Here is Microsoft’s Windows XP Service Pack 3 CD image released 2008-05-06.
2008-05-06
2008-05-02
Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2
Here is Microsoft’s Windows PowerShell V2 Community Technology Preview 2 (CTP2) released 2008-05-02.
Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2 introduces several significant features to Windows PowerShell 1.0 and Windows PowerShell V2 CTP that extends its use, improves its usability, and allows you to control and manage the Windows environment more easily and comprehensively.
Version number 2.0
2008-04-25
CNG SDK for Microsoft Windows
Here is the Microsoft® Windows® Cryptographic Next Generation Software Development Kit for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 released 2008-04-25.
The CNG SDK contains documentation, code, and tools designed to help you develop cryptographic applications and libraries targeting the Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 Operating Systems.
Version number 1.3.0
2008-04-23
Consolas Font Pack
Here is Microsoft’s Consolas Font Pack for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or 2008 released 2008-04-23.
The Microsoft Consolas Font Family is a set of highly legible fonts designed for ClearType. It is intended for use in programming environments and other circumstances where a monospaced font is specified. This installation package will set the default font for Visual Studio to Consolas.
Version number 1.0
2008-04-14
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone CD ISO
Here is Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone CD ISO released 2008-04-14.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an update to Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers.
6001.18000.080118-1840_x86fre_wave1_ServicePackInstaller-FRMCSP1_CD1.iso
Version number 936330
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone DVD ISO
Here is Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone DVD ISO released 2008-04-14.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an update to Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers
6001.18000.080118-1840_iso_client_sp_wave1-FRMCSP1_DVD.iso
Version number 936330
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone
Here is Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 All Language Standalone released 2008-04-14.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is an update to Windows Vista that addresses key feedback from our customers. SP1 addresses specific reliability and performance issues, supports new types of hardware, and adds support for several emerging standards.
Windows6.0-KB936330-X86-wave1.exe
Version number 936330
2008-04-09
April 2008 Security Releases ISO Image
Here is Microsoft’s April 2008 Security Releases ISO Image released 2008-04-09.
This DVD5 ISO image file contains the security updates for Windows released on Windows Update on April 8th, 2008.
Version number 913086
2008-03-07
DirectX End-User Runtimes (March 2008)
Here are Microsoft’s DirectX runtimes, released 2008-03-07.
Version number 9.22.1284
DirectX SDK – (March 2008)
Here is Microsoft’s DirectX Software Development Kit released 2007-03-07.
Version number 9.22.1284
2007-08-25
Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2
Here are links to the various versions of Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 available from Microsoft.
Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 is the next-generation development tool for Windows Vista, the 2007 Office System, and the Web.
MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 – OrcasBeta2MSDNLibraryX1400348.img (7/23/2007)
2007-07-27
Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3
Evaluate the Windows Server 2008 Public Beta today
This time-limited release of Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 will expire on April 7, 2008. After this time, you will need to uninstall the software or upgrade to a later release or a fully-licensed version of Windows Server® 2008.
This product requires a valid product key for activation – you may install the product without activation, but if you do not enter a valid product key and activate within 30 days of installation, the software will cease to function.
If you have received a product key via email confirmation, you may use the key with the software you download from this site or with a DVD containing Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3.
If you have not received a product key, you can obtain one by visiting one of the following sites:
Links to downloads:
- Windows® Web Server 2008 Beta 3 – wsl_6001.16510.070417-1740_x86fre_SvrWeb-KB3WFRE_EN_DVD.iso (2007-04-25)
- Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Standard – wsl_6001.16510.070417-1740_x86fre_server-KB3SFRE_EN_DVD.iso (2007-04-25)
- Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Datacenter – wsl_6001.16510.070417-1740_x86fre_server-KB3SFRE_EN_DVD.iso (2007-04-25)
- Windows Server 2008 Beta 3: System Requirements and Installation Documentation – readme.htm, relnotes.htm (2007-04-30)
- Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 Technical Overviews – Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting the Microsoft Online Responder.doc (2007-04-30)
- Windows Server 2008 Security Guide – Executive Overview – Windows Server 2008 Security Guide 1.0.doc (2007-06-01)
- Windows Server 2008 Developer Training Kit (Beta 3) – Windows Server 2008 Developer Training Kit (beta 3).exe (2007-07-17)
- Changes in Functionality from Windows Server 2003 with SP1 to Windows Server 2008 – Changes in Functionality from Windows Server 2003 with SP1 to Windows Server 2008.doc (2007-07-02)
- Windows Server 2008 Technical Library
Microsoft Typography – Windows 95 font smoother
Font smoothing works by adding intermediate colored pixels to the corners, curves and diagonals of characters in order to make them appear smoother and less jagged than they would otherwise. Now you [while using Windows 95] can make full use of the benefits of this technology, making text easier to read and more pleasant to look at, without having to purchase the Plus! Pack.


Microsoft Typography – Font Properties Editor
Provides access to text entries stored within TrueType and OpenType fonts.
The editor gives type designers access to the following entries:
- designer – the type designer or designers
- designer link – the designer’s Web site or e-mail address
- type foundry – the company responsible for marketing the font
- foundry link – the company’s Web site or e-mail address
- description – background information on the font, the people who created it, advice on its use
- license – the license field should contain in plain language the restrictions placed on the use of this font.
- license link – a link to a licensing FAQ or an e-mail contact for licensing questions
- Vendor ID – a unique four letter code that identifies the font foundry
- Embedding – embedding permissions may be made more restrictive
Microsoft Typography – Web Embedding Fonts Tool (WEFT)
The Web Embedding Fonts Tool (WEFT) lets Web authors create ‘font objects’ that are linked to their Web pages so when viewed through the browser, pages are displayed in the style contained in the font object.
2007-07-26
Microsoft Typography – Internal tools
These tools were designed for use at Microsoft, and are unsupported externally. Microsoft makes no claims and holds no liability regarding the external use of these tools. These tools are copyrighted and redistributionis restricted.
Among them are:
TTFdump – Using TTFDump, you can dump specific tables and data for specific glyphs.
SBIT32 – SBIT32 is a 32-bit console tool that embeds bitmap data into existing TrueType font files.
CacheTT – The NT Console/Windows 95 DOS application CacheTT is a utility to enable the modification of TrueType and TrueType Open files. Modifications include creation/modification of one or more of the tables VDMX, hdmx and LTSH by calculating and caching values obtained from the Rasterizer. The resulting font is a complete and correct font.
FastFont – This program reorders a TrueType file for faster execution. It does this by placing all of the small, frequently used tables at the beginning of the font file, allowing the font to be loaded with fewer page faults.
Windows Sysinternals
The Sysinternals site hosts advanced system utilities and technical information.
Sysinternals Utilities Index
Sysinternals Suite – The entire set of Sysinternals Utilities rolled up into a single download.
I strongly recommend Process Explorer.
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Trials
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Trials
Here you can find various trial editions of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.
Visual Studio 2005 Team Suite 180-Day Trial – En_vs_2005_vsts_180_Trial.img (2006-06-29)
Visual Studio 2005 Team Foundation Server 180-Day Trial – en_vs_2005_tfs_trial.iso (2006-05-18)
Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals Trial – Team Edition for Database Pros Add-on for Team Suite.EXE (2007-01-08)
Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition 90-Day Trial – En_vs_2005_Pro_90_Trial.img (2006-06-29)
Visual Studio 2005 Online Hosted Experience
Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions
TechNet Trial Software Center
Whether you already have the software, or you are downloading the software today, registration provides you with timely access to resources that will help you make the most of your evaluation as you discover, assess, and deploy the software.
Download and evaluate Microsoft products such as Exchange Server 2007, Sharepoint Server 2007, Windows Small Business Server 2007, SQL Server 2005, Windows Server 2003 R2, Forefront Clien Security, Microsoft Operations Manager 2005, and Office Enterprise 2007, among others.
TechNet Pre-Beta Release Registration page
The Beta Central Experience is the new testing and information platform for IT Professionals like you. Register now to receive TechNet Beta Central resources and helpful tools as soon they become available.
2007-07-25
patterns & practices April 2007 DVD
Heres is Microsoft’s patterns & practices DVD image released 2007-07-25.
This DVD contains detailed technical information including printable guides, source code, PowerPoint presentations, and multi-media content. Microsoft patterns & practices are Microsoft’s recommendations for how to design, develop, deploy, and operate architecturally sound applications for the Microsoft application platform.
Content1.cab, Content2.cab, Microsoft patterns and practices April 2007 DVD.msi
Version: Apr-2007
2007-07-23
Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 Standard Edition
Here is Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 Standard Edition.
Visual Studio 2008 delivers on Microsoft’s vision of smart client applications by letting developers quickly create connected applications that deliver the highest quality rich user experiences. This new version lets any size organization create more secure, more manageable, and more reliable applications that take advantage of Windows Vista, 2007 Office System and the Web. By building these new types of applications, organizations will find it easier than ever to capture and analyze information so that they can make effective business decisions.
This beta is intended for early adopters of the Microsoft technology, platform, and tools offerings. We designed this release to let developers try out new technology and product changes, but not to build production systems. This limitation is fully covered in the Microsoft Software License Terms that accompany this beta.
Note: When this release is uninstalled, existing Visual Studio and .NET Framework installations may be affected. See the ReadMe file for more information.
Version: Beta2
Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 Professional Edition
Here is Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2 Professional Edition.
Visual Studio 2008 delivers on Microsoft’s vision of smart client applications by letting developers quickly create connected applications that deliver the highest quality rich user experiences. This new version lets any size organization create more secure, more manageable, and more reliable applications that take advantage of Windows Vista, 2007 Office System and the Web. By building these new types of applications, organizations will find it easier than ever to capture and analyze information so that they can make effective business decisions.
This beta is intended for early adopters of the Microsoft technology, platform, and tools offerings. We designed this release to let developers try out new technology and product changes, but not to build production systems. This limitation is fully covered in the Microsoft Software License Terms that accompany this beta.
Note: When this release is uninstalled, existing Visual Studio and .NET Framework installations may be affected. See the ReadMe file for more information.
Version: Beta2
MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2
Here is MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2.
MSDN Library provides access to essential programming information, including technical reference documentations, white papers, software development kits and code samples necessary to develop web services and applications. This is an updated version of the MSDN Library for Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2.
OrcasBeta2MSDNLibraryX1400348.img
Version: Beta2
2007-07-02
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 June 2007 Community Technology Preview (CTP)
Here is the CTP version of the Microsoft .NET Framework, released 2007-07-02.
Version: JuneCTP
2007-06-26
DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2007)
Here are Microsoft’s DirectX runtimes, released 2007-06-26.
Version number 9.19.1007
DirectX SDK – (June 2007)
Here is Microsoft’s DirectX Software Development Kit released 2007-06-26.
Version number 9.19.1007
2007-06-11
Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 – Enterprise Edition
Here is Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1, released 2007-06-11.
Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 – Enterprise Edition
Version: 1
2007-06-08
MSDN Community Distribution CD June 2007
Here is the MSDN Community Distribution CD Image released 2007-06-08.
Version: 1.00
2007-06-06
Mobile Client Software Factory July 2006 (refresh)
Here is the Microsoft Mobile Client Software Factory released 2007-06-06.
Mobile Client Software Factory July 2006 (refresh).msi
Version: July-2006
2007-05-29
Microsoft Visual J#® 2.0 Redistributable Package – Second Edition (x86)
Here is the Microsoft Visual J# 2.0 Redistributable Package released 2007-05-29.
Version: 2.0-Se
2007-05-24
.NET Compact Framework 3.5 Beta1 Redistributable
Here is the Microsoft® .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Beta1 released 2007-05-24.
Version: 3.5
2007-05-23
Enterprise Library 3.1 – May 2007
Here is Microsoft’s patterns & practices Enterprise Library released 2007-05-23.
Enterprise Library May 2007.msi
Version: 3.1
2007-05-17
MSDN Library (April 2007 Edition) – Includes Visual® Studio 2005 Service Pack 1 documentation.
Here is The MSDN® Library released 2007-05-17.
MSDVENUCD1_X13-63639.img MSDVENUCD2_X13-63640.img MSDVENUCD3_X13-63641.img MSDVENUCD4_X13-63642.img
Version: 1
2007-05-09
Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar
Here is the Microsoft Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar, released 2007-05-09.
Version: 1.00.2188.0
The Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar provides several features for exploring and understanding Web pages. These features enable you to:
- Explore and modify the document object model (DOM) of a Web page.
- Locate and select specific elements on a Web page through a variety of techniques.
- Selectively disable Internet Explorer settings.
- View HTML object class names, ID’s, and details such as link paths, tab index values, and access keys.
- Outline tables, table cells, images, or selected tags.
- Validate HTML, CSS, WAI, and RSS web feed links.
- Display image dimensions, file sizes, path information, and alternate (ALT) text.
- Immediately resize the browser window to a new resolution.
- Selectively clear the browser cache and saved cookies. Choose from all objects or those associated with a given domain.
- Display a fully featured design ruler to help accurately align and measure objects on your pages.
- Find the style rules used to set specific style values on an element.
- View the formatted and syntax colored source of HTML and CSS.
2007-05-01
Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” Beta 1 (Team Suite – self-extracting)
Here is Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” (Team Suite) released 2007-05-01.
Version: 1.0
2007-04-30
Microsoft Remote Tools Framework 1.00
Here is the Microsoft Remote Tools Framework released 2007-04-30.
Version: 1.00
2007-04-27
2007-04-26
Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” Beta 1 (Professional Edition – self-extracting install)
Here is Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name “Orcas” (Professional Edition) released 2007-04-26.
Version: -
2007-04-25
Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows Server code name “Longhorn” and .NET Framework 3.5
Here is the Windows SDK for Windows Server code name “Longhorn” released 2007-04-25.
6.0.6001.16500.72.WindowsSDK_LonghornServer_idw.WindowsSDK.DVD.Release.img
Version: 6.0A or 6.0.6001.16500.72
2007-03-23
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Public Beta
Here you can find Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Public Beta, released 2007-03-23.
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, the next evolution of Live Communications Server, delivers streamlined communications for your users so they can find and communicate with the right person, right now, from the applications they use most.
CommunicatorEval.msi, OCS_EE_EVAL.msi, OCS_SE_EVAL.msi
Version: 1.0
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Web Site
Documentation for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 (Public Beta)
2007-03-22
Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit Update for Windows Vista™
Here is the Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows Vista released 2007-03-22.
6.1.6000.16384.10.WindowsSDK_Vista_Feb2007Update_rtm.DVD.Rel.iso
Version: 6.0 or 6.1.6000.16384.10
Of particular interest to myself is the fact that this SDK contains the DirectShow “BaseClasses” sample/code/library. ffdshow and Media Player Classic both use Baseclasses’ resulting library, strmbase.lib.
2006-12-19
Exchange Server 2007 – Evaluation Software
Here you can find a trial version of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, released 2006-12-09.
2006-05-03
Consolas Font Pack for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005
Here is the Microsoft Consolas Font Family (Optimized for Microsoft ClearType), released 2006-05-03.
Version: 1.0
2004-06-14
Microsoft AppLocale Utility
Here is the Microsoft AppLocale tool released 2004-06-14.
Run legacy applications without changing language of non-Unicode applications (system locale).
Version: 1.0