The Microsoft DreamSpark Program for Students
Microsoft set up the DreamSpark program in 2008 to provide free professional developer and design tools to students around the world to help them improve their learning and skills through technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering activities. The only restriction on the use of these tools and software is self-explained.
Getting your student status verified
CityU has participated in the DreamSpark program, and therefore, relevant students are eligible to gain the benefits. As DreamSpark is for students only, proof of student status is required before downloading the available Microsoft software tools from the DreamSpark site. Microsoft provides an online verification program to do this and the only information required for verification is the Windows Live ID. If you are a student and have already applied for the CityU’s Windows Live account, you can simply use it in the Windows Live ID sign-in process at the DreamSpark site. Doing so will allow your student status to be verified at the very beginning, bypassing the verification step for future visits to the DreamSpark site. All students remain verified for 12 months and will have the option to renew after 12 months. For details, visit www.dreamspark.com/verify.
Downloadable Microsoft Products
DreamSpark includes many products and you can see the complete list by visiting the DreamSpark site listed in the reference below. The products provided are the same as those commercial products that professional developers can buy and use. All products are listed with links for you to easily download. Basically, you will be able to download ALL the products but you can only install and use one copy of each product.
You can view your download history from DreamSpark. A list of the software that you have downloaded is available for viewing on DreamSpark’s My Download History page. Just click the My Download History link located in the navigation panel to check it out.
Technical Assistance
If you encounter problems when downloading or accessing the software at the DreamSpark site, contact the DreamSpark Technical Support for assistance or visit the Student Lounge Forum to get answers from the student community.
References
Application for a CityU Windows Live account: http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/services/email.htm
DreamSpark site: https://www.dreamspark.com/Default.aspx
DreamSpark privacy policy: https://www.dreamspark.com/policies/Privacy.aspx