available in labs, classrooms, and on student PCs. Microsoft DreamSpark is an annual membership program for departments that use technology in support of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. Membership provides a complete, inexpensive solution to keep academic labs, faculty, and students on the leading edge of technology.
Microsoft DreamSpark enables STEM departments to outfit their machines with the latest Microsoft development tools, operating systems, server software, documentation, and technical references. In addition, students in the department will have complete access to these tools and references for use on their personal computers.
Who has access?
Only ECE students active in an ECE course in the CURRENT Term have access. This means if you are enrolled in a Fall course, you will not have access until the Fall term begins. Your access will be terminated soon after the last day of exams.
Is it free?
Yes, you will not be billed. You are however, bound to the EULA (end-user license agreement) that you must agree to before you can download any software.
Do I have to uninstall software once I leave UNB?
No. This license is perpetual and nontransferable. You don’t have to uninstall the tools, but the stipulation of “academic use only” does not change.
Do I have unlimited use of the software?
No, Microsoft DreamSpark software is intended for use in academic pursuits of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or VIDA (Visualization, Illustration, Design, and Art) disciplines: schoolwork, research, academic projects, and so on are all acceptable uses.
Can I install Windows 7 or 8 on a naked machine?
Yes, provided that you intend to use that machine and the tools given in accordance with the EULA (academic STEM, or VIDA usage with the appropriate subscription only).
My friend in Civil Engineering wants access to the ECE Microsoft DreamSpark....
Sorry, your friend cannot have access unless his department joins Microsoft DreamSpark and they find someone to manage the program. Or they can switch to ECE ;^)
Where is the software key? I can't find it...
After you have downloaded software, go back to the Microsoft DreamSpark website and select the"Your Account" link at the top of the webpage. You will find your previous downloads in the Order History section.
Click on the "Item" link to view information on the download, including your installation key.
Can you get me a CD/DVD for a program?
No, your access is provided strictly on a self-serve basis. I suggest search for "Daemon Tools Lite" in Google,which allows you to virtually mount a CD/DVD ISO image.
When will program xxxxx be available? What about Microsoft Office?
Sorry, I don't know. If it's not available for download, check back in a month. You will likely never see Microsoft Office available for download, it's simply too valuable to Microsoft.
Why do they want to charge me money?
If, after selecting a product to download, you see a price listed, it is because you have not chosen to download an executable or ISO (CD or DVD image). The price listed is what you will be charged if you want to be receive a CD/DVD via regular mail.
