Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Academic Edition

Question

I have a copy of ms Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 through my university MSDN program. Can I use it to create commercial programs?

Answer 1

This is from the DreamSpark faq (which is probably the program you got it through):

Q: Are there any limitations on the way I use the Microsoft tools I get through DreamSpark?

A: You must use the tools and software you download from DreamSpark in pursuit of increasing your education, skills, and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or design.

From a MSDN blog:

DreamSpark is a direct-to-student online software download mechanism for technology students to obtain the latest in professional-level software from Microsoft onto their personal computers for non-commercial use in learning and research.

So, not allowed.

See this thread - for the single exception:

DreamSpark has partnered with Windows Marketplace for Mobile, giving students who are verified on DreamSpark access to the Marketplace and waiving the $99 fee. Students can then use the products they download from DreamSpark to create Windows Mobile applications and sell them for profit ONLY on the Marketplace for Mobile, and ONLY under these circumstances. They are not licensed to sell any other software they build, or use the software downloaded, from DreamSpark in any other commercial use.

The express editions are not encumbered this way - you can use the pro tools from DreamSpark to study and learn and the express editions to create commercial products from what you have learned. The express editions however are very limited in comparison, so this is a way for MS to get you hooked ;)

Answer 2

If it turns out you can't for some reason, you could try using the Visual Studio 2010 Express editions. Given it's a university subscription, I'd be surprised if you were able to use it for commercial use (perhaps check with the university?).

I understand from this thread that the consensus is that you can build commercial solutions with the Express editions. Edit: Looks like according to the FAQ, you can use the Express editions for commercial use, so maybe that might be a decent compromise?

Answer 3

Look in the License.txt file, stored in the Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 - XXX subdirectory of the install directory. Section 3.

It used to be spelled out plainly in previous editions but the license text has changed significantly in the VS2010 Ultimate RTM edition. Not to mention it has been formatted in an impossible-to-read way. I cannot tell anymore if I'm entitled to use it for my own products, and I've got the retail edition. Good luck.

Answer 4

Develop in the MSDN version, compile in the Express edition or via the command line compiler. Shouldn't be a problem....