» Microsoft Links and Resources «

This page is primary intended for computer resellers and offers links of interest relating to products, training and support for Microsoft software.

Microsoft Limited
Microsoft Campus
Thames Valley Park
Reading
RG6 1WG
TEl: 0870 60 10 100

If you are a textphone user (e.g. Minicom) you can contact them direct on 0870 50 30 400 or via Typetalk if you prefer.

I'm getting fed up helping folk who's machines have been wrecked by cowboy "computer experts", charging them silly money to install dodgy copies of Windows XP as some sort of panacea. Can't be doing with it, done. They give everyone in the industry a bad name… I recently helped an old woman who had been reduced to tears by one such computer shop. They left here machine in a mess, then turned nasty when she asked for a refund. People like this prey on ignorance and fear, tell it like it is. If you are sure they are breaking the law, report them:

'Unfortunately, there are people in the channel who knowingly sell illegal software to the consumer leaving them in an unenviable position; out of pocket, software containing a virus, no entitlement to future upgrades, incomplete products, the list is endless.'

'Avoid The Pitfalls

2. Get a written quote listing hardware/software specification and version
3. Make sure you get an itemised invoice giving details of all hardware and software supplied
4. Make sure you get software licences - these are important documents
5. Once you have bought your hardware do not allow dealers to install software onto your computer without them providing licences, etc

Beware…
If there are no relevant software licence documents;
…
If the dealer is refusing to give you product the ID / Serial number;
If the software being sold for a much lesser price than it should be.

May 2005: Talking of prices, here's a few prices from reputable companies like Dabs.com. These are perhaps lower than many retailers sell at due to volumes and such, but it gives a good guide. If they are even a little cheaper than these prices, you might want to be concerned.

• £149.99 for Windows XP Home Retail - boxed
• £95.04 for   Windows XP Home Upgrade (from Windows 98SE / ME)
• £58.74 for  Windows XP Home OEM*
• £203.15 for Windows XP Pro Retail
• £152.73 for Windows XP Pro Upgrade
• £98.64 for  Windows XP Pro OEM*

* Note OEM licensed versions are meant to be bundled with hardware sales such as custom build PC's.


[ ELSPA ] - Entertainment and Software Publishers Association.
[ Contact ELSPA ]
The ELSPA anti-piracy unit can be contacted on: Tel: 01386 830 642
Anti-piracy Unit Hotline: Tel: 0870 5133405

Roadmap - product release dates and support end dates

Microsoft FYI magazine for IT professionals

MS Support page (UK)

Microsoft Press (Moved to MS Learning)

Microsoft Community

Windows 2000 Step-by-Step Guides

Windows XP Technical Article Index

MS Office Assistance Center

Windows 98 SE - This article describes all the updates in Windows 98 Second Edition

Microsoft Longhorn Development Center

Avoid getting tricked by spoof websites

Partner market - sales and marketing material

Microsoft Partners (UK)

MS Action Pack Subscription (For approved partners)

MS Certified Partner Programme (2 MCP's/MCSE's in your company and/or related products)

MS Marketplace Evaluation software for approved partners.

MS Gold Certified Partner Programme (For the elite - proven specialists and experts only)

Below are a variety of sites relating to Microsoft products. Generally they offer news and support, the odd one might be irreverant or even anti-MS, but as long as they are appropriate I'll add them.

Annoyance.org can be helpful, especially via the forums.

Windows XP Tips : Networking

Paul Thurrott's WinInfo (previously 'Windows Informant')

... I'll put the rest in when I get a minute!

LonghornBlogs.com is a community initiative to help spread the word with factual information about the next version of Windows, straight from the people that are building it.

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a Microsoft site. It is a community-based initiative to spread the word about the next version of Windows, sponsored by Interscape Technologies.)

Longhorn: The nuts and bolts. ~ by John Carrol, Nov 2003