Microsoft Catalog Update: Same Products, New Names
Microsoft Catalog Update: Same Products, New Names
Wondering why there is no longer a reference to year or version information in Microsoft product names in the TechSoup South Africa catalog? We have simplified these names, and you can now choose the specific year or version on Microsoft's Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) website when you are downloading the software.
For example, we previously offered separate upgrade products for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. Now there's only Windows Operating System Upgrade, and you can choose which version to download at the VLSC. Instead of offering separate Office 2016 and Office 2013 product lines, we now offer two just two Office products without the year or version: Office Professional Plus and Office Standard.
Which versions of a product can I download?
When you request any Microsoft product through TechSoup South Africa, you can choose to download the current version or the previous version through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center. This is a feature of the VLSC that applies for all Microsoft products, including Get Genuine Windows full operating system products.
So if you request Office Standard today, you can choose to download Office Standard 2016 or Office Standard 2013 from the VLSC. You can also download any language version of the software that's available.
Watch Microsoft's Product Downloads and Keys video tutorial to learn more about downloading software through the VLSC.
How do I know which version is the current one?
You can find out which version of the software is the current one in the Microsoft Title Groups document.
Which versions and editions of Windows upgrades can I get?
Windows Operating System Upgrade is now the only Windows product in the standard donation programme on TechSoup South Africa.
If you request this product, you can choose from the following download options at the VLSC:
- Windows 10 or Windows 8 (or whichever version of Windows is current, plus the prior version)
- Windows Enterprise or Windows Pro
- 32-bit or 64-bit installation files
- Any language version that's available
There aren't separate listings for the editions (Enterprise or Pro) of Windows upgrades because you can choose your preferred edition at the VLSC.
Which versions and editions of full Windows operating systems can I get?
Windows Pro Full Operating System – Get Genuine is now the only Windows product in the Get Genuine programme on TechSoup South Africa.
If you request this product, you can choose from the following download options at the VLSC:
- Windows 10 or Windows 8 (or whichever version of Windows is current, plus the prior version)
- 32-bit or 64-bit installation files
- Any language version that's available
However, you cannot obtain a full edition Enterprise license through Get Genuine. If you want the Enterprise edition, you can request both the Get Genuine Pro through TechSoup South Africa. After installing the full operating system provided by the Get Genuine Pro product, you'll have a legal base operating system upon which the Windows upgrade product can be installed.
I cannot download the installation media or just want a disc instead. How can I get an installation disc sent to me, and how many do I need?
Microsoft donations through TechSoup South Africa are only available on download, but you can request a media kit for any donation directly from Microsoft through the VLSC. There will be a nominal fee per disc to have it shipped to you. See detailed instructions in this blog post. You can use the same disc to install your product on as many computers as you have requested licenses for through TechSoup South Africa - you don't need to request a separate media kit for each license you requested. One disc per license type is all you need.
To view all available Microsoft products, refer to this page.
