How and where to access downloads from Microsoft

As many of you know, Microsoft has it’s Download Center that provides you with a bunch of downloadable items, with new ones being added/updated on a daily basis. A question that I was asked via email recently is, “Are there other download locations I should be looking at for Microsoft items besides the Download Center, or is that it?” We actually have several download resources available to you, so I thought I would share a quick list of some of the other download locations you can use here on the blog:

• Microsoft Download Center
  Access a wide variety of download resources in a single location
• Microsoft Partner Network Internal Use Rights Download Center
  As a member of the Microsoft Partner Network with a subscription or competency, you get internal-use software licenses that you can use to run your business and gain invaluable hands-on experience with the latest technologies.
• IT Pro Security Updates and Tools
• MSDN Developer downloads
  Choose from a broad range of developer-related tools and add-ins, service packs, product updates, and beta and preview releases.
• Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center
  If you have purchased your Microsoft software through one of our Volume Licensing Programs, access your software downloads and installation keys online
• MSDN Subscriber downloads
  If you are an active MSDN Universal and Professional subscriber or a current Microsoft Certified Partner (MCP), get access to the latest MSDN Subscription software.
• Office Downloads Marketplace
  Find a wide array of downloads, critical updates, and viewers for Microsoft Office.
• Service Packs for Microsoft Products
  Download service packs containing updates for system reliability, program compatibility, and security. See which service packs are currently available from Microsoft Help and Support.
• TechNet downloads for IT Professionals
  Find hotfixes, security bulletins and updates, and more downloads. This is the central repository of Microsoft download resources for IT professionals.
• Microsoft Partner Marketing Resources
• Microsoft Partner Sales Resources
• Windows Azure Platform Tools
• DirectX downloads
  Get the latest version of Microsoft DirectX, and find other important DirectX updates for your version of Windows.
• Windows Internet Explorer downloads
  Find critical updates, recommended releases, and other system updates for Internet Explorer.
• Office for Mac downloads
  Get more out of Microsoft software for the Macintosh with updates and utility downloads.
• Microsoft Hardware downloads
  To make sure you are taking advantage of the full functionality of your Microsoft products, get the latest software updates from Microsoft Hardware.
• Microsoft Web Platform Downloads
• Mobile-device downloads
  Get add-ins, updates, and more downloads to help you get the most from your mobile phone, handheld PC, or Pocket PC. You will also find mobile-device downloads for developers.
• Windows Media Download Center
  Amplify your play with Microsoft Windows Media Player, encoders, codecs, and other related downloads.
• Microsoft Games trial versions
  If you would like to try some Microsoft games, start with a visit to this site, where many games are available to be downloaded as trial versions.

By the way, if you have the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app on your Windows Phone, you already the latest download availability information from the Microsoft Download Center right on your phone. Under the "Products” section in the app, simply select “Download Center” to see all of the latest. UPDATE: The Download Center addition to the Microsoft Partner Info mobile app is included in the V2.3 release which is being released very shortly. If you download the current version (V2.2), you will get the update to 2.3 automatically once released (very shortly). That’s what I get for running the pre-release versions of my apps on my phone before they’re ultimately released. Sorry for that.

Did you find this information helpful? If so, you may want to make sure you are utilizing all of the areas I share information online, such as: my Facebook page, my Twitter account, my Linkedin account, and my blog. Plus, you can now get all of the latest Microsoft Partner Information right on your phone!

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman – Follow me on TWITTER, LinkedIn, and RSS and see “What I’m thinking”
Director, Worldwide Partner Experience
Microsoft Corporation
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

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