EULA of Visual Studio 2010 from dreamspark
Update 2010-12-02: Microsoft has fixed the EULA and it now has the "you can't use it for commercial purposes disclaimer". Thanks for pointing it out to me, WoongBin!
EULA: End User License Agreement
You know that annoying check box you need to check when you install new software or games? The one that says "I have read and agree with the EULA"? Do you ever read what it says above it? No? Oh...
Seriously. The EULA is important and you should read it... in some cases.
One of those cases was when I was browsing DreamSpark (free Microsoft development tools) which after registering and confirming you are a student (one of the few times I happily admit I'm a student) you can download all kind of free development tools at no charge with all features.
In general there is no such thing as free stuff. "Buy one and get another free" is not free, it is 50% discount when you buy two. Still I decided to check it out and to my surprise (actually, the school forum had point it out). There was also the new Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Professional.
"Cool!!" was my first reaction, but after checking the site further out I noticed that Visual Studio 2008 and many others had a license that by downloading I agree to not use it for "commercial". Here is the section I refer to:
b. Restrictions. You may not use the Software:
• for commercial purposes (except as permitted under Section 3(d); or
• to develop or maintain Your own administrative or IT systems, or those of Your educational institution.
(Full Microsoft DreamSpark License)
However for some strange reason the above EULA was not on the screen of VS2010. So after downloading I checked if the installer had such a restriction and it did not. That means I now have a full and legal version of Visual Studio at no cost with no restrictions other than those you would have if you bought it.
For that I thank you Microsoft!