Microsoft - FAQs
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Frequently asked questions
The following information is provided to answer some frequently asked questions about Microsoft software usage in the Department.
General FAQs
What school packs are available and where do I get them from?
School pack media is available from the Department's appointed Microsoft software supplier, the software is available as school packs and can be viewed at their website. Any products not listed please contact CAM16@insight.com for availability.
I’ve just installed the software and it is asking me for a serial number. Where do I find this?
The serial number (or product key) is located on the orange sticker on the back of one of the media disc's sleeve. Volume License Keys can be found on supplier's website (you will need your login account and password)
Our school has recently purchased an Apple computer with a dual operating system. Do I need to purchase a Windows Operating System License to enable me to install and run other Windows based software products on this computer?
No, you do not need to buy a Windows Operating system licence for this computer. The Apple operating system license which is supplied with this computer system qualifies as a suitable Windows qualifying product. Please see your school specialist technician for assistance in this matter.
I need to install a Windows based software product (e.g. QuickVic) onto my Notebooks for Teachers and Principals Program Apple laptop, do I need to purchase a Windows operating system license first?
No, you do not need to buy a Windows Operating system licence for this computer. The Apple operating system license which is supplied with this computer system qualifies as a suitable Windows qualifying product. Please see your school specialist technician for assistance in this matter.
I want to install the Windows operating system on my home Apple computer, do I need to purchase a Windows operating system license?
Yes, you will need to purchase the Windows operating system full product for an installation. An upgrade disk only is available under Microsoft's work at home software licensing though please note that Office Mac 2008 is available under the Microsoft Work at Home software agreement.
Does the agreement include Server Operating Systems?
Fileserver operating system licenses (e.g. Windows 2008 Server) are included under the agreement. Server operating systems are part of the server pool collection. Schools need only to purchase the media and manuals if necessary. Schools do not need to purchase an operating system with new servers.
Does the agreement include desktop or notebook Operating Systems?
Full Operating System licences for desktop or notebook computers (e.g. Windows XP Pro or Windows 7) are not included in the Microsoft Licence Agreement. The Department’s agreement with Microsoft allows upgrade to the latest operating system from any previous version of a Microsoft operating system. That is an upgrade to another 32-bit or 64-bit operating system (e.g. from Windows XP Home to Windows XP Pro or to 7 Enterprise) is covered by the agreement. Schools and Department business units are required to purchase a qualifying base operating system license with each new (desktop or notebook) computer system. The minimum operating system that can now be purchased is Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Home Basic.
Is the Windows Operating System licence transferable from an old computer to another?
No, licences for all operating systems are not transferable from one machine to another.
If a school upgrades a computer do they have to purchase a new operating system?
The operating system must remain with the device that retains the motherboard, chipsets and chassis that include the serial number of the device. The operating system maybe installed on a new/replacement hard drive as long as the operating system is first removed from the old hard drive.
As a technician or Computer Co-ordinator can I re-image school computers under the agreement?
Yes, technicians and computer co-ordinators can re-image Microsoft products covered under the agreement onto Department or school owned computer systems.
Do I need to buy a CD for each computer?
Schools are NOT required to purchase a copy of the media (e.g. Office 2007) for EACH computer. Only one copy is required to load software onto ALL school owned computers.
Can I downgrade to a previous version of Microsoft Software?
Yes schools can downgrade to a previous version of any Microsoft product, this includes downgrading of MS Office software, computer operating systems or server operating systems if they wish. Schools electing to do this need to be aware that Microsoft do not support products seven years after their release date.
Information for Teachers
I need to install a Windows based software product (e.g. QuickVic) onto my Notebooks for Teachers and Principals Program Apple laptop, do I need to purchase a Windows operating system license first?
No, the Apple Macintosh operating system is a qualifying product, you will need to use the Windows operating system upgrade CD available from the supplier. Windows can be run using the Boot Camp utility that comes as part of the current Mac operating system. Microsoft Virtual PC is also available from the Department's authorised Microsoft supplier.
What software can be installed on notebooks covered under the "Notebooks for Teachers & Principals Program"
The eduSTAR software is pre-installed on notebooks supplied under the Department’s Teachers and Principals Notebook Program:
- Microsoft Office
- Upgraded Operating System.
For advice on other software applications please refer to Faculty Connection on the Microsoft resources web page.
Information for Students
Can students use Department licensed software on their Home computers?
A student license must be purchased for students to legally run the Microsoft operating system upgrade and Office Suite software at home (discounted Microsoft software is available to students through the Student Select Agreement.
The Microsoft agreement also provides Department school students access to some Microsoft applications through the DreamSpark program that can be installed onto the student's home computer.
For advice on this matter please refer to DreamSpark on the Microsoft resources web page.