MS Office

[thescruff]

You can do an evening course for cad or should be able too.

[root]

I will look into it

[RichieP]

You could sign up as a Microsoft Solution Provider

You have to do an easy test that is alll about marketing, not technical, and for £200 you are entitled to loads of software.

I've downloaded and installed Office Professional 2010, Small Business Server 2008, Windows Home Server and Windows 7 professional, all worth about £700 full retail price.

[BillyGoat]

Actionpack requires renewal each year to allow continual use of the software - once you cease the subscription, the licence should cease to be used.

Just to add to that:

What is the return and cancellation policy?
There are no refunds after you have accessed the Action Pack software download site or opened physical media. If you cancel your subscription, the software licences are no longer valid and you must uninstall all copies of the software. Contact the Regional Service Centre nearest you if you have questions. You will need to provide your name, company name, mailing address and Action Pack order confirmation number.

BG

[RichieP]

£200 per year isn't a lot though is it? You get all the new stuff that gets released each year. New server software, Windows 8 etc all coming out soon.

[BillyGoat]

I'm not doubting that, I was just pointing out it's not a solution for everyone. In fact, it's not a solution to individuals really - it's aimed at SMBs and has criteria that are meant to be met before signing up.

I suspect you're account would be terminated sans refund, should you be found to be embelishing the truth to get 'cheap' software. Would end up being quite an expensive error.

Not my problem though - just saying :)